Social work is both an academic discipline and an action-oriented, practice-based profession. The job scope for social workers vary depending on their area of specialisation, but the end goal of all types of social work is about helping improve a society’s overall well-being, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised communities. Social workers help couples, families, groups, communities, organisations and the society as a whole, to cope, manage and overcome both basic and complex needs.
Social workers are required to analyse both the internal and external factors affecting their clients lives, meaning they don’t only look at the client’s internal struggles, but also consider their family, relationships, community systems and policies that have the power to influence their lives. They then help their clients identify ways to address their problems and overcome their challenges to improve their quality of life, ultimately working towards a more equal and just society where human rights are respected and protected.
The most common problems social workers deal with and help people overcome are linked with social/emotional disadvantages such as unemployment or mental health issues, poverty, trauma, abuse and addiction. Social workers analyze the lived realities and experiences of their clients and the problems they are facing, and help them make changes that solve their problems by directing them towards resources such as therapy, medical treatment, physical relocation, assisting with employment, etc.
Social workers also deal with people of differing socio-economic statuses, educational backgrounds, cultures, religions and even disabilities. They are required to offer compassionate services, approach their clients and their issues mindfully and in a culturally-respectful manner, fostering dignity for all individuals. Some areas social workers have helped improve, and advance the social impacts of include civil rights, prevention of child abuse and neglection, reducing the stigma aroung mental health, securing unemployment benefits for those in need, and helping people with disabilities get access to allowances.