Social work is an incredibly rewarding profession that involves helping individuals and communities that are facing challenges. By assisting some of the most vulnerable members of society in overcoming adversity, social workers make significant improvements to their lives. Working across the country in many different settings, social workers are committed to promoting economic and social justice for all.
Social workers concentrate on supporting people as they push past their problems and then encourage them to take more control over their future. They provide people with access to government initiatives and non-profits that can assist with specific issues. It’s a complex role and one that requires a unique set of skills.
If you are already a social worker graduate looking to further your knowledge, an online degree might be suitable for you. One of the best ways for graduates to earn a master’s degree in social work is through the Spalding advanced MSW program. The course is delivered online, although students will also gain practical experience in fieldwork so they can learn to put their theoretical knowledge to use in the real world.
A solid social work education allows social workers to adapt to society’s changing needs and ensures they continue building their knowledge base. In 2022, the profession will be faced with several pressing issues. Here’s a closer look at some of the top concerns.
Addressing the homelessness crisis
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness is growing year after year. Along with economic instability and mental health problems, drug abuse can trigger a downward spiral that ends with a person losing their home and their possessions. Ending this cycle can take time, but there are many ways social workers are striving to get people back on their feet and helping them to avoid eviction in the first place.
They can accomplish this by giving their clients access to shelters and temporary accommodations, some of which have rehabilitation facilities. They can also let clients know about government initiatives that help with rental payments and assist them in finding a transitional job during times of crisis. When a homeless person is struggling to manage their mental health, social workers can show them how to get Medicaid. Using this program, people in need can access therapy services and start rebuilding their lives.
Helping addicts recover from opioid abuse
The Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank, argues that the U.S. opioid problem has become a “prolonged epidemic”. Along with fentanyl, several synthetic opioids have caused the death of more than a million Americans since 2000, and COVID-19 swiftly made things worse. Faced with a situation of this magnitude, social workers are having to adopt clear, evidence-based strategies.
To move individuals and communities along the road to recovery and better health, social workers guide people toward medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, as this has proven to be highly effective in treating addiction. Furthermore, they tackle the root of the problem by directing clients to psychosocial services where they can learn more about taking charge of their addiction.
Protecting victims of violence
According to a 2022 academic study, around 10 million people in the U.S. are affected by violence in the home. Social workers will find themselves assisting more clients who are trying to cope with various types of abuse, but they are ready to do so. One of the most common solutions social workers can provide is giving their clients access to a shelter or program that manages their immediate needs.
They can also direct families or individuals towards counseling programs that help them come to terms with their experience, or act as court advocates when a case enters the legal system. In addition to these practical steps, social workers can provide a listening ear to people in frightening situations. They can let clients know they are believed and that they are not alone at this vulnerable time.
Caring for the aging population
By 2050, the percentage of people in the U.S. who are over 65 is predicted to reach 22%, which means we have a rapidly aging population. Although this is a very positive trend, it means that social workers are having to assist more older adults with their specific needs. These include social, emotional and physical challenges.
In many instances, there is already a clinical team working with an elderly client, and social workers will strengthen the bonds of communication between an individual, their care workers and their family. They may also bring other agencies into the picture, ensuring that each client has the services they require, from daily care to in-home care or meals on wheels.