From gun violence to human rights, the list of social issues in America and around the globe can seem overwhelming. We’re taking a closer look at these societal problems and how we can better equip social workers to deal with the effects they have on our people and communities.
Addiction is a complex and pervasive issue that impacts communities across the United States.
Some kids are traumatized by extreme acts of violence, like school shootings, but everyday experiences like bullying and emotional abuse can profoundly impact children’s emotional and physical well-being as well. Fortunately, many effective methods exist for counseling children dealing with trauma.
When children are profoundly hurt before they’re able to ask for help, in ways that deter them from doing so, it’s up to the adults in their lives to recognize the distress signals.
“Our schools are facing challenges unlike any they have seen before. Prior to COVID, fewer than half our students could read or do math at grade level. Now, after years of pandemic-related disruptions, trauma and upheaval, we risk losing a generation of students to learning loss, widening achievement gaps and fractured institutions.”
In the 1800s, you would have heard the phrase ‘battle exhaustion.’ During and after World War I, it was known as ‘shell shock.’ Around World War II, you’d have called it ‘combat fatigue.’ Today, we call it Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Historically, most research and training regarding education has focused on the academic achievement of students. This focus became especially narrowed due to the emphasis on standardized testing and achievement in American schools over the last few decades.
Identifying and Understanding Common Challenges
Social workers routinely encounter a variety of complex situations—some heartbreaking, some inspirational—that can involve children, indigents, the mentally ill and more. While social workers are well-trained for any situation they may encounter on...
Those who choose to become social workers know the field is complex and highly rewarding. It can be an immensely satisfying and fulfilling career, and one where you have the chance to actually see how you are helping society in a number of concrete ways. Check out four reasons to pursue a career as a social worker.
A master of social work (MSW) is the key to maximizing your earning potential as you develop your career. In fact, the demand for social worker jobs is expected to rise between 17 percent and 18 percent by 2028, so the difference in a social worker’s salary for candidates with an MSW compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree in social work is likely to be significant.