What Is Social Work?

Social work is a profession that helps people improve their well-being. It helps people develop skills and use their own resources and those of the community to solve problems.

What Is a Social Worker?

Social workers are mental health providers. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. They support people in need, including those dealing with:

• abuse
• addiction
• disability
• discrimination
• divorce
• educational problems
• homelessness
• grief and loss
• mental illness
• neglect
• physical illness
• poverty

Why Would Someone Need One?

A social worker can provide:

• support or counseling for a new medical diagnosis or a hospitalization
• help for parents and caregivers communicating with their child’s medical team
• connections to resources such as transportation, language services, therapy services, and disease-specific support
• financial counseling
• crisis intervention
• information on government programs such as WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security
• help communicating with schools or employers
• support for someone who feels unsafe
• help finding a medical equipment or home health agency
• help with housing concerns and food insecurity
• help during a mental health crisis
• compassionate care during end of life
• information about children’s and families’ health care rights and responsibilities

What Is Their Training?

Social workers have college and advanced degrees in the field of social work, which includes:

• 4 years at a college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree
• a master’s (MSW) or doctorate (DSW) degree, or a PhD in social work, depending on the position

Good to Know

The different types of social workers include:

• Substance abuse social workers: They work in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to help people who are struggling with addiction, substance abuse, or mental health problems.
• Community social workers: They plan, coordinate, and organize efforts to help specific local populations and work with community-based nonprofit organizations.
• Hospice and palliative care social workers: They help those in need during a family member’s serious illness or the time leading up to death.
• Military and veterans social workers: They help soldiers work through their feelings and adjust to life and family outside of war zones.
• Child, family, and school social workers: They help kids who have been abused and can help the parents of a child who is suffering from a mental illness.
• Psychiatric social workers: They offer therapy, check the mental health of their patients, and work with the patient’s family. They can help people find support groups and understand what treatment is available.
• Health care social workers: They provide help with emotional, physical, and financial hardships that can come with serious medical conditions.