What Is Social Work?

Social work is a practice-based profession focused on promoting human rights, social change, and the well-being of individuals, various groups, and communities. From advocating for civil rights, to connecting people with non-profits, to providing counseling to individuals and families, social work offers many opportunities to create an impact in people’s lives.

If you’re passionate about helping others and striving to make a difference, a career in social work may be a good fit for you. It's also important to consider education requirements, job opportunities, and potential challenges that come with this career.

What Is a Social Worker?

Social workers are professionals who work with diverse populations to improve their quality of life through advocacy, counseling, and raising awareness. They often focus on especially vulnerable groups, such as those living in poverty, children and older adults, crime victims, or people struggling with substance use.

What Does a Social Worker Do?

Social work is a challenging but highly rewarding position for individuals who wish to dedicate their careers to helping people. Social workers support individuals and groups in difficult situations, acting as guides, advocates, and sometimes counselors.

As there are so many specializations and career paths in the social work field, it can be useful to break it down by level and type of practice:

Micro vs. Mezzo vs. Macro Social Work

Generally, there are three widely recognized levels of social work:

Indirect vs. Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work

Direct practice social workers help their clients by directing them to services and resources according to their needs. For example, case workers in domestic violence shelters may help survivors find financial assistance, pro bono legal services, and transitional housing.

Clinical social workers are licensed professionals who also interact with their clients directly. They work with individuals and groups with mental health, emotional, or behavioral issues, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. For instance, depending on their specialization, clinical social workers can provide family counseling in private practice, offer psychological assessments in court cases, or provide support to patients at rehabilitation centers.

Social workers in indirect practice, on the other hand, work at the macro level. They facilitate change by influencing the larger systems through programs and policies. Some examples of indirect social work roles include legislative advocates, community organizers, and human services specialists.

Becoming a Social Worker

Your path to becoming a social worker will depend on your chosen specialty and how much time you’re willing to spend in school. For instance, with a bachelor’s degree, you can have a variety of career choices in social work to choose from. However, furthering your education and gaining licensure can create even more opportunities, including a higher earning potential.

Education Requirements for Social Workers

Social Work Certification and Licensure

No matter which social work degree you decide to pursue, you will most likely need to obtain licensure to use the social worker title.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but each license requires that you pass an exam. If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can earn a nonclinical license which can benefit you when seeking employment. Most licenses, however, require an MSW, as well as a set number of supervised practice hours.

Social Work Careers

Whatever level of social work you’re interested in and whichever vulnerable group you’d like to serve, you’ll find numerous social work career options. Below are only a few examples of common social work careers that may be available to you if you obtain a degree in social work.

The Bottom Line

Considering the extensive training required in many social work positions and the high levels of stress and compassion fatigue associated with these professions, it’s crucial to evaluate what you’re seeking from your career to determine whether a job in social work is right for you.