What Does a Social Worker Do?

Social workers have a strong passion to help others with everyday problems, their relationships and family issues. Some social workers prefer to work with children and make sure their rights and needs are being met, while others like the opposite end of the spectrum, working with the elderly. Others prefer working in a more medical-related setting, either researching illnesses or dealing with mental health.

Child Welfare

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers may often work for private agencies, schools or the local and state governments to provide help and services to children and their families. Their main goal is to increase the child's psychological and educational levels, and improve the safety of his or her home life.

Schools

When working in the schools, social workers often act as a connection between the students and their parents and teachers to help the students reach academic success. They also deal with issues such as behavior problems, grief, depression and teenage pregnancy, and suggest ideas to teachers on how to address uncooperative students.

Working with the Elderly

Some social workers prefer working with the elderly, and may facilitate support groups on dealing with aging parents. They may offer suggestions about housing, employment, transportation or long-term care in a nursing home, and monitor their progress each week.

Medical Social Work

Medical social workers offer guidance to patients and their families as they deal with terminal illnesses, such as cancer, AIDS and Alzheimer's disease. They may also suggest options to family members to help plan for the patient's discharge.

Mental Health or Substance Abuse

Mental Health workers assess and help clients with mental illnesses, such as bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression. They also will watch for any substance abuse addictions to drugs or alcohol. Social workers will involve their clients in individual therapy, group therapy and seminars to teach them skills for everyday living.

Resources

• Social Workers