Jobs for social service workers, or social workers, are growing faster than ever. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that this industry will grow faster than average, or 25 percent in the next decade. Although these jobs don't pay extremely well, they can be very rewarding.
According to the BLS, there are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.
They act as guides, advocates, or friends to their clients and support individuals, families, and groups within the community.
Social workers work with a variety of people, both young and old, including youth offenders, the elderly, people with learning and physical disabilities, at risk youth, people with mental health issues, and drug and alcohol abusers.
Often these workers collaborate in teams to provide the most effective care and support. Government legislation focusing on the integration of health and social work services means that social workers often work in multidisciplinary groups.
A typical day includes meeting with a client either at their home or in a facility. They conduct extensive interviews, asking relevant questions pertaining to the client's case. The social worker assesses and reviews their situation, offers suggestions, and provides counseling.
Then the social worker liaises with and makes referrals to other agencies. Often a client will work with multiple agencies for support.
In addition the social worker will need to consult with doctors, therapists and medical professionals. They will instruct other health care professionals as to the nature of their clients' social or psychological challenges will help them in their treatments as well.
The social worker must keep meticulous, accurate records for each case they work on. In case they need to prepare reports for updates or legal action, these reports come in handy.
These workers thrive in a variety of workplaces, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and other facilities. Typically it takes a bachelor's degree or more to acquire a social worker jobs.
