Social work has several benefits, including the satisfaction of helping others, an abundance of career path options and increasing demand for social workers, providing job security and higher earning potential. Social workers make a difference by helping others navigate through difficult life circumstances, by means of support groups, government assistance, and therapy.
There are a variety of specializations in social work, such as health care, child, and family, substance abuse, mental health and schools. Social workers can seek employment in a variety of fields including nursing homes, hospitals, the military, learning institutions, private practice, and clinics. Social workers support people who are coping with addiction, illness, divorce, abuse, unemployment and poverty.
The social work profession has specific practice standards, code of ethics and a body of knowledge that make it unique. There are many accredited education programs for social work. A social worker is typically required to have a Bachelor’s degree in social work or related discipline, and advanced degrees increase earning potential and career opportunities.