What is Social Work?

Social work is a profession concerned with relationships between people and their environments that affect the ability of individuals and groups to accomplish life tasks, realize aspirations and values, and alleviate distress.

More simply stated, social work is a helping profession. Professional social workers help individuals, families, groups, and communities restore and enhance their capacity for social functioning. They strive to create conditions that enhance existing social support. Whether problems come alone or in clusters, social workers help people who are simply overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Historically, social work has been a career for individuals who are concerned for the poor, disadvantaged, and those too young or too old to look after themselves. However, as the profession has developed, social workers have rapidly become recognized as expert providers of clinical services in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, family therapy, employee assistance programs, sexual dysfunction, and career and vocational counseling. In addition, social workers have expertise in management, community development and fundraising.

As society faces new challenges, the need for social work professionals is constantly growing. As a result, social workers will continue to be at the forefront of social change.