Social Worker Ann Arbor MI

A social worker is a trained professional who uses the application of social theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of people, groups, and societies. Social work impacts both the small scale, working with individuals, and the larger as a field of research, thought and study. Social workers are committed to assisting people in developing their full potential, whatever that shall be, and correcting social ills and injustices.

Social workers work with individuals, families, groups and organizations. A social worker assists people with issues in their everyday lives, including medical crises, housing issues, and family challenges. Social workers may assist those with disabilities in getting the services they need, or help homeless individuals find housing and employment. They may facilitate a variety of support groups or help people through short term challenges.

Social workers are also employed as therapists, providing counseling to individuals, families, and couples. As counselors, social workers may work with psychologists or psychiatrists, or work independently.

Social workers of all sorts, including medical social workers, child protective services workers, and substance abuse social workers provide a valuable service to both individuals and their communities as a whole. These hard working and compassionate people make life a little easier for those struggling, whether their issues are specifically social or related to mental health.

According to the National Association of Social Workers, “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” Without a doubt, this is critical work, and if you are motivated to do it, it will surely be a career that will bring great personal satisfaction.

Social workers of all sorts can make a significant difference in the lives of many people during the course of their careers. There is no doubt that a career in social work is both meaningful and rewarding. Social work as a career is not always easy, and it may be emotionally and physically draining. Social workers can not only improve lives, but in the case of child protective services workers or substance abuse social workers may even be able to save lives that could otherwise be lost.

Historically, social workers have worked to eliminate poverty and improve the lives of many. Not only do social workers help the individual but they have worked for social justice within larger communities, working toward an elimination of racism, discrimination and other social ills.

Social workers work in a wide variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, homeless shelters and state agencies. Some social workers work for private agencies or not for profits. In many cases, the type of social work you do will determine your work environment. Many social workers also work as therapists, providing individual, couples or family counseling services.

Medical social workers work in hospitals and hospice programs. They support families and individuals dealing with illness or loss, and may also serve as a valuable resource in terms of financial aid, navigating paperwork and other bureaucratic issues. Medical social workers may help families after the death of a loved one, may be available to assist families struggling with illness, and may provide information and support to the hospital personnel.

Social workers in schools and children's services offices provide support and care to families and children. They may find themselves working to counsel abused children, working to prevent abuse or neglect, or even just assisting children through traumatic events.

Many social workers find jobs in state agencies of various sorts, including child protective services, groups assisting the disabled, or working with the elderly. There are as many places for social workers to work as there are types of social workers and career choices for social work.