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Become a Social Worker

Read whether a social worker job is right for you.

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A social worker job intrinsically involves you with people's lives and problems and can, therefore, be emotionally draining.

Many hospitals that employ social workers recognize the important role they play in patients' lives and are seeking ways to ease the burden of their caseloads. Many health care facilities now employ other medical professionals, such as registered nurses and health aides, to help with client care.

The social work profession is critical to society because, according to the International Federation of Social Workers, it promotes "social change and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being." Social workers can be found in a number of facilities including government agencies, foster care and child services, suicide hotlines, rape crisis centers, probation offices and assistance programs.

become a social worker

What You'll Do Once You Become a Social Worker

Once you become a social worker, you'll be required to handle a number of different social worker job responsibilities. Clinical social work jobs, for example, include the following duties:
  • Provide mental health counseling to clients. This can include one-on-one counseling or group therapy. A keen eye for observation is necessary in evaluating patients with emotional problems.
  • Interview and evaluate clients' problems. A key to successful treatment is the correct diagnosis. Meeting and evaluating clients' needs is often a short, but critical part of the process.
  • Develop treatment plans with clients. Engaging clients to take an active part in their own treatment is often the best approach to a successful plan of action.
  • Keep treatment records for each client. Perhaps the least attractive part of the job, but accurate and detailed record-keeping can help clients in the long run, since you may not be the only person with whom they will consult over a lifetime.
  • Direct clients to other areas of assistance. Giving clients the tools they need to find the right treatment or assistance is important. Your knowledge of resources is your toolbox for finding right assistance.
  • Consult with doctors, therapists and medical professionals. Instructing other health care professionals as to the nature of your clients' social or psychological challenges will help them in their treatments as well.
  • Administer social service programs. As you gain experience, you may find a need for a social service program that could help a wider range of people. Work training programs, reading skill classes or nutrition education are just a few examples of effective social work programs.
  • Instruct clients' families during treatment. Families also need to know the nature of the mental health conditions of their loved ones, and what they can do to help. Counseling families not only helps clients, but also strengthens their main support systems.
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Argosy University - The American School of Professional Psychology Graduate Programs

Argosy's College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences is where you will receive the training to become one of tomorrow's clinical practitioners through practical training, internships and small class size.

Social Work Job Facts

Most social workers are case managers, with 40-hour workweeks; however, evening and weekend hours are occasionally necessary to meet with clients and handle emergencies that arise.

However, most social worker case managers spend the majority of their time in an office or at a residential facility. Some may travel to visit clients, meet with service providers or attend meetings.

Clinical social workers may be employed in a variety of settings, like hospitals, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, schools, community organizations or in private practice.