The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics Preamble states that the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people; to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs; promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities; and to promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals' needs and social problems."

What Is The Job Market For Social Workers?

In July 2006, the Wall Street Journal named Social Work one of the best careers.  For the past several years, U.S. News & World Report has featured social work among the 20 best jobs for the future in its Annual Career Guide. It highlighted social work "hot tracks" such as case manager, residential counselor, employee assistance program professional, and private practice psychotherapist. In 1995, Associated Press highlighted social work as a career in which employment is expected to increase more rapidly than average through the end of the decade."

What Do Social Workers Do?

 - work to improve the social & psychological functioning of children & families
 - work to maximize the family well-being
 - facilitate support groups
 - help individuals cope with job-related pressures or personal problems
 - provide psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses
 - assess and treat individuals with mental illness or substance abuse problems
 - develop programs to address social issues for people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty
 - conduct research identifying social problems and resolutions
 - assist in raising funds or writing grants to support necessary social programs
 - provide international services with regard to refugees, relief efforts, adoptions, health care and education
 - click here to see a larger listing of what social workers do

Where Do Social Workers Work?

Social Workers work with individuals, groups, families, communities and organizations.  The profession has its own body of knowledge, code of ethics, practice standards, credentials, state licensing, and a nationwide system of accredited education programs.