Is AI Changing the Future of Social Work?

Even in social work, which is a profession fundamentally centered on human connection, artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new possibilities for practice. In 2025, 30% of social workers say they use AI in their daily work, compared to only 21% in 2024.¹ This rapid adoption signals a fundamental shift in social work practice. AI has dozens of applications, from turning scribbled case notes into neat reports to expanding service delivery for underserved communities.²

For current and future Master of Social Work (MSW) students, AI has quickly gone from a passing curiosity to an invaluable tool. When used responsibly, it can have a huge impact on the lives of clients and the community—with "responsibly" being the key word. As Ja'Bree Harris, MSW and Public Policy and Advocacy Manager for the National Association of Social Workers, has observed, "Social workers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge, to ensure that AI remains a tool that supports human connection, not replaces it."³

This post will examine how AI is currently being applied in social work practice, the opportunities it creates, its ethical challenges and what MSW students need to know to harness this technology responsibly while maintaining the human-centered values at the heart of the profession.

How AI is Being Used in Social Work Today

Practitioners are already integrating AI tools into everyday service delivery. Binti AI, for instance, is designed to help social workers manage cases and complete their administrative to-do lists faster. They can record client meetings, and AI will use the data to fill out paperwork and case notes.⁴ That means practitioners can be fully present for their clients instead of dividing their attention between documentation and client engagement.

The platform also has an AI chatbot that searches through records to answer user questions.⁴ For example, a social worker might ask, "What is the custody agreement for [Family A]?" or "When is the last time I met with [Client B]?" According to Binti, these features can reduce the amount of time social workers spend on administrative work by up to 40%.⁵

Predictive analytics is another practical way to use AI in social services. This method uses AI to analyze historical data, such as 10 years of case notes and court documents. Machine learning algorithms look for trends in this information, helping social workers learn from the past so they can respond more effectively in the future.

When applied through a social justice lens, predictive analytics can help practitioners identify at-risk populations and intervene earlier. If, for instance, the software flags a certain behavior as a risk indicator for child neglect, practitioners can step in before a crisis occurs. It’s important to recognize, however, that these tools also carry significant risks of perpetuating systemic bias, especially if they're trained on incomplete or biased historical data.

Social workers also use AI to gather data, including behavioral history and demographics. This information allows them to recommend the best services for each client.⁶ Additionally, so-called "AI therapists" such as Abby provide virtual counseling and emotional support.⁷ While this software can't replace a human social worker, it can help fill in the gaps when practitioners aren't available—for instance, when someone needs to talk about particular challenges at 1:00 a.m.

Opportunities AI Creates for Social Workers

AI-powered digital tools for social workers offer many opportunities:²

• More time to focus on clients: Handing off some paperwork to AI frees up time for more face-to-face interactions
• Improved decision-making: When used alongside professional judgment, AI can help to synthesize data and make more strategic decisions
• Expanded access: AI can promote equity and social justice by making it easier for people from marginalized communities to access mental health and social services. For instance, rural clients who don't own cars could receive virtual counseling, allowing them to access care despite transportation and financial barriers
• Increased community engagement: Social workers can use AI to empower their clients by planning workshops, creating community-led AI projects and more

Challenges and Risks of AI in Social Work

Using AI for social services isn't as simple as feeding case notes to ChatGPT or asking Microsoft Copilot for advice about a tricky client situation. This technology comes with risks, so proceed carefully.

The Wurzweiler School of Social Work is committed to cultural responsiveness and social justice. From that lens, AI raises serious ethical concerns. Many AI systems function as "black boxes," making decisions through processes that are difficult to interpret or audit. This opacity raises concerns about bias, as algorithms trained on historical data may perpetuate or even amplify existing inequities.²

Furthermore, AI tools could leak confidential client data or recycle it in outputs for other users. That violates clients' privacy and damages trust.

Over-reliance on AI is a risk. If this technology can handle all decision-making and tasks, social workers may stop depending on their own expertise as much. Furthermore, they might miss meaningful client interactions because they are using AI to gather data and recommend interventions.

Don't forget about the digital divide. A 2025 study found that 29% of adults in rural areas can't access AI-enhanced healthcare tools. This means that people facing economic hardship and other vulnerabilities—those who often need services most—may be unable to benefit from AI-enhanced support.⁸

What MSW Students Need to Learn About AI

When you’re ready to add AI to your social work toolkit, start by researching how practitioners are applying this technology in the field. Organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) frequently share case studies and news articles.⁹ Use these resources to get up to speed on the latest AI trends and developments.

Build your digital literacy, too. These are some must-have AI skills for healthcare workers:¹⁰

• The ability to assess AI tools for bias 
• Facility with data analysis and management 
• Strong interdisciplinary teamwork

You should also stay aware of ethical frameworks and standards. For example, the NASW Code of Ethics doesn't explicitly mention AI, but its core values can help you advocate for the responsible use of digital tools for social workers.¹¹

The Future of AI in Social Work

MSW future trends may include AI-human collaboration models that blend human expertise with technical analysis. For example, AI could recommend appropriate interventions that social workers consult, but don't blindly follow, while developing treatment plans.⁶ MSW curricula might incorporate AI ethical standards and regulations to prepare graduates to use this technology responsibly and without sacrificing client-centered approaches.

Use Technology to Make a Difference in Your Clients' Lives

Imagine yourself as a practitioner who can leverage AI's efficiency while never losing sight of the cultural responsiveness and human connection that define excellent social work. AI in social work can help you provide more effective care and give your clients more direct attention.

Learn how to use this technology and other digital tools for social workers in Yeshiva University's online MSW program. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, you'll study the latest research methods and discover MSW future trends. The flexible online program lets you take as little as one course per term, so you can balance your academic, professional and personal responsibilities.

At Wurzweiler, you'll develop not only technical fluency with emerging tools but also the ethical framework to ensure that technology serves your deepest commitment: human transformation and social justice. Explore the admission requirements and contact us with any questions. You can also schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about how you can prepare for a rewarding future.