What is Social Work?

What do Social Workers do?

“Social workers help individuals, families, and groups restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, and work to create societal conditions that support communities in need.” (1)

Complementary to public health, social work traditionally addresses system-level disparities which can contribute to negative health outcomes. Using poverty as an example, a social worker could combat the disparity at a downstream level by connecting clients to affordable childcare, education, or employment opportunities, or treating mental illness which hinders economic mobility. The same professional can work at an upstream system level through neighborhood organizing to gather resources and develop a local economy, or by informing public policy through community research.

Where do Social Workers practice?

Similar to public health, social workers practice in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, social service agencies, schools, hospitals and clinics, private practices, community-based organizations, and public health agencies.

What is a Master of Social Work?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a professional degree that equips you to practice social work.  The UGA MSW has two tracks:

• Clinical Practice
• Community Empowerment and Program Development

MSW graduates, or social workers, can be licensed to provide clinical services (diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health issues).

The MSW program of study includes a field placement that offers hands-on learning in applying social work competencies. The UGA MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

References

(1) National Association of Social Workers, NASW. (2013). Social Work Profession. Available at: http://www.socialworkers.org/