Introduction to the Soros Foundation Social Work Fellowship Program
Eligibility requirements
Instructions for applying
Selection process
What is social work?
Academic programs: 1. Methods of SW practice; 2. Social problem areas
Application form
Timeline
List of participants in the SWF program
Useful websites, reference

WHAT IS SOCIAL WORK?

The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work. (Source: www.sozialarbeit.at/def.html)

Social workers have traditionally worked on two levels in their efforts to help people: the "micro" level of direct practice with individuals, and the "macro" approach which involves advocating for change through civil action, community programming, or social policy development. Social workers often work to influence government policy through either direct involvement in the government, or through public advocacy, in an effort to improve the economic and social conditions of marginalized groups in our society. These groups can include the elderly, children and youth, low-income families and individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and the disabled. Social work as a profession is dedicated to the concept of "open societies" through its fight for social and economic justice, and through its efforts to empower people in the struggle to create a more just and humane society.

Social workers often deal with individual clients who face a life-threatening disease or a social problem. These problems may include inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of job skills, financial distress, serious illness or disability, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy, or antisocial behavior. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, including those involving child or spousal abuse. Social workers practice in a variety of settings, below are some examples.

Social work planners and policy-makers develop programs to address such issues as child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, and violence. These workers research and analyze policies, programs, and regulations. They identify social problems and suggest legislative and other solutions. They may help raise funds or write grants to support these programs.

International social workers help to promote economic and social equality internationally. They specialize in policy development or direct practice and programming for groups such as refugees and immigrants, and those coping with natural disasters and local conflicts.

Social work administrators perform overall management tasks in a hospital, clinic, or other setting that offers social worker services.

Clinical social workers offer psychotherapy or counseling and a range of diagnostic services in public agencies, clinics, and private practice.

Child welfare or family services social workers may counsel children and youths who have difficulty adjusting socially, advise parents on how to care for disabled children, or arrange for homemaker services during a parent's illness. If children have serious problems in school, child welfare workers may consult with parents, teachers, and counselors to identify underlying causes and develop plans for treatment. Some social workers assist single parents, arrange adoptions, and help find foster homes for neglected, abandoned, or abused children. Child welfare workers also work in residential institutions for children and adolescents.

Child or adult protective services social workers investigate reports of abuse and neglect and intervene if necessary. They may initiate legal action to remove children from homes and place them temporarily in an emergency shelter or with a foster family.

Mental health social workers provide services for persons with mental or emotional problems. Such services include individual and group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, social rehabilitation, and training in skills of everyday living. They may also help plan for supportive services to ease patients' return to the community.

Health care social workers help patients and their families cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses and handle problems that may stand in the way of recovery or rehabilitation. They may organize support groups for families of patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, etc. They also advise family caregivers, counsel patients, and help plan for their needs after discharge by arranging for at-home services.

School social workers diagnose students' problems and arrange needed services, counsel children in trouble, and help integrate disabled students into the general school population. School social workers deal with problems such as student pregnancy, misbehavior in class, and excessive absences. They also advise teachers on how to cope with problem students.

Criminal justice social workers make recommendations to courts, prepare pre-sentencing assessments, and provide services to prison inmates and their families. Probation and parole officers provide similar services to individuals sentenced by a court to parole or probation.

Occupational social workers help workers cope with job-related pressures or personal problems that affect the quality of their work. They often offer direct counseling to employees whose performance is hindered by emotional or family problems or substance abuse. They also develop education programs and refer workers to specialized community programs.

Gerontology social workers specialize in services to the aged. They run support groups for family caregivers or for the adult children of aging parents. Also, they advise elderly people or family members about choices in such areas as housing, transportation, and long-term care; they also coordinate and monitor services.

Excerpts from "Nature of the Work" Occupational Outlook Handbook 2000-2001; US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics