What are Social Workers and What Do They Do?

Social workers are professionals who work with individuals, families, and groups to help them cope with challenges in their lives. They provide support, resources, and advocacy to help people overcome obstacles and improve their well-being.

Social workers can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and government agencies. They may work with clients who are facing issues such as poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health problems.

Some common tasks that social workers may perform include:

* Assessing clients' needs and developing plans to address those needs
* Providing counseling and therapy to individuals, families, and groups
* Connecting clients with community resources and services, such as housing, food banks, and job training programs
* Advocating for clients' rights and interests
* Collaborating with other professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers, to provide comprehensive support

Social workers may specialize in areas such as child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, or gerontology. They may also work in management or policy-making roles, advocating for changes that will improve the lives of the people they serve.

To become a social worker, one typically needs to earn a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field and complete an internship or practicum. Many social workers also go on to earn master's degrees in social work or a related field. Social workers must also be licensed or certified in the state where they practice.