The Social Work Sector Is Growing In New York

This content was produced in partnership with Archer Education.

Social work is an umbrella term that includes a wide variety of fields. At its core, the profession looks to improve the well-being of individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. With a particular focus on helping those that are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.

The need for these types of services has increased in the United States, leading to a shortage of active social workers. New York is no exception, experiencing a marked scarcity in social workers and caregivers.

The increased demand for social workers, coupled with high pay and continued market growth, is leading individuals to consider career changes.

Online courses offer those looking to build a career in the field, a flexible approach. The profession requires a degree and takes three years to complete. New York masters of social work programs focus on the practical and academic skills required to grow and thrive in social work.

Read on, to learn more about the profession.

The Different Paths Available To Social Workers

Social workers have the ability to work in a number of fields within the profession. With states aiming to add new social workers through further education and simplification of licensing.

School Social Workers, can practice in both public and private schools. Their function is to be a link for children, between home, school and the community. Social workers can help children with their emotional, developmental and educational needs, as well as offering services to children who are emotionally disturbed.

Occupational and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Social Workers, may find themselves in a union or organization. Their roles can include job counseling, as well as helping to increase efficiency, creativity, productivity and morale.

Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers, aim to help individuals, families and communities to recover from substance abuse.

Justice and Correction Social Workers, can be found in courts, police departments, correctional facilities and rape crisis centers.

Social Workers for the Aging, help to connect older adults with the services they need to live independent lives. The field focuses on the physical, psychological, social and economic aspects of daily life.

Social Workers for Developmental Disabilities, help parents of children with developmental disabilities understand their legal rights. As well as teaching them to advocate for their children and find special services, enabling their children to be as independent as possible.

Child Welfare Social Workers, are tasked with looking out for some of the most vulnerable children, youths and families. They specialize in building on the strength of the family and helping them to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Social Workers occupied in Administration and Management, typically lead public and private agencies that provide social services to clients. The field requires a knowledge of social policy, an understanding of human behavior and a commitment to social work ethics.

Core Competencies That Social Workers Are Known For

A good social worker does not necessarily need to be born with the skills required for the job. Some skills are innate and others will be acquired over time. The important thing is that social workers continue to develop their skills throughout their career.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand another person’s experience and point of view. It is widely associated with social workers and caregivers.

The skill helps social workers to recognize that experiences, perceptions and worldviews are unique to each individual. Allowing the social worker to determine a client’s needs and efficiently provide services, while building a stronger relationship.

Communication

Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal. Clear communication with a range of people is an important skill for a social worker. Picking up on body language and other non-verbal cues, across cultural background, age, gender, literacy level and disability, can help social workers to communicate with and advocate for clients more effectively.

 Organization

Social workers have full schedules, supporting multiple clients. Additionally, they need to keep up to date with documentation, reporting and billing. Organization is a critical skill for social workers to have.

Critical Thinking

This skill can be defined as the ability to analyze information gathered through unbiased observation and communication. Social workers must be able to evaluate their cases objectively, through careful observation, interviews and research.

Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that many develop over years of practice. In principle, social workers need to listen without the need to interrupt or comment. Giving the speaker the opportunity to communicate freely, and allowing the social worker to identify the client’s needs. Active listeners might summarize an individual's point of view, to ensure that they have understood them correctly.

Patience

Patience is an important skill for social workers, as they will encounter complex cases and clients who need longer periods of time to make progress. Patience helps social workers avoid quick decision-making and frustration, providing both them and their clients a more comfortable work environment.

In Summary

Studying social work and entering the profession can be very rewarding. It requires the willingness to learn about oneself and the openness to learn about others.