As a profession, social work helps people function in their environment to the greatest extent possible. People can be supported directly at work or home or through social service organizations, and policy changes can be made to alleviate social problems.
In addition to helping clients express their feelings, social workers help them decide what to do about their situation. For instance, a social worker can help a parent cope with the challenges of single parenting in the following ways:
- Providing the parent information on local child care agencies or other social services.
- Identifying whether a parent is eligible for child care assistance or other public benefits.
- Offering flextime options through a parent’s place of employment.
- Increasing the availability of child care and flextime within the community by working with a coalition of local employers.
- Promoting child care resources for working families at the state and national levels.
Among the elements of social work are working with individuals, families, groups, communities, and societies. A social worker can write grants, direct social service agencies, organize support groups, enhance the functioning of communities, and assist people at all stages of life, from infants to seniors.
In addition to providing direct care to clients, social workers work to change society. For example, as well as counseling, assault victims benefit from efforts to stop neighborhood crime. Efforts to improve family services or expand behavioral health services can also benefit clients experiencing difficulties in daily functioning due to family conflict or mental health needs.
These are just a few of the ways social workers can help society. Because of this and a passion for serving humanity, many people opt to study social work. And the best part is that nowadays, you can easily complete an online MSW degree without attending college.
On this note, today we’re going to talk about some famous personalities that have worked as social workers in their lives, as well as the main reasons why they choose working as social workers. So, let’s take a look at them:
Some famous personalities that have worked as social workers
Samuel L. Jackson
You’ll be amazed to learn that famous Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson has not only worked as a social worker but also has a degree in social work. Mr. Jackson has worked proactively for equal rights for African Americans. He was a part of the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power.
Harry Hopkins
Harry Hopkins spent most of his life making life easier and better for underprivileged people. As a close advisor to Franklin Roosevelt, he helped create important New Deal programs, including the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and the Works Progress Administration. A former New York City bureau chief for child welfare, he headed the American Red Cross Gulf Division in New Orleans. Also, in 1923, he became the first American Association of Social Workers president.
Jane Addams
One of the most famous and decorated female social workers, Jane Addams, founded a settlement house in Chicago – the renowned Hull House – and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Addams lived with the poor in the Hull House, gaining an intimate knowledge of their problems and designing services for them accordingly, including a library, a gym, and classes for adults and children. As a result of her efforts on the ground level, she was appointed to Chicago’s Board of Education and its School Management Committee.
Additionally, she founded the Chicago School of Civics and Philanthropy. At The Hague, she founded the International Women’s Peace Congress and the Women’s Peace Party.
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Reasons to Study Social Work
People choose to study social work and work as social workers. The most prominent is indeed to serve humanity. Some others are:
Contribute to Positive Change
Social work aims to understand and improve the lives of individuals in society. From young children to adults struggling with addiction, social workers listen to their needs and assist them in coping with and improving their quality of life. Throughout this course, you will learn how to make your mark on society and how quickly life can change.
A Sense of Purpose
Occasionally, you may come across some of humanity’s most distressing traits, and you may find it challenging to separate yourself from them at times. But once you begin to notice the good in people you previously took for granted. As a result, you feel extremely grateful for what you have and realize that true riches do not come from possessions.
A Role in the World
Unquestionably, the world needs saviors, and social workers are one of them. Whenever there are people in need, there will also be a demand for those who are educated in the subject area. As a result, you’ll always have the chance to find a job, and your positive impact will always be assured.
The Heart of Social Work
Social work aims to assist people in overcoming difficult challenges in their lives. Poverty, unemployment, addiction, abuse, disability, and mental illness, are just a few. In addition, social work emphasizes equality and social justice.
In addition to supporting people, Social Work degrees emphasize training and collaborating with them so that they can change their environments and improve their living conditions. By helping community members improve or learn new skills, social workers change people’s mindsets and encourage them to take the initiative.
Final Words
In all, this field of study is perfectly suitable for anyone who wants to serve humanity and leave a positive influence on someone’s life. If you’re still unsure whether Social Work is the right degree for you, volunteering is a great way to find out. It will allow you to interact with individuals and communities and put their needs first. You might also enjoy a career in social work if you enjoy volunteering.
