Social Work Program
Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child, being diagnosed with an illness, or treating substance abuse. Some social workers get involved at a broad level to help community organizations and policymakers develop or improve social programs, services, and conditions. Advocacy is an important aspect of social work.
Social workers who are licensed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders are called clinical social workers (CSW), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or have a similar title; specific titles vary by state. They may refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers. Clinical social workers may develop treatment plans with the client, doctors, and other healthcare workers.
- Identify people and communities in need.
- Assess client situations, strengths, and support networks.
- Help clients adjust to changes and challenges.
- Refer, and advocate for community resources.
- Respond to child abuse and mental health emergencies.
- Maintain case files and records.
The social work program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a professional in social work. Core courses in a social work program often cover foundational topics such as social welfare policy, human behavior and the social environment, research methods, and various practice methods such as individual, group, and community interventions. Courses may also explore topics like cultural diversity, social justice, and ethics in social work practice.
Required Education
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common requirement for entry-level nonclinical social worker positions. BSW programs teach students about diverse populations, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics in social work. All programs require students to complete supervised fieldwork or an internship. Clinical social workers typically need a master’s degree in social work (MSW). These programs prepare students for work in their chosen specialty by developing clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
In the social welfare policy course, students analyze the impact of policies on vulnerable populations and explore strategies for advocacy and policy reform. Topics may include social insurance programs, income support, healthcare policy, and social justice movements. The research methods course provides students with the skills to critically evaluate research literature and apply research findings to inform evidence-based practice. Topics include research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis.
Advanced students may focus on the unique challenges and interventions involved in child welfare practice, including child protection, family preservation, and foster care. Topics may include trauma-informed care, attachment theory, legal and ethical issues in child welfare, and collaboration with the juvenile justice system. Further, candidates learn a range of intervention techniques used in social work practice, including assessment, case management, counseling, and advocacy.
Social Work Inernships
Hospital Internships: Interns work alongside experienced social workers in hospital settings, providing psychosocial support to patients and families facing medical crises or chronic illnesses. Responsibilities may include conducting psychosocial assessments, facilitating support groups, assisting with discharge planning, and connecting patients with community resources.
Child Welfare Agencies: Interns partner with social workers and child protective services to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families involved in the child welfare system. Responsibilities may include conducting home visits, writing court reports, facilitating family meetings, and advocating for necessary services and supports.
Nonprofit Organizations: Interns provide social services to underserved populations, such as homeless shelters, food banks, or advocacy organizations. Interns may assist with program development, outreach and education, client intake and assessment, and direct service provision under the supervision of experienced social workers.
Government Agencies: Interns gain insight into the policy development and service delivery within government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. Opportunities may include working in departments of social services, public health agencies, housing authorities, or criminal justice systems, engaging in policy analysis, program evaluation, and direct client services.
What is Social Work
Dr. Hilary Cobb introduces the textbook, An Introduction to the Profession of Social Work.
New Social Workers
There is so much to learn as a new school social worker, so this video offers social work advice that will help you succeed.
LSW & LCSW Exam
Licensed Social Work (LSW) Exam, Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) Exam, ASWB Master Exam, and ASWB Clinical Exam content
History of Social Work
This brief history covers the origins of social work, with a focus on its core principle of social justice.
Social Work Specialization
The social work program aims to prepare students to become competent, ethical, and compassionate social workers capable of addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals, families, and communities.