Skip to main content
4 answers
4
Asked 1455 views

What do you do as a social worker?

I'm thinking about going into social work and I want to know what exactly it entails. #social-work

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

4

4 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Professor SIR Lloyd’s Answer

My foundation in Human Service and Customer Relations, coupled with my comprehensive Community Development, Social Public Health Service Advocacy and Science Academic background would enable me to make a valuable contribution to the desired position serving individuals and families in the tri state area.


I graduated with an Associates of Arts in Applied Science and Bachelor of Health Science and a Honorary Masters Of Public Health degree.


Experienced Executive Level Management with excellent client and exceptional people skills coupled with project management skills. Action-oriented with strong ability to communicate effectively with technology, executive, and business audiences.
I made it a point to gain work experience while in school, thus demonstrating a solid work ethic and no fear of rolling up my sleeves and getting the job done. My academic courses have required me to possess a vast knowledge of pure community public health training. I am also adept at business troubleshooting, problem solving- identifying and analyzing marketing- and management-related issues in addition, developing innovative solutions.
Thus my entry level career choice with, Maryland State / D.C. Government within a 20 yr tenure time of service. Continually, also enhancing my growth and development with years of Training. I possess a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the community and residents in which we serve. I maintain knowledge of how people learn, interact, and sustain in everyday living within the inner city and urban communities thru out the Delaware, D.C. Maryland, Virginia region ; from the Western Mountains of Pennsylvania to the Carolina's Southern Eastern Shores and my travels worldwide through extensive research and interest.


Moreover, quality service has been a basic function of my everyday life. Virtually all my experienced history has required me to exercise clear, concise communication skills and to promote customer consumer satisfaction. With these skills, I am a confident perfect human social services program administrator.
within my boundaries of program compliance, emergency services, home studies and investigations, family support services - case management, crisis intervention response and life skills development.


BACKGROUND SYNOPSIS AND SKILL SUMMARY


I am an energetic, motivated, assertive and fundamentally solid planning and development business professional.
I am an individua lwho is able to direct large programs and instill success under adverse conditions. My technical skills include:


analysis of adeveloped detailed budgetary and financial assessment plan and loan portfolio; financial forecasting and monitoring;


detailed contract negotiations; project management; regulatory compliance; business planning; personnel management;


program implementation; information systems oversight; commercial business development; and social program development, delivery and compliance.


I am an effective writer and presenter, consistently conveying the key components to the strategic plan, an efficient troubleshooter, quick to alter detrimental operations and mobilize results. I am fully capable of turning potential into profit through a tenacious work ethic and keen eye for what works.


PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITY SUMMARY


ÿ Directing and Measuring physical and social development, program management, supplier, employment, and education strategies


ÿ Facilitating Employee Relations to build organization synergy while increasing staff productivity levels


ÿ Utilizing Process Consultation to coach mid-level executive managers on specific development and management goals


ÿ Participating in National Communities to build recognition of development and management strategies in other markets


ÿ Utilizing HRIS to create diagnostics to assess employee satisfaction


ÿ Conducting Bench-Mark Studies of competitors to provide first-to-market advantages on human capital management and organization effectiveness practices


ÿ Deploying Employee Staffing Programs including recruitment, retention, on boarding, mentoring, talent identification,and succession planning


Professional Summary


Innovative executive professional experienced in human capital non profit organization program operations. Desires a high-level position in a professional health human services environment. Visionary Operations Executive with solid experience managing all levels of multiple projects including grant research / development and administration.
Ambitious Executive leadership qualities who creates strategic alliances with organization leaders to effectively align with and support key business initiatives. Builds and retains high performance teams by hiring, developing and motivating skilled professionals.
I am offering outstanding presentation, communication and cross-cultural team management skills. High-energy, results-oriented leader with an entrepreneurial attitude.
Personally driven, committed to cost-effective management of resources and quality performance and establish strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships and relationships with users, vendors and service providers.


Core Qualifications


Emergency Management Operations
Emergency management Services Operations

Client-focused
Program management
Reports generation and analysis
Training and development
Contract negotiation
Results-oriented
Certified Emergency Housing Counseling
Child abuse and criminal history clearance
FEMA CERT Trainer
TANF experience
Parent-child conflict specialist
Suicidal ideation identification
Family and children's programs knowledge
Immigration laws knowledge
Alternative Discipline Techniques
Child welfare advocate
Mental health systems
Exemplary people management skills
Natural leader
RED CROSS – Psychological First Aid Trainer
Analytical thinker
Behavior management
Chemical dependency expert
Experience with at-risk youth
HIPAA guidelines
Regulatory advanced directives knowledge
Crisis Prevention and Intervention training (CPI)


CLINICAL / PROFESSIONAL


Ascertaining a responsible challenging position. Fully utilizing my ability in the Public Health/Social Science field. Functional on many levels with training and offering opportunity for professional growth. An assertive and fundamentally solid business leader, able to direct and instill success under adverse conditions. Capable of turning potential into profit through a tenacious work ethic and keen eye for what works by way of marketing and analyzing.


THE HELPERS ORG. 501c3 OF HAMPTON RDS.
Norfolk, VA
Inter Governmental Relations Human Services Board Chair.
SR. PROGRAM ANALYST / CLINICAL CASE MANGEMENT PROGRAM ( CONTRACTUAL)
2012 – Present / NON-DISCLOSURE CONTRACT


Youth Services Enterprise
Liberty House DJS Shelter Care Residential facility Program
Maryland Dept. Of Juvenile Services Contract Agency
Unit Program Manager Contractual (Consultant)
Juvenile 24 Hr. Community Detention Housing Program
2011 – 2013 / 38K


Maryland State Government
Dept. of Human Resources
FEMA Emergency Operations
Emergency Services Crisis Intervention Response
2006 - Present / additional Md. / D.C. volunteer duties


Maryland State Government
Baltimore City Dept. of Social Services
Adult, Children and Family Services
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III
Family Support Specialist Lead
Emergency Behavioral Crisis Intervention Response
Clinical Case Management
2005 – 2013 / 36K


Maryland State Government
Baltimore City Mayors Office Dept. of Community Development Initiatives
Sandtown/ Winchester Project
Community Building in Partnership Inc.
Community Housing Development Outreach / Advocacy Family Support Program
Md. State Government Program Compliance Specialist Management
2000 – 2005 / 30K


CLINICAL AREAS OF EXPERTISE & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES


As the Inter Governmental Relations Human Services Grant Board Chair. and Sr. Program Analyst


I report directly to the Board Of Directors on a monthly basis. I prepare a Monthly Organizational Analysis Board Report.


I am involved in the work that may be considered as performing the line work of the immediate organizational component. However, since the results of the work (i. e., the staffing
standards) support accomplishment of the over all programs and mission of the organization.


I analyze and advise on the effectiveness and efficiency with which the organization and their components carry out their assigned programs and functions. My primary purpose is to provide line managers with objectively based information for making decisions on the administrative and programmatic aspects of the organizations operations and management.




  • analyzing and evaluating (on a quantitative or qualitative basis) the effectiveness of line program operations in meeting established goals and objectives; developing life cycle cost analyses of projects or performing cost benefit or economic evaluations of current or projected programs;- advising on the distribution of work among positions and organizations and the appropriate staffing levels and skills mix;




  • advising on the potential benefits/uses of automation to improve the efficiency of administrative support or program operations;




  • evaluating and advising on the organization, methods, and procedures for providing administrative support systems such as records, communications, directives, forms, files, and documentation; - researching and investigating new or improved business and management practices for application to programs or operations;




  • analyzing management information requirements to develop program or administrative reporting systems including the systems specifications, data gathering and analytical techniques, and systems evaluation methods- analyzing new or proposed governmental legislation or regulations to determine impact on program operations and management;




  • developing new or modified administrative program policies, regulations, goals, or objectives;




  • identifying data required for use in the management and direction of programs;




  • developing data required for use in the management and direction of programs;




  • developing management and/or program evaluation plans, procedures, and methodology;




  • conducting studies of employee/organizational efficiency and productivity and recommending changes or improvements in organization, staffing, work methods, and procedures;




  • developing procedures and systems for establishing,operating, and assessing the effectiveness of administrative control systems such as those designed to prevent waste, loss, unauthorized use, or misappropriation of assets;




  • performing management surveys to determine compliance with agency regulations, procedures, sound management practices, and effective utilization of staff;




  • developing workload based staffing standards to determine organizational manning
    levels;




  • analyzing and evaluating organizations program functions and activities being considered for conversion to contract operations;




  • identifying resources (staff, funding, equipment, of facilities) required to support varied levels of program operations;




  • reviewing administrative audit and investigative reports to determine appropriate changes or corrective action required;




  • analyzing and evaluating proposed changes in mission, operating procedures and delegations of authority.Supervised professional and technical staff in implementing social health human welfare programs, objectives, and goals.




Directed all protective placement, case management, parent education and family reunification activities. Effectively managed work in a diverse work environment serving a multi-cultural community, worked collaboratively with judicial officers, attorneys, court case managers, and other probation officers. Conduct formal investigations, assist in identifying or creating options for resolution, including referrals to formal channels with investigatory powers. Receives and investigate complaints and concerns regarding in the instance of imminent threat of serious harm, danger or general welfare to the public.


Provides informal assistance in surfacing and resolving issues.
Led social worker field training's each month. Prepared and distributed health education materials, including reports, bulletins, and visual aids such as films, videotapes, photographs, and posters. Prepared charts, tables, figures, and graphics for reports and presentations. Presented research findings to groups of people. Participated in all MDFT certification and re-certification trainings and related activities to ensure fidelity to the models. Participation in case reviews related to the client compliance and progress in treatment activities, planned follow-up and aftercare programs for clients to be discharged from treatment programs.


Interviewed clients individually and with families. Completed intake assessments to compile detailed social and psychiatric information for determination of what services would best address their needs. Advised treatment team on community resources, made referrals and devised realistic treatment plans and drafted community re-entry plans following treatment. Assessed families and delivered comprehensive case management services. Arranged for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing
rehabilitation plans .Utilized compiled socio-psychiatric case histories data to facilitate accurate diagnoses. Reduced the unnecessary risk of institutional care by treating high-risk clients living in the community.


Developed treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Analyzed information from interviews, educational, and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.
Arranged for medical, mental health, or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs or court orders . Assessed family problems and worked with clients to develop coping skills for those problems. Asked questions that helped clients identify their feelings and behaviors. Acted as a role model in maintaining a hopeful and positive attitude in problem-solving and coping skills with the disabilities associated with. Assisted in defining the roles and the members of the household, creating an environment of personal responsibility for their words and behavior. Assessed patients for risk of attempted escape, awol and suicide attempts. Conferred with clients to discuss their options and goals.


Counseled clients and patients to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, childcare, or medical care. Communicated with family members relatives about diagnoses and treatment programs.


Guided youth through the emancipation planning process and or reentry / reunification.
Communicated with public social and welfare agencies to obtain and provide information. Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions per week. Wrote petitions, court reports, case plans and other legal documents. Conducted mental health assessments for children, adolescents and adults receiving child welfare and prevention services.


Practiced cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy. Consulted with other professionals regarding the treatment of specific clients. Educated residents and their families regarding other community resources. Developed workable solutions for recurring problems for individuals and families. Counseled and prepared residents for their transition back into the community. Managed and Maintained active caseload, acted as an advocate for client
rights. Working under strict Federal State Local guidelines. Collaborated with health specialists and civic groups to determine community health needs and the availability of services and to develop goals for meeting needs.Collaborated with probation officers, school representatives and other key individuals in the community to support at risk juvenile adolescents behavior and their families. Attended and participated in community meetings and groups.


Collected and analyzed data. Designed and conducted evaluations and diagnostic studies to assess the quality and performance of social health human services education programs. Developed and implemented research quality control procedures. Developed and maintained good relationships with
agency and criminal justice staff. Developed coding systems and manuals to translate observations into quantifiable data.


Developed operational plans and policies necessary to achieve health education objectives and services. Maintained a problem-solving, solution-oriented attitude in all aspects of work. Planned public outreach workshops to improve outreach strategy. Provided program information to the public by preparing and presenting press releases, conducting media campaigns, or information for the program-related web sites. Utilized theoretical approaches to treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Understood and adhered to the laws governing child abuse reporting.


I am the eyes and the ears of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES, THE
CONSTITUENTS WE SERVE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC WE INTERACT WITH.


RESEARCH EXPERIENCE


Organizational change in health and social services; Factors that promote and hinder organizational innovation; the role of social networks and culture in organizational change; Implementation of research findings and evidence-based practice; Social movements and the politics of inner
city urban community development and social health policy.


Professional Consultant
Johns Hopkins University
Bloomberg School of Public Health


Community Mentor
University of Michigan
School of Public Health
W.K. Kellogg Post Doctorial Fellows Community Health Scholars Program


Professional Consultant
Morgan State University
School of Public Health


Community Mentor
Morgan State University
School of Social Work


TEACHING EXPERIENCE


Human Behavior, Direct Practice with young adult, single teen mothers and Families, Social Work in Health Care, Social Welfare Policy and Policy Analysis, Organizational Theory and Practice, Social Work with Latino Immigrants, Diversity in Aging, Death and Dying, Cross Cultural Awareness, Qualitative Methods.


Instructor
Science, Health, Social Studies
Norfolk Public School System
Long Term Substitute Contractual Teacher
Grades 6th – 12th


Instructor
Emergency Management
Federal Government / Dept. Of Homeland Security
FEMA – CERT ( Certified Community Emergency Response Training )
Washington Saturday College at Howard University, Salisbury State University,
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Norfolk State University,
University of Maryland College Park


Instructor
Clinical Life Skills Development Practice with Groups
Housing Authority of Baltimore City - Sandtown/Winchester Family Support Center
Sandtown/ Winchester Community Development Project
Teaching non G.E.D. students life skills, history, and values in a group work practice.


Instructor
Clinical Life Skills Development Practice with Groups
Housing Authority of Baltimore City - Cherry Hill Family Support Center
Our House Program
Teaching non G.E.D. students life skills, history, and values in a group work practice.


Guest Lecturer
Human Diversity
LaGuardia Community College


Guest Lecturer
Ethno-Cultural Issues in Social Work
New York University School of Social Work


Guest Lecturer
Social Work& Public Health Practice In an Urban Community Development Non profit Social Work Program
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health


Guest Lecturer
Diversity & Public Health in an Inner City Environment
Morgan State University School of Social Work


Guest Lecturer
Integrating a Public health Social Work Component using community based participatory research
Morgan State University School of Public Health


PROFESSIONAL LICENSE


Professional management capabilities that utilizes my communication and analytical skills to influence organizational growth and development.


The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc.
Warren, Ohio


Washington, District of Columbia - Licensed Certified Funeral Service Provider


PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS


The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc.
Warren, Ohio


International Ombudsman Association
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.


AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
Community Based Public Health Caucus
W.K. Kellogg Post Doctorial Fellows Community Health Scholars Program


The American Red Cross
Emergency Operations Team Program
Maryland, D.C., Hampton Roads - Virginia


DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEMA
EMEGENCY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE


PUBLICATIONS


Smith, Bone L., and Kromm are with the Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, JohnsHopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stillman F.is with the Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stillman F.is with the Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Yancey, Price are with the Urban Youth Corps, Stanton.L Md. State Govt.
(Community Building in Partnership, Inc)., Baltimore, MD, USA; Belin P. is with the Public Health Program, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA. Buying and Selling “Loosies” in Baltimore: The Informal Exchange of Cigarettes in the Community Context,Summer,2007. PI – Dr. Frances Stillman, PHD, MPH


Panda, M., Staton, L., Chen, I., Kurz, J., Pasanen, M., O'Rorke, J., Menon, M., Genao, I., Jarvis, J., Mechaber,A., Rosenberg, E., Faselis, C., Carey, T., Calleson, D., Cykert, S., Factors That Affect Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Non-Malignant Pain:
The Role of Patient-Physician Disagreement. Pain, Spring, 2004. Diane Calleson, PhD, MA


Stanton LC (Unity Funeral Home); Belin PL (W.K. Kellogg Community Health Scholars) Hunter Y.J. MD.( Johns Hopkins/Sandtown/Winchester Health Advisory Board) November 2003, Integrating a Health Component within the young adult population of Sandtown/Winchester through community-based participatory research. Precilla Belin, PhD, MA


Stanton LC (Unity Funeral Home); Yancey N; CBP Inc. (Urban Youth Corps Program) March 2002 from Life to Death Experience! A spiritual, psycho-socio, Meta physical holistic approach in a 20 year-27 year old customized skill training GED job training program. Creating an understanding of importance of life changing decisions by life skills development project that initiates the tour of two urban inner city funeral homes, one cemetery, and the MD State Anatomical Board with Dr. Bob Wade director and wrap up session that includes an interaction response lunch.


Stanton LC (Unity Funeral Home) Stanton D.M. HABC/HCD; (May 2001) Instituting a Clinical Holistic Health Initiative integrated through a community wide effort within a full community development based transformation project. Along with construction, new infrastructure and development the improvement of a community must be haled with other entities in order to maintain stability and a viable growing community. These entities support the residents in everyday living including: housing development, educational assistance, human service interventions, commercial, and retail development also healthcare; clinical and spiritual but affordable. Delivering access to an entire community with
all health care services.


AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
Community Based Public Health Caucus
W.K. Kellogg Post Doctorial Fellows Community Health Scholars Program


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


2011 – CERTS - CERTIFIED PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TRAINING -
DOHS - FEMA / Emergency Management Institute


2011 – CERTS - CERTIFIED TRAINING -
FEMA - Md. Dept. of Human Resources / Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management


2010 – Md. Dept. of Human Resources Administrative Professionals Development Training Program
Md. State Govt.


2010 - FEMA Disaster Behavioral Health Train the Trainer - Md. Dept. Human Resources


2009 - Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing, Reporting & Responding
Commonwealth of Virginia Dept. Human Services Resources


2009 - FEMA Emergency Management Professional Development Series Training


2008 - AMERICAN RED CROSS
FEMA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER MANAGER CERTFICATION


2007 - S.S.A. CPS Investigations/ Service Cases State Systems Training Certificate
Md. Dept. Human Resources


2006 - FEMA CERTIFIED EMERGENCY OPERATIONS SPECIALIST


2005- SVES State –Wide Systems Training Certificate – Md. Dept. Human Resources


2004 – Teen Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Program Certification -
The Crisis Intervention Institute Incorporated


2003- HUD Certified Housing Community Development Counselor
Maryland Center for Community Development


2003- Ready, Work, and Grow Certificate- Enterprise Foundation- Employment Development Conference at Baltimore City College Business and Continuing Education Center


2002 - Intermediate Counseling Skills Certification - 6 contact hours
Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth- MD State


2001 – Basic State Systems Training Certification – Maryland Dept. of Human Resources


2001- Basic Counseling Skills Certification - 6 contact hours
Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth- MD State


2000 - AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION - PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST


1998- Maryland Occupational Safety and Hazard Training Seminar, Maryland State Funeral Directors and Morticians Association


1996- Certified Domiciliary Care Facility Evans House - Department of Health and Mental Hygiene State of Maryland AWARDS / HONORS


2009 Maryland State Government 2009 FEMA Presidential Inauguration Participation Award – Md. Dept. Human Resources


2006 Health Sciences Project Emergency Crisis Response System in the Inner City - Rochville University


2004 Applied Science Project Emergency Response within Foster Care Agency - Rochville University


2003 Community Initiative Award Letter - Maryland Center for Community Development


2003 Baltimore City Government Award Letter- Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods Baltimore Believe Campaign


2003 Community Recognition of Appreciation of Service C.B.P. Inc
Sandtown/ Winchester Community, Americorp Youth Build Program


2002 Community Recognition of Service H.A.B.C - Harvey Johnson Towers Resident Brown Bag Club.


2000 Economic Development Award
New African American Young Entrepreneur established business in Flint, Michigan Districts


1998 10 Years Community Service Performance Recognition
The Baltimore City Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Maryland


1992 Outstanding Young Men of America Society Award

Thank you comment icon Hi Lloyd! Thanks for sharing your experience and resume. Christian from the CareerVillage.org team here, wanted to ask if you would allow me to edit your answer to remove some content from your resume that may not be pertinent to the original question. Thank you for a fantastic description on what it is you do, would love to help synthesize it a bit for the student volunteers. Comment back with your reply! Can't wait to help make this even more visible to the entire Village. :D Christian Varsava
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sudhakar’s Answer

Hi,


appreciate you to chose this as your profession.


Please follow the steps mentioned below to being a social worker. hope it helps you


Training and Educational Requirements


In order to become a social worker, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is the minimum requirement. However, some individuals with psychology, sociology, and education degrees are able to find entry-level jobs in social work. If you are interested in providing therapy services, then a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required. Are you interested in teaching at the university level or conducting research? Then you will need to earn a doctorate degree in social work (DSW).


There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. A social worker can work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practices.


What does a Social Worker do?


A social worker helps people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers work with many populations, including children, people with disabilities, and people with addictions.


Direct-service social workers typically do the following:
•Identify people who need help
•Assess clients’ needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine their goals
•Develop plans to improve their clients’ well-being
•Help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives, such as illness, divorce, or unemployment
•Research and refer clients to community resources, such as food stamps, child care, and healthcare
•Help clients work with government agencies to apply for and receive benefits such as Medicare
•Respond to crisis situations, such as natural disasters or child abuse
•Advocate for and help clients get resources that would improve their well-being
•Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved
•Evaluate services provided to ensure that they are effective


Clinical social workers typically do the following:


•Diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, including anxiety and depression
•Provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy
•Assess clients’ histories, backgrounds, and situations to understand their needs, as well as their strengths and weaknesses
•Develop a treatment plan with the client, doctors, and other healthcare professionals
•Encourage clients to discuss their emotions and experiences to develop a better understanding of themselves and their relationships
•Help clients adjust to changes in their life, such as a divorce or being laid-off
•Work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations
•Refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health professionals
•Evaluate their clients’ progress and, if necessary, adjust the treatment plan


What is some good advice for social work students?


Students choose this profession based on a belief that with good intentions and a love for helping people, all clients will benefit and flourish from their services. Unfortunately, not all clients want to change, or they are unable to, for a variety of reasons. Some clients will be grateful, some won't progress the way you would have hoped. Every client's life will be touched by you in different ways. It's good to be realistic about what to expect when going into this career.


What is it like being a social worker?


Most people don't understand exactly what this career entails. As a social worker, you'll spend your days advocating for others and helping them wade through difficult situations. There are clients whose stories will be sad, and their words will trigger thoughts and feelings in you. It's important to keep up your own personal therapy (in fact, it's recommended), and to use your supervisor to process the feelings that clients trigger in you. It's good to have the mindset of expecting the unexpected, as something could go wrong on any given day, considering how many people you'll be working with. One of the hardest parts of the job is not dealing with clients, but figuring out how to navigate the system, the culture, dealing with ethical challenges, and learning the best way to work with peers.


What is the workplace of a Social Worker like?


Social workers typically work in the following settings:
•Hospitals and clinics
•Nursing homes
•Community mental health clinics
•Private practices
•State and local governments
•Schools
•Colleges and universities
•Substance abuse clinics
•Military bases and hospitals


Although most social workers work in an office, they may spend a lot of time away from the office visiting clients. School social workers may be assigned to multiple schools and travel around the school district to see students. Understaffing and large case loads may make the work stressful.


What are the most popular social work careers?


There are many areas a social worker can work in, but there are a few areas that are more popular than others: Medical/Public Health, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Child Welfare, and School Social Work.


ALL the Best..!!!

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Yandira’s Answer

Glad to hear you are looking into this as a career choice. Social work is pretty broad, you can do the traditional lines of work-in schools (giving you pretty good benefits), hospitals, nursing homes or any area with direct contact with perople. The focus can be therapeutic depression, ADHD, anxiety, etc. another area is research, grant writing or teaching.
I suggest asking around who is a social worker, what do they do, what they like and most important what they dont like about their job.


Good luck!

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Azee’s Answer

Many social workers work directly with individuals, couples, families or small groups. These social workers help clients cope with problems such as poverty, abuse, addiction, unemployment, educational problems, disability, trauma and mental illness. Social workers provide individual, family and group counseling, case management services connecting clients with resources and service providers, and other services to empower clients to meet their own needs.


Social workers often work within nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and government agencies working toward the common good. These social workers may work directly with individual clients or be involved in program development, program evaluation, and human services management. Many social workers choose to work with communities, organizations or governments to address social problems on a systems level. These workers advocate for vulnerable populations, fighting to end the inequalities and injustices they see in their communities. They engage in legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and community organizing to break down barriers and drive reform.

0