Social work is a profession for individuals with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. Social workers assist people by helping them cope with a wide assortment of issues ranging from problems in their everyday lives, to dealing with their relationships, personal, and family problems, disability, health issues, social problems, substance abuse, unemployment, housing, domestic conflicts, and child or spousal abuse. Social workers also play a more administrative role in health and government, championing social justice, conducting research, lobbing for improved social services, designing social systems, and developing policy.
Many professionals are drawn to social work by personal causes, and find their niche specializing in a unique type of practice. An advanced degree in social work can help you find your place as a professional social worker, prepare you for licensure, and open the door to different types of practice.
Child, family and school social workers provide assistance and psychological counseling with the hopes of improving family dynamics, helping children learn, assisting with adoption, supporting the elderly and more. Child, family, and school social workers care passionately about helping the entire family deal with any issues that may arise.
Medical and public health social workers provide support to people, families, and vulnerable populations. They are dedicated to helping clients cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or AIDS. They also advise family caregivers, counsel patients, and help plan for patients’ needs after discharge from hospitals. These social workers they take pride in assisting the recovery process and facilitating understanding during difficult times.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers are committed to helping individuals overcome and treat mental illness or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Such services include individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, and teaching skills needed for everyday living.
Other types of social workers include social work administrators, planners, and policymakers, who develop and implement programs to address issues such as child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, and violence. These workers research and analyze policies, programs, and regulations. They identify social problems and suggest legislative and other solutions. They may help raise funds or write grants to support these programs.
The University of New England’s School of Social Work was created with the goal of educating and training a new generation of passionate and caring social workers. Regardless of what field of social work you plan to focus on, UNEs Master of Social Work online option prepares you with the advanced knowledge and skills you’ll need to make a difference in the lives of people in need.