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 To be a social worker is a truly admirable choice that many people make. These workers play a very important role in the health of America's social system. Unfortunately, these professionals are also notoriously underpaid and that hurts both the perception of this community and their clients.
Social Work Values
Perhaps the best way to gain a better appreciation for the value that social workers bring is to take a look at the Code of Ethics for Social Workers published by the National Association of Social Workers:
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history, are the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective:
- Service
- Social Justice
- Dignity and Worth of the Person
- Importance of Human Relationships
- Integrity
- Competence.
Social Work Careers
Social workers play a critical role in helping out those in need. There are lots of different types of social work job, but generally they fall into one of the following seven categories:
- Child Welfare - ensuring the proper raising and protection of children.
- Family Services - providing families with a variety of help ranging from budgeting to finding employment.
- Mental Health - providing help to those with emotional or mental problems.
- Education - helping students with behavioral problems, attendance issues and pregnancies.
- Criminal Justice - services that are provided to inmates and their families.
- Gerontology - helping families and other caregivers of elderly parents.
- Private Practice - social workers that have set up their own private practice that may specialize in one or more of the above areas.
Licensing of Social Workers
If you'd like to become a social worker, then you need to do a little research into professional licensing. Unfortunately, the rules are not standardized across the country so you will need to figure out what is required in the state in which you plan to practice.
The responsibility for social work licensing rests with governing bodies at the state level. State laws will determine the process for granting licenses, the required recordkeeping, and the handling of complaints. To make things even more confusing, some states even have multiple levels of social worker licensing.
To find out the specifics of the state you are planning to practice in, you will need to contact your state's licensing board. Prior to and after requesting material from your state board, you should begin to put together your approach to meeting that state's requirements. For example:
- Do you need to be licensed in the area in which you intend to practice?
- Are there an examination and/or educational requirement for social workers?
- What proof or background materials will I need to submit to the state agency?
If you are thinking about eventually looking for a social work job, it never hurts to plan ahead. And for social workers that simply means figuring out the rules where you intend to practice this profession.
Online Social Work Jobs
If you're already a social worker and you're looking for a job or you're thinking about entering the social work field, here are two excellent online resources to help you find a social work job:
- Social Work and Social Services Jobs Online - maintained by the George Warren Brown School of Social Work Search, the SWSSJO database provides job listings by location or by keyword.
- NASW Clinical Register Search - provided by the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers, this online database of social work jobs is compiled and published by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Who Needs Social Workers?
The answer to this question is really quite simple - we all do. There is probably not a community in America that does not value the help of a social worker. Their help is needed to deal with the stress that everyday living throws our way and their help is needed in times of emergencies.
The American Red Cross also depends on licensed social workers when dealing with national emergencies such as hurricanes and flooding. If you are thinking about entering the profession - good for you! If you are already a member of this special group - we wish you well in celebrating Social Workers Month each March.
About the Author - Social Work
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