What are the Types of Social Service Jobs?

There are a wide variety of jobs in social service. From healthcare to government positions, social service jobs provide vital resources to people in need. Some work with children while others may work with the elderly. Many people in our communities rely on the services these trained professionals provide.

Medical and Public Health- Social service workers in the medical and public health field assist patients who are ill and provide support for their families. They may help patients who have been diagnosed with AIDS or a terminal illness, come to grips with their future. Arranging care for patients recently discharged from the hospital and helping seniors get vital services, like transportation are other duties or medical and public health social workers. These workers may be employed by hospitals, government agencies or nursing homes.

Child, Family and School- Child, family and school social workers assist children and families by assessing their needs and providing guidance and resources necessary to improve their lives. They may be employed in schools, government buildings or private facilities. Common titles for these social services workers are child protective services workers or family services social workers. Social services workers in this field are dedicated to providing assistance to family units. They may help single parents: locate daycare, assist a family with adopting a child or placing a foster child with a family. Providing resources for homeless families, victims of domestic violence or pregnant teens are other important duties of child, family and school social workers. Helping displaced workers find employment is another duty of these social service workers.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health- Substance abuse and mental health social workers work with members of society who are struggling with alcohol, illegal or prescription drug abuse. They also provide assistance to people coping with mental illnesses, such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar. Substance abuse and mental health social workers may provide counseling individually or in groups to patients. They also teach patients life skills if necessary.