What do social workers do?
In thousands of ways, social workers help people help themselves. People of every age and every background. In every corner of the country, wherever we’re needed.
Social workers are uniquely qualified to help people in their own environment, by looking at all the aspects of their life and cultures. We work to ensure your personal well-being, to prevent crises, to counsel individuals and families, and to help build strong communities.
We make sure people get the help they need, from the best resources available. Social workers help people in every stage of life overcome life’s most difficult challenges, and the troubles of everyday living, including:
Social workers reach every part of the community. They work at mental health clinics, hospitals and hospice care, adoption agencies, nonprofit organizations, and in places you may not expect, including: schools, courts, veterinary clinics, libraries, military service, corporations, senior centers, and prisons.
Wherever and whenever you need help, social workers are there.
Social workers are…
Educated: Professional social workers have committed their lives to making a difference. They have earned bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral social work degrees, and have completed the required number of hours in supervised fieldwork to earn the title “social worker.”
Experienced: Social workers are the only professionals trained to work with people in their environment, looking at all dimensions of the individual’s life. Social workers training occurs in accredited programs, and is reinforced with practice standards, credentials, and state licensing regulations.
Ethical: Social workers blend their education and work experience with a strong code of ethics. Every social worker values these principles, which they turn to daily as they help people face life’s challenges.
The NASW Code of Ethics addresses:
- Service
- Dignity and worth of all people
- Social justice
- Importance of relationships
- Integrity
- Competence
Social workers value…
Service: Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. They help people in need and address social problems. They volunteer some portion of their professional skills in support of others.
Dignity and worth: We value every person and treat them with respect, no matter their differences.
Social Justice: We challenge injustice in the world. Particularly on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups.
Relationships: We understand that having relationships helps. We seek to strengthen relationships among people to promote, restore, maintain, and enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups, organizations, and communities.
Integrity: Every relationship we have is built on trust. Every day we are aware of our core values, and the ethical principles that we abide by.
Competence: We practice within our abilities and strive to develop and gain knowledge and skills that we can apply in practice.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), is the world’s largest organization of social work professionals. Ninety percent of our members hold a master’s degree in social work (MSW). There are NASW chapters in every state in the United States, Washington, DC, New York City, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
NASW works to promote the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Through its advocacy, NASW aims to shape legislation and public policy that:
- Protects and strengthens the social work profession
- Creates and maintains professional standards
- Promotes human rights and well-being for all people
- Strengthens communities and expands options for you and your family
For more information about NASW, visit socialworkers.org.
