Социальный работник молодая профессия, которая быстро развивается и охватывает новые сферы жизни. В связи с развитием общества, появлением новых реалий потребность в социальных работниках постоянно растет

There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional issues. A social worker can work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practices.

What does a Social Worker do?

A social worker helps people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers work with many populations, including children, people with disabilities, and people with addictions.

Direct-service social workers typically do the following:

Identify people who need help

Assess clients’ needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine their goals

Develop plans to improve their clients’ well-being

Help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives, such as illness, divorce, or unemployment

Research and refer clients to community resources, such as food stamps, child care, and healthcare

Help clients work with government agencies to apply for and receive benefits such as Medicare

Respond to crisis situations, such as natural disasters or child abuse

Advocate for and help clients get resources that would improve their well-being

Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved

Evaluate services provided to ensure that they are effective

Clinical social workers typically do the following:

Diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional disorders, including anxiety and depression

Provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy

Assess clients’ histories, backgrounds, and situations to understand their needs, as well as their strengths and weaknesses

Develop a treatment plan with the client, doctors, and other healthcare professionals

Encourage clients to discuss their emotions and experiences to develop a better understanding of themselves and their relationships

Help clients adjust to changes in their life, such as a divorce or being laid-off

Work with clients to develop strategies to change behaviour or cope with difficult situations

Refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health professionals

Evaluate their clients’ progress and, if necessary, adjust the treatment plan

Many clinical social workers work in private practice. Some work in a group practice with other social workers or mental health professionals. Others work alone in a solo practice. In private practice, clinical social workers often do administrative and recordkeeping tasks. Among these tasks is working with clients and insurance companies to receive payment for their services. In addition, social workers market their practice to bring in new clients and to network with other professionals who may recommend them.