Social Work is a unique profession rich with meaning, action, and the power to make a difference. Social workers are devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. This heritage, in which social problems are seen as social concerns, gives contemporary social work its unique character among helping professions. Social workers help clients deal not only with how they feel about a situation but also with what they can do about it. Social workers provide direct services and work to promote social and economic justice.
Social Work has its own body of knowledge, code of ethics, practice standards and a nationwide system of accredited education programs. Professional social workers are equiped with the knowledge, skills and ethics necessary to serve individuals, families, organizations and communities.
Many individuals enter social work for the broad spectrum of career opportunities. Social workers are found in many places, including public agencies, private businesses, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, police departments, courts, and in private practice.
There is more information about the social work profession on the NASW website.
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