Within our communities, dozens of unsung heroes work diligently behind the scenes to support families and children, assist the disabled, uplift the marginalized, and ensure that the most vulnerable people are not overlooked or left behind.
In the United States and other developed countries, social workers have a profound impact on communities, but their work goes unnoticed or unrecognized too often.
Today, social work remains one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is expected to grow by seven percent and add 53,800 new jobs between 2022 and 2032.
Empowering individuals and communities through advocacy
At the heart of their mission, social workers serve as catalysts for both systemic change and personal empowerment. They provide guidance for individuals navigating significant challenges and offer support, advocacy, and resources to help them maintain or improve quality of life.
Despite frequent roadblocks, social workers remain unwavering in their commitment to fostering resilience and self-determination.
To better understand the wide-reaching impact of social work, it’s important to first understand the various areas of specialty within the field and how they differ (and overlap).
Social workers are integral to schools
Our public K-12 education system supports the development of millions of children and young people ranging from age five to eighteen. Although teachers are often the most visible members of this system, school administrators and staff also serve crucial roles in keeping children safe, healthy, and engaged at school.
School social workers provide essential services, bringing their unique skills to bear on the student services team. As trained mental health professionals, school social workers are equipped to assist with a wide variety of behavioral and mental health concerns, a function that has become even more critical during an ongoing youth mental health crisis.
Social workers support children and families
Families form the bedrock of society, and social workers play a pivotal role in protecting this foundation. They offer support in cases of abuse or domestic violence, including mediation, counseling, and rehabilitative services to mend fractured relationships and ensure the well-being of all family members, especially children.
Child welfare social workers serve some of the most vulnerable children and youths. These workers specialize in building on existing family strengths and helping families provide a safe, nurturing environment. Of course, when families are unable to do this, social workers intervene on behalf of children, connecting them with a variety of services.
Social workers support people with developmental disabilities
Parents of children with developmental disabilities like autism, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy can reach out to a social worker for help with understanding their legal rights and getting connected with local and state resources. These workers help parents become capable advocates for their children and help secure crucial services that enable developmentally disabled children to be as independent as possible.
“In my twenties, if you had asked me what a social worker did, I probably would have shrugged. I had never needed a social worker and had only a vague notion of what they did. Fast forward 20 years, and social workers are a crucial part of my life as a parent of children with disabilities.” Alethea Mshar
Social workers support those navigating the healthcare system
Medical social workers help patients and their families traverse an often complex and confusing healthcare system. This includes providing them with easy-to understand information about available resources and assistance with emotional, financial, and social needs that frequently arise following a diagnosis.
Ultimately, medical social workers advocate for patients navigating a healthcare system that does not always put people and their sustained health as the priority.
Social workers assist people struggling with mental and substance use disorders
Sadly, mental health challenges and substance abuse (addiction) remain major ongoing challenges for people living in the U.S.
According to U.S. News and World Report, two-thirds of people surveyed in 2023 said either they or a family member had been addicted to alcohol or drugs, been homeless because of an addiction, or had overdosed or died from drug use. In addition, 19% said they themselves had been addicted to drugs or alcohol, had experienced a drug overdose, or had been homeless because of an addiction.
Thankfully, many social workers have chosen to specialize in mental health and addiction issues, offering much needed support to a growing population of people that struggle with these tough issues.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 114,680 mental health and substance abuse social workers employed in the U.S. as of May 2023.
Social workers advocate for policy change and social justice
At the forefront of social work lies a steadfast commitment to social justice and human rights. Social workers are capable and vocal advocates for people living on the margins of society, amplifying their voices and championing their causes.
Whether it’s fighting against discrimination, advocating for equitable access to healthcare and education, or challenging systemic injustice, social workers serve as agents of change, striving to create a more just world for the underprivileged.
For example, the Family Caregiver Model was put into place in 2010 “where an individual who is receiving full support for their living can remain with a family member as an adult, and the family member can be involved in a way that they get compensated for the care they are providing to their brother or sister or child,” explained Mindy Van Kalsbeek in a recent Applied podcast episode. “That’s a big change from some previous models where, when someone aged out of the system, they had to go live somewhere else if they wanted to receive waiver services. This is a way where parents, sisters, and brothers can still be involved with their family member and receive financial support.”
Enduring dedication and strength
In a world still grappling with widespread inequality and injustice, social workers embody empathy and compassion, standing up for those who often cannot stand up for themselves.
Their dedication empowers individuals, strengthens families, and builds stronger, more resilient communities.
Interested in the field of social work?
Continuing education remains the best way to build the advanced skills and knowledge to pursue a career in social work. CSU has both in-person and hybrid options for those interested in obtaining a social work degree.
For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree, the Master of Social Work program (M.S.W.) offers an advanced generalist approach, which helps train social workers to take on a variety of fields.
