Social workers are individuals who help people in their daily lives. They help clients develop plans and set goals to improve their daily routines or to achieve certain objectives. In some cases, they lend emotional support to individuals who are grieving or going through a tough period in time.
In order to help people in the best possible way, formal training is necessary. Social workers must know the best way to communicate with clients, and handle differing situations presented to them. Social service degrees are able to provide this training, and provide you with knowledge to help you enter this career.
Social Service Degrees
Bachelor degree programs typically take four years to complete, but this may depend on the university's curriculum and the students' own commitment as a full or part-time student. Coursework entails a combination of the liberal arts, humanities, mathematics, and life sciences.
For instance, students will be taken through courses in mathematics to help conduct basic research analysis. They are also going to take courses in psychology and sociology to better understand how people work and to sharpen their communication skills. In addition to these courses, students will learn techniques and practices required in the field. This involves informing students of ethical practices, and the standards which they must adhere to in their line of work.
Undergraduate social service programs also help students understand how to vary their approach when dealing with children, groups, families, or even organizations. These skills may be developed further when the students enter a master's degree program.
Master's degree programs in social service place an emphasis on developing leadership skills, and teaching students how to work with patients in clinical settings. Students who enroll in these programs may choose to focus their curriculum towards a particular kind of social work. For instance, some students choose to work with the elderly, while others feel more comfortable helping people deal with grief or loss. Graduate programs go beyond the regular classroom instruction and help students become better through practical learning experiences. By applying classroom instruction in real world situations, students could become comfortable with their responsibilities.
Career Opportunities
Employers for individuals with degrees in social services range from government agencies to private organizations to hospitals. Some students choose to work in hospitals as clinical social workers. These individuals deal with patients facing behavioral or emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression. They offer clients their professional help and provide emotional support throughout the recovery process.
Some students also choose to become school social workers, and work with school administration and parents to help develop ways to improve the performance of students in the school. They also deal with incidents of bullying or frequent absenteeism.
Healthcare social workers are involved in helping clients gain access to the right diagnosis for their illness. They also work with clients to make changes to their lifestyle and eating habits in a way that encourages recovery. They could act as a buffer between doctors and patients.