We’ve all come across the term ‘social worker’. Yet, understanding what this term encompasses can be a bit trickier. Social worker jobs and careers within social work can vary massively. In this article, we will examine what the definition of social work is actually understood to consist of, and break this down to help understand the careers that relate to it.
The global definition of social work highlights social work as both “a practice-based profession and an academic disciplines.” This two-pronged movement is one which promotes social change, cohesion and development puts liberation of people at the forefront. From this, we can see that there is an academic foundation of social work. One that is based in principles of “social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities.”
This makes social work fascinating, because on one hand it is a highly practical work sector. One that demands a lot from its workers, like long and varied hours, pure dedication and difficult situations. While on the other it is a statement as a society of how we value these principles of liberation, social justice and human rights. To the extent that we view these types of jobs as a necessity that helps define us.
In more practical, less theoretical terms, there are a whole host of social work roles. The most obvious career path is that of a social worker. They support both individuals and families, this can be in the field of fostering, education, social inclusion etc. As a social worker, you may be aiding the elderly, people with learning and physical disabilities, young offenders, the homeless, those with a history of drug and alcohol abuse. These are the especially vulnerable members of society that needs support the most.
A large portion of social work is helping these vulnerable members of society get into a position where they can help themselves to the largest degree possible. This can vary from person to person obviously, as there are those whose level of dependence can only be reduced so far. For these particular people though, a sense of independence can have a huge and positive change on an individual’s wellbeing. Especially in areas where a level of indepence didn’t seem possible. Thus, social work is truly about accommodating and facilitating members of society that are most vulnerable. It uses centuries of academic work based in the realms of justice and liberation to offer practical solutions, that helps show as a society we fully support bringing about this positive social change.