Some careers are incredibly defined and people understand what they involve, such as doctors or firefighters. However, there are also important roles that are misunderstood, or people lack awareness of, and social work falls into this category.
In today’s society, social work has become increasingly important in tackling the disparities that arise and helping individuals, families, and communities overcome the issues they face.
If this is a career path you want to pursue or are interested in things like online MSW degrees, we delve into the importance of social work in today’s society in the article below.
Issues That Are Addressed Through Social Work
Social workers deal with any type of social injustice or challenge. This could also be family science and family problems, educational issues, unemployment, and generally helping vulnerable individuals. A social worker may have a specialist area and train in a certain field, but issues they can address include:
- Poverty
- Discrimination
- Abuse
- Addiction
- Physical illness
- Divorce
- Loss
- Disability
- Mental illness
A Voice of Advocacy and for Policy Change
Throughout history, social work has been closely linked with advocacy for human rights and social justice. By addressing social issues, social workers can make real change and push for the betterment of communities and beyond.
Helping Change Societal Issues and Ideologies
Social workers aim to change perceptions about issues like homelessness, disability, and mental illness. They see the challenges people go through in their daily lives and thus are often at the forefront of change. This can be done on a personal level through their work with individuals, or via the wider social work network and community.
Providing Personal Support
While tackling wider social issues is a core component of social work, a career in this area allows you to make meaningful change on a personal level. Social workers often give direct one-on-one support to individuals over a prolonged period.
During that time they will watch and support as the person tackles their issues and battles through adversity. This can be incredibly rewarding when positive change is made, but you are also making a real impact on people’s lives.
How You Can Become a Social Worker
If this career path has inspired you and you want to make a change, it should start with relevant qualifications. This could be via online bachelor social work programs or enrolling at a college or educational institute.
The relevant university program and undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). It’s also ideal to consider which area of social work you wish to specialize in (if any) and look at what other complementary qualifications and studying would be beneficial.
Why Social Workers Are Vital
Any type of counseling role is incredibly beneficial for society, but social work can have a wide impact. On a personal level, social workers can give individuals the support they need through difficult times and improve their mental well being.
Not only that, but this career path allows social workers to address common societal issues such as equality, homelessness and family crises, and advocate for wider change with how these issues are tackled.