The Role of Social Workers and Their Impact on Society

Social workers are employed by organizations such as schools, hospitals and government agencies, so the people they work with come from all ages and backgrounds. They must perform a wide variety of duties, from assessing client needs to building relationships to advocating for the needs of the community. While their duties in each role differ, their goal is always to improve the lives of those they serve.

This article will explore in detail the different roles of social workers and the types of environments they work in.

The Many Hats of a Social Worker

Social workers make a positive difference in their communities by providing the services their clients need to overcome challenges and thrive.

Though all social workers share the same goal of enhancing the lives of those they serve, the ways in which they do so are incredibly diverse. From one-on-one interventions to overseeing community programs, there are endless avenues for social workers to pursue.

Assessment and Client Needs

Before you can help your clients, you have to understand their needs, background and current challenges they are facing. This is usually the first step in case management and is the foundation for the services you’ll provide. With a thorough holistic assessment, you'll begin to understand their medical and psychological history, cultural and spiritual perspectives and social situation.¹

You’ll also need to understand their strengths and weaknesses. You can conduct an initial assessment through interviews, observations, questionnaires, checklists, scales, frameworks and reviewing their academic and medical records. Take a collaborative approach to ensure your client feels heard and supported.¹

Building Relationships

Much of your ability to function effectively as a social worker will depend on building relationships with your clients. Depending on where you work, you may be interacting with people during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Approaching your relationships with empathy, trust, respect, authenticity and collaboration will help you build and maintain positive relationships with your clients. Your clients are relying on you to help them meet their goals, so they need to be able to be open with you during your interactions. Practicing active listening and creating a connection will help you understand your client’s perspective. However, it’s also important to maintain professional boundaries to protect the integrity of your relationship.²

Advocacy and Client Empowerment

Advocacy in social work takes several forms. You’ll work to make sure your client’s best interests are represented and communicated effectively. It’s also important to empower your clients to advocate for themselves. Navigating the healthcare, educational and social systems can be overwhelming, particularly for your clients who have disabilities or lack support. Educating your clients and teaching the skills they need can make it easier for them to stand up for themselves.³

The function of social work advocacy extends to broader issues as well. As a social worker, you will have an up-close view of issues that affect your clients and will understand where policy changes could prove beneficial. You can create a positive change for your entire community by lobbying for helpful legislation.³

Counseling and Problem-Solving

If you work in clinical social work, you may provide counseling services to help your clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and create positive changes in their lives. Social workers provide the following types of counseling and problem-solving treatments:⁴

• Biofeedback: To cope with stress by being aware of bodily functions, such as breathing 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): To learn to recognize and change harmful behaviors
• Interpersonal therapy: To improve social support and relationships
• Visualization: To work towards important goals by thinking about and imagining the path to success

Crisis Intervention and Resource Connection

Crisis interventions are an inevitable part of a social worker’s role. A crisis occurs when the stress someone faces overwhelms their usual coping skills, leaving them unable to think clearly, manage emotions, or function effectively. As a social worker, you need to be able to recognize the signs of a crisis and implement a crisis intervention plan.

The first step is to establish rapport and trust so the person will feel heard and understood. Provide immediate support to diffuse the current crisis. This may mean helping them calm down or working with them to find immediate, short-term resources, such as temporary housing or healthcare services.⁵

A crisis plan should include short-term actions and long-term strategies to help your client recover. This may include matching your client with community resources or addressing mental health needs. Regularly follow up and check in with your client to make sure their needs are being met and they’re making healthy progress.⁵

Social Work Settings and Diverse Populations

You’ll have many career options as a social worker. If you enjoy working with children, you may want to work in a school, in child welfare, or in the juvenile justice system. You can work with the elderly in environments such as nursing homes or hospice. Other roles allow you to work with clients of many different ages, such as in hospitals, mental health clinics or substance abuse clinics. You can also work in administration, public policy, employee assistance programs and international social work.⁶

The Rewards of Social Work

The work of a social worker is a challenging but rewarding career. You may be working with people during very difficult times in their lives. However, you’ll be making a tangible difference as you help them get back on their feet. You’ll work with people to create change in both themselves and their environments. It’s a career with meaning, diversity, action and satisfaction.

Social work also offers opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. You will undoubtedly have difficult days, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing lives are better because of what you do. In addition to the satisfaction of helping others, a career in social work provides job security. By 2033, the industry is expected to grow 7%, which is faster than the average workforce.⁷

If you want to become a social worker, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree will prepare you to work in a leadership position or as a clinical social worker. Clinical social workers will also need to complete a period of supervised training and practice before they can obtain their license.⁷

Make a Positive Impact on Your Community

An online Master of Social Work (MSW) from Yeshiva University can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to help clients meet their goals and live healthier, happier and more rewarding lives. Our advanced and diverse curriculum is taught by experts in the field who will help you find the type of social work that matches your preferences and professional strengths.

Our program is completely online, so you can learn from the convenience of your own home and your own schedule. You can complete your studies without sacrificing other obligations.

Contact one of our admissions outreach advisors today to learn more.