Since we are social human beings, we cannot live without being surrounded by people, friends and families. But sometimes they are not enough. And sadly, sometimes we don't have families Social Workers are meant to serve the society with compassion and love.
Job description
This profession is for people who wish to help others and improve others' lives. This is why social workers can be asked to assist all kind or persons, of no matter what age, for no matter what troubles.
Some can be specialized in working with children both at home, in the family, or in the school environment.
Others can be licensed in the medical system and they are usually assigned with persons who suffer from severe illnesses like AIDS, Alzheimer or cancer. They can work both in the hospital, with the patient, and at home. Usually, most of the persons who need a social worker from these categories are aged and they must benefit from full surveillance.
And last but not least, there are the social workers specialized in mental health problems or abuse of substances. They can organize and lead therapy sessions for both individuals and groups, crisis interventions, social rehabilitation programs meant to provide those in need with advice.
Education
As you can see, we are not necessarily talking only about people who have difficulties in performing normal activities, but also about those who depend on such services in order to stay alive. So there are huge responsibilities involved and special educational background and trainings are mandatory for the social workers. And for one to get the license, two years of clinical, supervised experience are necessary. Other certifications are available, just like promoting to supervisor, assistant director, program manager or even at the statute of executive director on an agency specialized in such services are possible.