What is social work?

Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help people, to make society better and to make a difference in their communities.  The National Association of Social Workers that social work is "the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to that goal. Social work, as a profession, values, the dignity and worth of all people, the importance of relationships, and upholds high standards for personal and professional integrity.  It is the only profession that focuses upon social justice and working on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups. 

What do social workers do?

Social workers help people function to their highest potential by helping them with family and relationship issues, educational and job related struggles, health care problems, and other stumbling blocks or challenges in their lives.  Social workers also work to improve communities through their involvement with social service and advocacy agencies. 

Where do social workers work?

Social workers are employed in a variety of public and private organizations addressing a wide range of challenges and problems.  Employment opportunities are numerous with social workers pursuing careers in social and human services settings including:

Who are social workers helping?

Social workers see clients who are facing a range of challenges or problems.  These challenges may be a result of a personal loss, assuming a new role, managing a disability, or a family conflict or financial stress.  Problems can include inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of job skills, serious illness, substance abuse, infertility, an unwanted pregnancy, or antisocial behavior.  Social workers also assist families who have serious domestic conflicts, including those that involve child or spousal abuse.  Social workers work with people from all social economic classes, all racial and ethic backgrounds and all sexual orientations.

What kind of a person is cut out for social work?

Social workers are people who like people – all kinds of people, even those that are very different from themselves.  They tend to be good listeners who enjoy helping others. 

They value social justice and the right of people to make their own decisions regarding their lives.  They want to make the world a better place for everyone.  Instead of complaining about how bad things are, social workers work to change things for individuals, families and whole communities.

They treat others with respect and expect themselves to be respected.  Hopeful individuals, social workers believe that people can change their lives for the better.  They enjoy learning about others and themselves. Social workers embrace challenges and manage stress well.  They understand people and their situations are complex and that everyone at times needs help managing life issues.

Social workers are not perfect human beings, but they have a handle on their own life issues.  They understand they can't help another person with a problem that they are struggling with themselves.  Social workers are people who take their own personal growth as well as that of the people they work with seriously.

How do social workers help their clients?

By providing direct services social workers help clients identify their concerns, consider effective solutions, and find reliable resources.  Social workers typically consult and counsel clients and arrange for services that can help them.  Often they refer clients to specialists in services such a debt counseling, childcare or elder care, public assistance, or alcohol or drug rehabilitation.  Social workers then follow through with the client to assure that services are helpful and that clients make proper use of the services offered.  Social workers may review eligibility requirements, help fill out forms and applications, visit clients on a regular basis, and provide support during crises.

What kind of education do I need to become a social worker?

The baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) will best prepare you for a beginning career in the social/human services.  With a degree from a BSW program like Ball State's, which is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work education, you will qualify to sit for the Indiana licensing exam.  The BSW degree will give you the greatest career flexibility and opportunity.

Do I have to get a graduate degree?

Social workers work with either a BSW (undergraduate) degree or an MSW (graduate – Masters level) degree.  The undergraduate degree prepares social workers for beginning level generalist practice.  The graduate degree prepares social workers for advanced and specialized practice.  Many social workers particularly in non-urban areas practice at BSW level practitioners.  There are plenty of jobs.  Others go directly on to graduate school after earning their BSW degree, or work a few years before returning to graduate school.  Those going on for a masters degree are interested in practicing in a specialized area, or are seeking opportunities with higher salaries including administrative positions.

How much do social workers make?

Contrary to popular belief social workers earnings are comparative to those with teaching and business degrees with the median salary being $34,820 is 2004 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  There is considerable salary range depending upon location and field of practice.  National Association of Social Workers find that BSWs beginning their careers can expect to make up to $30,000 annually and MSWs about $40,000 depending upon the type of work, experience, and geographic factors.

Will there be jobs when I graduate?

Yes.  There exists a shortage of professionally trained social workers with either a BSW or MSW degree and the demand for professionally educated social workers continues to increase.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this shortage will continue for the next ten years as the retiring baby boomers require more social services increasing the demand for employees with social work degrees.

Are social workers licensed?

Social workers are licensed to practice in the state where they are employed.  Licensing protects the public by ensuring that the individual providing services is competent and prepared to provide these services. Each state has its own license regulating body.  To become licensed, you have to have a BSW or MSW degree from an accredited social work program and must pass a state licensing exam.  The level/type of license required in your state depends upon your state's licensing law.

Most states have both a BSW level and an MSW level license with the MSW level license authorizing independent  (unsupervised) social work practice.  You can find out about your state's licensing requirements and examinations by visiting the Association of Social Work Board's web site.  ASWB prepares licensing exams for all states.

Want more information?

Consider making an appointment with a BSW faculty member to discuss your interests in social work and professional social work education.  Contact Dr. Darlene Lynch.