WHAT IS SOCIAL WORK?

Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and

communities overcome challenges and improve their well-being. It combines

scientific knowledge with compassionate support to address issues like

poverty, addiction, mental health, and family conflicts. Social workers provide

counselling, resources, and advocacy in settings such as schools, hospitals, and

community centres. Their goal is to empower people and ensure they receive the

support needed for a better quality of life.

WHO CAN BE A SOCIAL WORKER?

Social work includes both trained professionals and untrained personnel who

work in areas like public welfare, probation, and social services. There are

different levels of social workers:

1-PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS – Those with a Master of Social Work

(MSW) degree and at least two years of supervised experience.

2-RECOGNIZED UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORKERS – Students who

complete an accredited social work program with supervised field training.

3-PARAPROFESSIONALS AND AIDES – People with two-year certificates in

social services who assist in social work activities.

HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK:

Social welfare has existed for centuries, helping disadvantaged people. Examples

include:

-Early Christian churches caring for the sick and poor.

-The Elizabethan Poor Laws of the 16th and 17th centuries, which provided

support for those in need.

-Over time, social services became more structured, and by the 20th century,

social work had developed into a formal profession with specialized training and

methods. Today, social work continues to evolve, playing a crucial role in

addressing modern social issues.

WHY IS SOCIAL WORK NEEDED?

Social work is important because many people struggle with problems in their

lives. Some face family issues, some have financial troubles, and others deal with

mental health challenges. Here’s why social work is needed:

1-Helping People in Need – Social workers support those facing tough times,

like job loss, illness, or homelessness.

2-Supporting Mental Health – Many people suffer from stress, depression, or

anxiety, and social workers provide emotional support and counselling.

3-Protecting Children and Families – Some children grow up in unsafe homes.

Social workers help ensure their safety and well-being.

4-Fighting for Equal Rights – They work to protect the rights of disadvantaged

groups and promote fairness in society.

5-Crisis Support – During disasters, social workers help people rebuild their

lives and find resources.

6-Building Stronger Communities – They work to improve schools, hospitals,

and social programs to make life better for everyone.

SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE ARE BASED ON THREE

PREMISES:

1-THAT THE PERSON IS IMPORTANT.

-A social worker helps a homeless man find shelter and a job, recognizing that

every individual deserves a chance for a better life.

2-THAT HE OR SHE HAS PERSONAL, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY

PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM INTERACTION WITH OTHERS.

-A teenager struggling with depression due to bullying at school receives

counselling from a social worker to improve their mental health.

-A single mother struggling to raise her children gets financial and emotional

support from a social service agency.

3-THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO ALLEVIATE THESE

PROBLEMS AND ENRICH THE INDIVIDUAL’S LIFE.

-A social worker helps an elderly person with no family find a caring home and

medical support.

-A drug addict joins a rehabilitation program with the help of a social worker,

eventually recovering and leading a healthier life.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK:

1-Problem-Solving Profession – Social work exists to help people overcome

difficulties in life.

2-A Blend of Art and Science – It requires both technical knowledge and human

understanding.
3-Meeting Human Needs – Social work was created because society needed a

way to support those facing challenges.

4-Guided by Social Values – While social work follows society’s values, it also

challenges harmful beliefs and practices.

5-Scientific Knowledge Base – Social work relies on:

Tested Knowledge (proven through research), Hypothetical Knowledge (theories

needing testing), Practice Wisdom (experience-based knowledge).

6-Knowledge for Solving Problems – Social workers use specific knowledge to

achieve their goals and help people.

7-Professional Values and Knowledge – Social workers must deeply understand

and internalize professional values to be effective.

8-Skillful Application – The success of social work depends on how well

professionals apply their knowledge in real-life situations.

FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK:

The basic functions of social work are:

1- RESTORATION:

Social functioning refers to how well individuals interact with others and adapt

to their environment. It can be divided into two aspects:

Curative Aspect (Fixing the Problem)

-Focuses on eliminating the causes of a person’s difficulties.

-It helps remove barriers that are stopping a person from functioning properly.
-Example: A social worker helps a partially deaf child get a hearing aid so they

can hear better.

Rehabilitative Aspect (Adjusting to the Solution)

-Focuses on rebuilding and reorganizing a person’s life after solving the initial

problem.

-It helps them adjust to new circumstances and build healthy interactions.

-Example: The partially deaf child is helped to psychologically accept and live

with the hearing aid, so they feel comfortable using it.

Both aspects are important in social work to ensure long-term well-being and

successful integration into society.

2- PROVISION OF RESOURCES:

Provision of social and individual resources helps people function better in

society. This can be divided into two aspects:

Developmental Aspect (Improving Existing Resources & Personal Abilities)

-Focuses on enhancing people’s abilities and making existing social resources

more effective.

-Helps individuals develop better relationships and communication.

-Example: A Family Service Society helps Mr. and Mrs. X improve their

marriage by guiding them through individual and couple’s therapy. This process

allows them to understand each other better and improve their communication.

Educational Aspect (Raising Awareness & Creating New Resources)

-Focuses on informing people about social issues and available resources.

-Helps the public recognize the need for new or improved services.

-Example: A Family Service Society holds public talks to educate people about

counselling services. This helps families understand how counselling can help in

solving marriage and family problems.

Both aspects ensure people have access to the right help and learn how to use it

effectively for better social functioning.

3-PREVENTION OF SOCIAL DYSFUNCTION:

The third function of social work is the prevention of social dysfunction, which

means identifying and stopping problems before they become serious. This is

done in two main ways:

Prevention of Problems in Social Interaction

-Focuses on helping people avoid personal and relationship difficulties.

-Example: Premarital counselling Helps couples understand potential marital

challenges before they arise. Encourages open communication and problem-

solving skills to prevent future conflicts.

Prevention of Social Ills (Community-Level Issues)

-Focuses on reducing larger social problems like crime, poverty, and drug abuse.

-Involves working with the community to create programs that stop problems

before they start.

-Example: Community Services Council’s approach to juvenile delinquency

Uses local resources to build youth canters. Trains professional staff to work with

at-risk youth. Aims to keep young people engaged in positive activities,

preventing crime and delinquency.

HOW THE THREE FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK TOGETHER:

Imagine a single mother, Maria, struggling with financial difficulties and

emotional stress due to job loss and domestic violence. Here’s how the three

functions of social work help her:

1. Restoration (Fixing and Rebuilding Lives)

Maria is placed in a women’s shelter where she receives counselling to recover

from emotional trauma. A social worker helps her apply for temporary financial

aid and connects her with legal services for protection against her abusive partner.

2. Provision of Resources (Empowering and Educating)

The social worker helps Maria enrol in a job training program to improve her

skills and secure employment. She is introduced to childcare services so she can

work while ensuring her children are safe.

3. Prevention (Stopping Future Problems)

Maria receives parenting classes to help her manage stress and build a healthy

environment for her children. A community program teaches her financial

literacy, so she can avoid future financial crises. She is connected to a support

group for survivors of domestic violence to prevent her from falling back into

abusive relationships.

CURRENT DEFINITION OF SOCIAL WORK:

Social work may be defined as an art, a science, and a profession that helps

people solve personal, group (especially family), and community problems

and attain satisfying personal, group, and community relationships through

social work practice (improved human interaction). Certainly, the focus of the

social worker is on helping people improve their social functioning, their ability

to interact and relate to others.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL WORK.

Social work is unique from other professions because of its approach, methods,

and goals.

1. Focus on the Whole Person and Environment

Social work does not just focus on a person’s problem but looks at the bigger

picture—including their family, surroundings, and behaviour. A social worker

helps a person by understanding how all these factors are connected.

2. Importance of Family

Since the family has a major influence on a person’s behaviour, social workers

pay special attention to family relationships. Many problems people face come

from family issues like lack of support, conflicts, or broken relationships. Social

work helps families communicate better and function in a healthier way.

3. Use of Community Resources

Social workers connect people to community services like hospitals, schools, and

shelters. They know where to send someone for the best help. For example, if a
person needs therapy, a social worker refers them to the right clinic. They also

work on improving community services to better serve people.

4. Supervision for Social Workers

Just like doctors and teachers, social workers need guidance and training. New

social workers are supervised by experienced professionals to improve their

skills. Even experienced workers continue learning through supervision and peer

discussions.

5. Combination of Theory and Practice

Social work education includes both classroom learning and hands-on

experience. To get a Master of Social Work (MSW), students must complete

coursework and real-world training by working with clients. A Bachelor of Social

Work (BSW) allows graduates to start working as beginner-level professionals.

6. Three Traditional Methods of Social Work

Social work mainly focuses on three approaches:

1-Clinical Work – Helping individuals one-on-one, like therapy sessions.

2-Group Work – Using group activities to help people support each other (e.g.,

support groups for addiction recovery).

3-Community Organization – Working to solve larger social issues by

improving community programs and policies.

-Some believe all social work is about problem-solving in relationships, no matter

if it’s an individual, group, or community. This modern approach is called

generalist social work practice.

7. Professional Organizations (NASW & CSWE)

-NASW (National Association of Social Workers): Formed in 1955, it helps

improve social work practice, trains new professionals, and promotes the field.

-CSWE (Council on Social Work Education): Created in 1952, it sets training

standards and helps schools improve social work education.

8. The Importance of Relationships

The connection between a social worker and their client is key to success. Social

workers help clients feel understood, supported, and accepted, making it easier

for them to open and solve problems.

9. Understanding Human Behaviour (Psychiatric Knowledge)

Social workers study psychology and psychiatry to better understand people's

emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. This helps them provide better support to

those struggling with mental health and life challenges.

10. Focus on Social Interaction

Social workers study how people interact in society and how these relationships

affect their well-being. They use principles from sociology, psychology, and

group dynamics to help people build healthy relationships and social skills.

11. Addressing Both Individual and Social Problems

Some problems can be solved by helping individuals, while others require

changing social systems.

- (Individual Approach): A young boy with delinquent behaviour gets therapy.

- (Social Change Approach): A program is created to prevent youth delinquency

by improving education and economic opportunities.

12. Most Social Workers Work in Agencies

Although some social workers have private practices, most work in government

agencies, hospitals, schools, and non-profits. These organizations provide

resources, supervision, and support for their work.

13. Helping Clients Help Themselves

Social workers don’t just give solutions; they help clients find their own strengths

to solve problems. They encourage self-reliance by helping clients understand

their problems and use community resources.

14. Salary Structure in Agencies

Most social workers earn fixed salaries and do not charge direct fees from clients.

Any fees collected go towards funding agency services, not for personal income.

15. From Therapy to Prevention and Enrichment

Social work started with helping individuals and families in crisis but has

expanded to focus on:

-Prevention – Stopping problems before they happen (e.g., drug abuse prevention

programs).

-Enrichment – Helping all people improve their lives, even if they don’t have

major problems (e.g., parenting workshops).

16. Social Workers as Team Leaders

Social workers are great at coordinating different services and helping

professionals work together. In hospitals, schools, or welfare programs, they act

as a bridge between doctors, teachers, counsellors, and government agencies to

ensure clients get complete support.

SOCIAL WORK CAREERS:

Social workers have many job opportunities in different areas of society. Their

work is important in health care, child welfare, mental health, justice systems,

and international services.

1. Health Care Social Work

-Social workers help people access medical care and community health services.

-With new health care reforms, more social workers may be needed to improve

community health programs.

-As the number of elderly people increases, more social workers will be needed

in: Nursing homes Hospices, Public health departments, Assisted living centres

-Social workers in health care settings help patients and their families cope with

illness, aging, and medical challenges.

2. Child Welfare and School Social Work

-Protecting children and supporting families is a key responsibility of social work.

-Every U.S. state has a child welfare service agency where social workers help

at-risk children.

-School social workers help students with personal, family, or academic struggles.
-These social workers work to prevent child abuse, support struggling families,

and improve students' well-being.

3. Mental Health and Addiction Social Work

-Mental health and substance abuse problems are increasing in the U.S.

-Social workers help people with depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma.

-They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community clinics, and mental

health organizations.

-Funding for mental health programs depends on the economy, but as the

economy improves, more social work jobs will be available.

-Social workers in mental health help people overcome challenges and rebuild

their lives.

4. Forensic and Criminal Justice Social Work

-Forensic social work is a growing field that focuses on working within the

juvenile and adult justice system.

-Social workers help as: Counsellors (helping criminals change their behaviour),

Probation officers (supervising people on probation), Court administrators

(helping courts run smoothly)

-They play a major role in rehabilitation and reducing crime.

5. International Social Work

-Foreign adoptions – Helping families adopt children from other countries.

-Refugee resettlement – Supporting refugees in finding housing, jobs, and

adjusting to a new life.

-Immigration services – Assisting immigrants with legal paperwork, housing,

and employment.

-Social workers help people in crisis worldwide and work with international

organizations.

6. Social Work in Policy and Administration

-Experienced social workers are now moving into policymaking and management

roles.

-They use their knowledge of frontline social work to develop better programs

and policies.

-Schools of social work should train social workers to become leaders and

decision-makers in social welfare.

-These social workers shape the future of social services and ensure resources

reach the people who need them.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK:

Sociology and social work are closely related because both study people and their

interactions. However, they have different focuses and goals.

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of society. Different sociologists have defined it

as: L. F. Ward: "Science of society." F. H. Giddings: "Scientific study of society."

A. W. Small: "Study of how people influence and are influenced by associations

(relationships)."
-Sociologists focus on why people behave the way they do in groups. They try to

understand social patterns, interactions, and problems.

-Sociologists study society but do not directly help individuals with their

problems.

What is Social Work?

Social work is about helping individuals, families, and communities solve

problems and improve their well-being. Unlike sociologists, social workers don’t

just study problems—they take action to solve them.

How Are They Related?

• Both deal with people and their interactions.

• Social workers use sociological research to understand social problems.

• Sociologists help identify issues, and social workers help solve them.

PSYCHIATRY AND SOCIAL WORK:

Psychiatrists and social workers often work together as part of the same

professional team but have different roles. Each plays a unique part in helping

people with personal and emotional problems.

What is Psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a medical field that deals with diagnosing and treating mental

illnesses. A psychiatrist is a doctor who can:

✔ Diagnose mental health conditions (like depression, schizophrenia, or

anxiety)
✔ Prescribe medication for treatment

✔ Focus on internal (unconscious) psychological issues

✔ Recommend hospitalization if necessary

Psychiatrists work deeply with intrapersonal (inside-the-mind) dynamics,

often exploring unconscious motivations and psychological disorders.

2. What is Social Work?

Social work focuses on helping people solve personal and social problems. A

social worker:

✔ Helps clients improve relationships and social functioning

✔ Focuses on strengths and potential, not just problems

✔ Uses community and environmental resources to support people

✔ Works with families and communities, not just individuals

Social workers deal more with external social issues (e.g., poverty, family

conflicts, or lack of resources) rather than deep medical or unconscious

psychological issues.

4. How Are They Similar?

• Both help people with emotional and social problems.

• Both work on improving relationships and overall well-being.

• Both understand human behavior and emotions.

5. When Do They Work Together?

 • A psychiatrist may diagnose a mental illness, while a social worker helps

the person adjust to daily life.

• In hospitals or clinics, a psychiatrist prescribes medication, and a social

worker provides emotional and practical support.

• In family therapy, a psychiatrist may treat a child's anxiety, while a social

worker helps the family cope and access resources.

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

Psychologists and social workers often work together in clinics, hospitals, and

other treatment settings. While they have some similarities, they also have clear

differences in their focus and approach.

1. What is Psychology?

Psychology is the science of the mind and behavior. Psychologists:

✔ Study how people think, feel, and behave

✔ Focus on individual behavior and personality

✔ Conduct psychological testing (IQ tests, personality tests, etc.)

✔ Some (clinical psychologists) provide therapy for mental health issues

Psychologists aim to understand human behavior on a deeper level, often using

research and testing to analyze personality, emotions, and cognition.

2. What is Social Work?

Social work focuses on helping people improve their social functioning and

solve life problems. Social workers:

✔ Work with individuals, families, and communities

✔ Help clients navigate life challenges (e.g., poverty, family issues, mental

health struggles)

✔ Connect clients to resources and services (e.g., housing, therapy, legal aid)

✔ Focus on social relationships and community well-being

Unlike psychologists, social workers deal more with external social problems

rather than studying individual behavior in depth.

4. How Are They Similar?

• Both study human behavior and emotions.

• Both work with people who have challenges in life.

• Both aim to help individuals improve their well-being.

• Some clinical psychologists and social workers both provide counseling

and therapy.

5. When Do They Work Together?

• A psychologist may diagnose a child’s learning disability, while a social

worker helps the child get school accommodations and family support.

• In a mental health clinic, a psychologist performs psychological testing,

while a social worker guides clients in accessing therapy and social

services.

• A psychologist may provide therapy for anxiety, while a social worker

helps the client find a support group and job assistance.

COUNSELING AND SOCIAL WORK:

Many people confuse counselling and social work, but while they share some

similarities, they also have clear differences in their focus and methods.

1. What is Counseling?

Counseling focuses on helping individuals deal with personal problems

through guidance and therapy. Different types of counselors include:

✔ School Counselors – Help students with academic and career choices, often

using psychological testing.

✔ Marriage Counselors – Assist couples in improving relationships, often

trained in psychology, social work, or another related field.

✔ Rehabilitation Counselors – Support individuals with disabilities or injuries

in returning to work and daily life.

Counselors primarily focus on short-term solutions and personal guidance

rather than long-term social support.

2. What is Social Work?

Social work is broader and focuses on helping individuals, families, and

communities with social and emotional problems. Social workers:

✔ Provide long-term support to individuals and families.

✔ Help clients access resources (e.g., financial aid, mental health services, job

training).
✔ Work with community programs and organizations to improve well-being.

✔ Focus on social and environmental factors affecting a person’s life.

Unlike counselors, social workers often work more intensively and for longer

periods with their clients.

4. How Do They Work Together?

• In a school, a counselor helps a student with career guidance, while a

social worker supports the student’s family issues or mental health

challenges.

• In marriage counseling, a counselor helps a couple communicate better,

while a social worker may help with financial or legal issues affecting

the marriage.

• In rehabilitation, a counselor helps a person find a job, while a social

worker assists in coping with emotional or family struggles.

SOCIAL WORK IN THE WORLD TODAY

Social work is an increasingly important profession in modern society,

providing services in various fields and expanding both nationally and

internationally.

1. Growth and Recognition of Social Work

✔ The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has 150,000 members

today.

✔ Since 1961, social workers have been able to gain certification for higher
professional status, with over 64,000 certified by 2004.

✔ Social work is now used in many areas, including:

• Psychiatric and medical care

• Marriage and family counseling

• Schools and rehabilitation centers

• Corrections (prisons and juvenile centers)

• Public welfare and workplace services

• Child welfare and drug abuse programs

2. Why Social Work is More Important Than Ever

✔ Social workers help with personal, family, and community problems.

✔ More people are benefiting from social work and spreading awareness about

its value.

✔ Social work is now seen as important in international relations. Some

experts suggest that trained social workers should help improve U.S. foreign

relations by working in embassies and government agencies abroad.

3. Growth of International Social Work

✔ Red Cross & United Nations: Social work has played a key role in

humanitarian aid, including helping war-torn areas like Kosovo and fighting

AIDS in Africa.

✔ International Adoption: Since 2004, the U.S. State Department requires

foreign adoption agencies to have social workers before they can serve
American families.

✔ University of Utah & Bulgaria Partnership:

• The University of Utah and the American University in Bulgaria have

worked together to improve social work education.

• Programs include faculty exchanges, student internships, and training

workshops.

✔ Social Work Education Expanding Internationally:

• The University of Utah now offers an international social work

specialization.

• Students can complete internships in Bulgaria, Japan, Mexico, Romania,

South Africa, and more.

• Local programs, such as the Hartland Partnership Center in Utah, help

refugees from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia.

4. The Future of Social Work

✔ Social work is growing and evolving, with a greater focus on global

challenges.

✔ It will continue to help individuals, families, and communities improve

their social functioning.

✔ The demand for certified professionals will increase as social issues become

more complex.