Social workers are professionals who are trained to help vulnerable people and communities work through challenges they face in their everyday lives. They work in a variety of settings, including child welfare and human service agencies, healthcare providers, schools, and mental health clinics. Here are some of the things that social workers typically do:

• Identify people and communities in need of help
• Assess clients needs, situations, strengths, and support systems
• Help clients cope with problems in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems
• Advocate for social and economic justice for members of diverse communities
• Conduct research, advocate for improved services, engage in systems design, or are involved in planning or policy development
• Work with a wide variety of populations, including children and adolescents, individuals with disabilities, individuals who are experiencing poverty or homelessness, medical patients, LGBTQ individuals, individuals suffering from addiction, students, individuals with mental health concerns, refugees and immigrants, aging individuals, couples and families, victims of violence or trauma, individuals who are incarcerated or in the criminal justice system, and veterans

Social workers are creative problem solvers who help people cope with the challenges of a complex, rapidly changing world. They are also advocates for social and economic justice and are uniquely positioned to help vulnerable, oppressed, or marginalized members of society. If you are passionate about helping a particular population, chances are you can make a difference with that population as a social worker.