A caseworker is a professional who works closely with individuals and families, managing their cases in a way that successfully connects them with various forms of assistance and social services. They help individuals and families get services and care they need, and their work can range from long-term and temporary housing, to healthcare, to mental health and counseling, to employment and job training, and many other points in between. Caseworkers can work with a wide variety of people and situations, including developmentally disabled adults, children and families, individuals with substance abuse issues, school children, the mentally ill, and elderly populations. They can work in a variety of settings, including adoption and foster care agencies, criminal justice, government agencies, hospital and healthcare, and more.

Caseworkers typically meet with clients to whom they’re assigned, develop an understanding of that client’s specific circumstances, assess what services are available, and create a plan for moving ahead in a way that will best resolve the client’s needs. They provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses, and services include advising family caregivers, providing patients with information and counseling, and making referrals for other services.

To pursue a career in casework, you need at least a bachelors degree in one of the social sciences or nursing, and many caseworkers also have masters degrees in social work or healthcare management. A valid driver’s license, basic computer skills, and knowledge of crisis-intervention methodologies are also required.