Types of Social Work
Social workers are found in every facet of community life, including schools,
hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices,
prisons, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies.
Some social workers help clients who face a disability or a life-threatening
disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or
substance abuse. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic
conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse.
Some social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services, engage
in systems design or are involved in planning or policy development. Many social
workers specialize in serving a particular population or working in a specific
setting.
Administration and Management
Social work administrators are proactive leaders in public and private
agencies that provide services to clients. Many elements of this area
of social work practice are common to administration in other
organizations. However, administration and management also
require knowledge about social policy and the delivery of social
services, vision for future planning, an understanding of human
behavior, and commitment to social work ethics and values.
Advocacy & Community
Organizing
Aging
, Social workers link older adults with services that help them live independently and with
dignity, thereby maximizing their quality of life and participation in society. Social work with
older adults focuses on the physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects of daily
living.
Child Welfare
Child welfare social workers serve some of the most vulnerable children, youths,
and families. Social workers specialize in building on the strengths of families
and helping them to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and
youths.
However, when families are unable to do this, social workers must intervene to protect
the children from harm. Child welfare social workers ensure that children and youths
who have experienced abuse or neglect are supported through a range of services.
Developmental Disabilities
Social workers also help parents of children with developmental disabilities
understand their legal rights. They help parents learn to be advocates and find
special services that enable their children to be as independent as possible.
Health Care
International Social Work
The functions of social work in international development are diverse. They
include direct services in communities, refugee camps, orphanages, hospitals,
and schools, as well as supporting the efforts of national governments,
Social workers are found in every facet of community life, including schools,
hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices,
prisons, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies.
Some social workers help clients who face a disability or a life-threatening
disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or
substance abuse. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic
conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse.
Some social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services, engage
in systems design or are involved in planning or policy development. Many social
workers specialize in serving a particular population or working in a specific
setting.
Administration and Management
Social work administrators are proactive leaders in public and private
agencies that provide services to clients. Many elements of this area
of social work practice are common to administration in other
organizations. However, administration and management also
require knowledge about social policy and the delivery of social
services, vision for future planning, an understanding of human
behavior, and commitment to social work ethics and values.
Advocacy & Community
Organizing
Aging
, Social workers link older adults with services that help them live independently and with
dignity, thereby maximizing their quality of life and participation in society. Social work with
older adults focuses on the physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects of daily
living.
Child Welfare
Child welfare social workers serve some of the most vulnerable children, youths,
and families. Social workers specialize in building on the strengths of families
and helping them to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and
youths.
However, when families are unable to do this, social workers must intervene to protect
the children from harm. Child welfare social workers ensure that children and youths
who have experienced abuse or neglect are supported through a range of services.
Developmental Disabilities
Social workers also help parents of children with developmental disabilities
understand their legal rights. They help parents learn to be advocates and find
special services that enable their children to be as independent as possible.
Health Care
International Social Work
The functions of social work in international development are diverse. They
include direct services in communities, refugee camps, orphanages, hospitals,
and schools, as well as supporting the efforts of national governments,
