Social Workers

Patra Parris
Definition

The social work profession promotes social change, problem-

solving in human relationships and the empowerment and
liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising
theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work
intervenes at the point where people interact with their
environments. Principles of human rights and social justice
are fundamental to social workers.
Background

● Social work has been developing since the late 1800’s

● Originally based on Charity model
● Family & Community usually managed issues
● Recognition of complex social problems
● Moved to more systematic approach
● Formal education & professional associations created
Social work

Bases its methodology on a systematic body of evidence based

knowledge derived from research and practice evaluation.

The social work profession draws on theories of human

development and behaviour and social systems to analyse
complex social systems and to facilitate individual,
organisational, social and cultural change.
Social work education

● Some entry-level positions accept candidates with

bachelor’s in psychology or sociology.
● Undergraduate Social work Education- States
require: (BSW) from a school approved by Council
on Social Work Education.
● Graduate Social WOrk Education- States require:
(MSW) or a relevant doctoral degree before
applying for advanced social work licensure.
● There are also options for pursuing your Masters
of social work online.
What do you learn as a social worker

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS

Child development Communication

Law counseling Facilitation Interpersonal

Social policy Mediation & conflict resolution

Psychology Case management Planning/Organisation/Time

management
Sociology Disability studies
Analysis & assessment

Specific specialist skills

Counseling Social research

What do professional social workers do ?

Social workers do many things. Social work is a complex

activity that often has no absolute solutions. Each case that
you deal with is unique to a given situation in time. It is
often connected to a set of circumstances that you may not
have dealt with previously.

It may require you to increase your knowledge & skills to be

effective in a particular situation.
Who do social workers work for and/or with?

● Vulnerable in some way ( Street children,

Older people)
● Excluded from all society generally offers (
isolated, marginalised, minority people)
● Suffers from Stigma & Discrimination
(HIV/AIDS, sex workers, drug addicts)
● Social workers often work in complex social
political environment/system that placed
people in their situations.
Direct work can involve working with

● Individuals
● Groups
● Organisations
● Families
● Government departments
● Social workers often work on capacity building, advocacy,
community development, training, counseling, lobbying,
research, and policy development
Sources

https://mswonlineprograms.org/job-duties-and-
responsibilities-of-social-workers/

https://www.socialworklicensure.org/types-of-social-
workers/community-social-workers.html

https://www.socialworkguide.org/