What is Social Work?

Social work is a health care-based profession that helps people, communities and organizations
overcome personal, economic and social challenges. Social justice, human rights, collective responsibility
and diversity are all central to the mission of social work, which is to promote social development and
enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. According to the International
Federation of Social WorkersExternal link:open_in_new

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and
development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.”

This holistic approach means that a social worker may many tools, skills and resources to support people
in need, including but not limited to:

Helping the person navigate the legal system to resolve a legal issue

Communicating with other health care professionals, such as school counselors or primary care
physicians, on the person’s behalf

Connecting people to organizations in the community for additional services or assistance: for example,
helping someone get assistance to pay their rent

Advocating for social justice and change with nonprofit organizations, legislatures and other
governmental bodies

Providing individual or family counseling services

Diagnosing and treating the person for behavioral, emotional or mental health issues—if you’re a
licensed clinical social worker

Table of Contents

What is a Social Worker?

Why Become a Social Worker?

Educational Pathways in Social Work

Seven Principles of Social Work

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Social Worker?

What Skills do Social Workers Need?

Where Do Social Workers Work?

What is a Social Worker?

Social workers help individuals, families and communities improve their quality of life. They work with
diverse populations, particularly those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or poverty-stricken. Social
workers are advocates who raise awareness for populations such as children, older adults and people
with medical conditions.
Social workers may help people break the cycle of generational violence or overcome addiction.
Depending on their specialization, social workers may help people through the most difficult or
traumatic periods in their lives. Uplifting people in need is the driving force behind social work. It’s also
what inspires many to pursue a career in this rewarding field.

If you’re interested in learning more about what social work is and the common steps you can take to
become a social worker, this guide may help you.

Why Become a Social Worker?

When the desired and most beneficial outcomes are met, social work can be rewarding. This profession
requires compassion, patience and dedication to a cause greater than any one individual. Here are a few
reasons to consider becoming a social worker:

A Sense of Fulfillment

Having a career in social work means you help people overcome challenges in their lives. As such, social
workers feel a deep sense of personal achievement. In fact, social work supervisors landed on Forbes’
list of top 10 most meaningful careers External link:open_in_new.

Social Workers are in Demand

A rising need for social workers External link:open_in_new is occurring not just in the United States, but
around the world. This is in part due to studies that link government spending on social work to
healthier, safer communities.

Social Work is Shifting Focus

Another reason to join the profession is that social work is undergoing positive changes. In the
traditional framework, social workers offer tools and guidance to help solve problems. However, social
work is now shifting to take a preventive approach. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, social
workers work proactively, equipping people with skills and counseling to navigate problems.

Educational Pathways in Social Work

The level of education needed to become a social worker varies depending on the role you are pursuing.
For example, a community outreach organizer or group home worker should complete a Bachelor of
Social Work (BSW). To work in a clinical capacity and the majority of school and hospital settings, you
will need to earn a master’s in social work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). For
those who already hold a BSW, there is an option of pursuing an advanced standing MSW in lieu of a
traditional MSW program.

At the highest levels of education, individuals may seek a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW). A DSW is an
advanced degree that enables graduates to work in administrative or clinical social work. Additionally, a
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in social work is opportune for individuals interested in research-
focused work.
With the previous information in mind, it’s vital to seek out an accredited program. Social work
programs are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). A CSWE accreditation External
link:open_in_new ensures the social work program meets the professional standards of today’s market.

Seven Principles of Social Work

What is social work? Examining the field’s core principles offers a well-rounded answer.

There are seven key principles of social work developed by professor Felix Biestek External
link:open_in_new, who died in 1994. The principles that Biestek identified address common questions of
ethics in social work.

Acceptance: This is a core principle of social work because it requires that a social worker accepts their
client as is. As Biestek noted: “Acceptance does not mean approval. The object of acceptance is not ‘the
good’ but ’the real.’” Once a client feels this acceptance, it will be easier to open up to the social worker.

Individualization: This principle that every person is unique keeps social workers from generalizing and
making assumptions based on past clients or groups of people.

Self-determination: Clients have the right to make their own decisions. The social worker should not
impose their choices on a client or pressure them to come to a certain decision.

Non-judgmental attitude: A social worker is to remain unbiased, recognize that each human being has
dignity and worth and is neither good nor bad. “Blame and praise may have the same effect on a client:
to hide a part of himself so as not to be judged,” Biestek said.

Confidentiality: You’ve probably heard of doctor-patient confidentiality. Social workers also protect their
clients by ensuring information shared remains confidential. This is crucial to develop trust and
encourage the client to speak freely.

Controlled emotional involvement: While a social worker should be dedicated to their clients, they must
maintain an objective emotional involvement. This way, they can respond appropriately to the emotions
shared by the client.

Purposeful expression of feelings: Being a social worker requires a great deal of emotional intelligence,
recognizing the client’s need to freely express their feelings.

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Social Worker?

What is a social worker, and what do they do? There is no cookie-cutter archetype of a social worker but
a wide array of roles, with different responsibilities attached to them.

Different Types of Social Workers

Community social workers: These workers strive to heal and fix communities. They assess problems and
work to implement systems that solve them.

Criminal justice social workers: These social workers advocate for those in the criminal justice system
and their family members. They can connect those charged with crimes and their families with
resources.
Medical social workers: Health care social workers offer services to patients needing emotional, financial
and other types of support. They can help patients and their families form post-discharge plans and
connect them with community resources. They can also provide counseling as patients weigh medical
options.

Military and veteran social workers: Working with those serving in the military is another option for
social workers. They counsel clients and support their families. They also help clients transition to
civilian life.

Child and family social workers: These social workers help children in unstable homes and those who
have undergone trauma. Child Protective Services check in on 3.2 million children External
link:open_in_new each year to help ensure their well-being.

There are many other types of social workers and roles to pursue in this field, from working with the
older adults to serving as a mental health counselor. There are also options to work internationally as a
social worker. For instance, social workers are desperately needed to provide emotional support and
other aid to families displaced by war.

Licensure Needed

Social work positions require licensure; however, the requirements vary by state. You likely have to pass
the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam External link:open_in_new before obtaining a
license. There are three main types of licensure:

Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

All three require that you pass the ASWB exam and complete supervised hours. Requirements vary, so
research the state and federal requirements for social workers External link:open_in_new.

What Skills do Social Workers Need?

Because social workers can take on a variety of roles, there is no defined list of skills it takes to be a
social worker. However, there are certain skills all social workers should possess.

Emotional intelligence (E.Q.): E.Q. is defined as External link:open_in_newthe capacity to be aware of,
control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and
empathetically. Social workers must be self-aware and able to decipher the emotions of those they are
helping.

Listening: To truly help a person with their problems, social workers must be active listeners. When
clients feel they are being heard, they are much more likely to share and develop trust with a social
worker.

Tolerance: Being tolerant of all clients and treating them with respect is critical.
Communication: Social workers have difficult conversations with their clients and, in some cases, the
families of their clients. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively is an especially important skill
for social workers.

Strength: Social work is emotionally taxing, with painful and heartbreaking situations. Social workers
strive to heal and help others. This requires resilience and strength.

Social work also requires compassion, the ability to set boundaries, and organizational skills.

Where Do Social Workers Work?

There are multiple sectors in which a social worker can pursue a career. Social workers (41%) are
employed by the government External link:open_in_new in local, state and federal capacities. Social
workers employed by the government usually work in the Department of Health and Human Services
External link:open_in_new. Branches include the child welfare branch, public health and safety, and the
unemployment office.

Private, nonprofit and charitable organizations are the second-largest employer of social workers,
accounting for 34.3% of jobs. Private for-profit companies employ 22% of social workers. A growing
number of companies are utilizing the skills of social workers External link:open_in_new to improve the
work environment for their employees. The remaining 2.5% of social workers are self-employed.

Social workers are useful in many situations, so they can work in numerous locations and environments.

To sum up, social work serves individuals and communities, helping them heal and grow. Social workers
have an incredible ability to improve the lives of others. The demand for social workers is sizable, with
immense potential for individuals who want to selflessly advocate for marginalized people and groups.
There are a plethora of industry specializations — like criminal justice or medical social workers — to
leverage personal experience or interests. With the appropriate education, the opportunities to inspire
change are endless.
Important Theories in Social Work

Social work theories attempt to describe, explain and predict social events based on scientific evidence,
studies and research. Social work perspectives draw from psychology, philosophy, economics, education
and other fields to attempt to explain what drives and motivates people at various stages of life.

Some social work students studying for a bachelor’s degree in social work or master of social work may
wonder, “Why is theory important in social work?” Social workers learn a variety of theories so they’re
prepared to apply social work theory to practice. That ensures competence in social work, which can
increase social worker confidence.

Why Is Theory Important in Social Work?

Social work theories help social workers analyze cases, understand clients, create interventions, predict
intervention results and evaluate outcomes. While the theories are constantly evolving as new evidence
is produced, referencing social work theories that have been used over time enables social workers to
explore causes of behavior. They can then help their clients find the best solutions.

Learning about various social work theories helps remind social workers that their personal assumptions
and beliefs should be suspended during social work practice. Social workers should use evidence-based
theories to investigate issues and drive their practice, instead of applying their own attitudes, reactions
and moods to client work.

Applying Social Work Theory to Practice

Social work theory provides a starting point for social workers to create interventions and plan their
work. It gives social workers a way to address client problems through a research-based lens.

The theories help social workers better understand complex human behaviors and social environments,
which influence their clients’ lives and problems. A good grasp of theory helps guide social workers by
providing them with a sense of direction, purpose and control by using research-based scientific
evidence in theory.

One challenge of applying social work theories to practice is choosing the right theory for the situation
at hand. It can be difficult to assign a single theory to complex client issues. Often, it’s more practical to
draw upon the knowledge of multiple theories and use that understanding to design multifaceted
interventions.

List of Important Social Work Theories

The following list of social work theories includes some of the most widely referenced theories used in
social work.

1. Social learning theory

Social learning theory, which is also known as social cognitive theory, was developed by psychologist
Albert Bandura.External link:open_in_new This theory posits that learning occurs by observing others
and modeling their behavior.
In order for social learning to occur, a person must want to emulate the person they’re watching. The
individual pays close attention to the action and retains the action in memory. Then, the individual must
experience a situation where the behavior can be repeated and must be motivated to repeat the
behavior.

Social learning theory relates to social work because social workers may want to understand how role
models affect the behaviors and moods in those they work with. Social learning theory can also help
social workers form intervention strategies that use positive modeling and reinforcement to create new
positive behaviors in their clients.

2. Systems theory

Systems theory proposes that people are products of complex systems, rather than individuals who act
in isolation. In this theory, behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system.
These factors include family, friends, social settings, religious structure, economic class and home
environment, which can all influence how individuals act and think.

Systems theory can be used to treat issuesExternal link:open_in_new like eating disorders, depression,
bipolar disorder, anxiety, school trauma and risky behavior. In ecological systems theory, individuals are
observed in multiple environments so that behavior is fully understood. Family systems theory examines
the family as a social system influencing behavior and thoughts.

Social workers using systems theory will work to understand how their clients are influenced by the
systems they’re a part of. Social workers then identify where systemic breakdowns are affecting
behavior.

3. Psychosocial development theory

Psychosocial development theory was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who believed
personality develops in a series of stages. Erikson created an eight-stage theory of psychosocial
developmentExternal link:open_in_new. According to the theory, the eight stages of development that
people pass through in life are:

Trust versus mistrust

Autonomy versus shame and doubt

Initiative versus guilt

Industry versus inferiority

Identity versus confusion

Intimacy versus isolation

Generativity versus stagnation

Integrity versus despair

In psychosocial development theory, humans are believed to go through these stages as they age.
Psychosocial development theory can influence social workers, who can look at what stage of
development their clients are going through and use the theory to better understand the challenges
their clients are experiencing during certain stages of psychosocial development.

4. Psychodynamic theory

Psychodynamic theory was introduced by the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. This theory is
founded on the idea that humans are biologically driven to seek gratification. The theory states that
people do this based on processes that have developed outside of conscious awareness, with origins in
childhood experiences. This drive influences everyday behavior, leading to actions like aggression, sex
and self-preservation.

In social work, psychodynamic theory can help to explain the internal processesExternal
link:open_in_new individuals use to guide their behavior, some of which may be unconsciously
motivated. Social workers may also examine how early childhood experiences have played a role in
influencing their clients’ behavior today.

5. Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory originates with Austrian sociologist George Homans. It says that relationships are
based on cost-benefit analysis. Each person seeks to maximize their benefits and is expected to
reciprocate for the benefits they’ve received. When risks outweigh potential rewards, relationships may
be abandoned. When one person in a relationship has greater personal resources than another, that
person is predicted to have greater power as well.

Social workers can use social exchange theory to understand the relationships their clients haveExternal
link:open_in_new with others and why they continue to maintain certain relationships or abandon
them.

Social exchange theory can also be applied to the techniques social workers use to connect with their
clients. Social exchange theory can influence how social workers position the social worker-client
relationship as one that benefits their clients.

6. Rational choice theory

Rational choice theory helps explain why people make the choices they do, as people weigh risks, costs
and benefits before making decisions. This theory says that all choices are rational because people
calculate the costs and benefits before making a decision. Even when a choice seems irrational, there
was reasoning behind it.

This theory can help social workers understand the decision-making processes and motivations of their
clients. Using rational choice theory, social workers can examine how their clients make
decisionsExternal link:open_in_new based on their rational preferences.

6 Practice Models in Social Work

Social work practice models are ways social workers can implement theories in their practice. Just like a
social worker may use various theories to guide their interventions, social workers may also use various
practice models depending on the problems their clients encounter.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapyExternal link:open_in_new focuses on how thoughts and feelings influence
behaviors, as well as how self-destructive behaviors can lead to psychological problems. Social workers
using cognitive behavioral therapy methods help clients identify self-destructive thoughts and behaviors
that influence negative emotions and behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used with individuals who are experiencing mental health issues,
mental illness or depression resulting from crisis or trauma. Social workers using cognitive behavioral
therapy help their clients eliminate destructive thoughts and behaviors and prevent negative outcomes
from them.

2. Crisis intervention model

The crisis intervention model is used for clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma, such as victims
of domestic violence, and for clients who require intervention to prevent physical harm or suicide.
Albert R. Roberts, PhD, and Allen J. Ottens, PhD, developed a seven-stage crisis intervention
modelExternal link:open_in_new with the following stages:

Take a psychosocial and lethality assessment.

Rapidly establish rapport.

Identify the major crisis cause(s).

Enable the client to express their feelings and emotions.

Generate and explore safe alternatives for coping.

Create an action plan.

Follow up after the intervention.

This social work model is commonly used for clients who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-
harm or who have undergone an acute crisis, like rape or violence.

3. Narrative therapy

Narrative therapyExternal link:open_in_new is the process of removing an individual from their

problem(s) and helping the individual to see that they have the power to change their life story, also
known as the narrative. Narrative therapy helps individuals realize that they are not their problems, but
that they’re separate from them and can fix them when they view the narrative from an outside
perspective.

Using narrative therapy, a social worker would help an individual to create a new narrative with
different positive actions. The social worker helps an individual understand how the broader context is
contributing to their narrative, so they can be aware of things to avoid and ways to tackle their
problems.

4. Problem-solving model

The problem-solving model External link:open_in_new was created by Helen Harris Perlman, a social
worker and author of “Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process.” With the problem-solving model, a
social worker helps an individual identify a problem, create an action plan to solve it and implement the
solution. Together, the social worker and individual discuss the effectiveness of the problem-solving
strategy and adjust it as necessary.

The problem-solving model enables the social worker and individual to focus on one concrete problem
at a time. Perlman argued that this method is effective because long-term psychotherapy isn’t always
necessary and can hinder an individual’s progress.

5. Solution-focused therapy

Solution-focused therapy involves the social worker and client identifying a problem and creating a
solution based on the individual’s strengths. It’s a short-term practice model that focuses on helping
clients to cope with challenges using specific behaviors. Instead of focusing on changing who a client is,
solution-focused therapy concerns changing a client’s actions in certain situations to achieve more
favorable outcomes.

In solution-focused therapy, the social worker and the client work together to devise solutions. This
gives the client the opportunity to play an essential role in the positive changes they’re going to make
and helps them to implement those changes since they had a role in suggesting them.

6. Task-centered practice

With task-centered practice, a social worker breaks down a problem into manageable tasks. The
individual has deadlines to complete the tasks and agrees to meet them. Task-centered practice is a
goal-setting form of social work that helps individuals make constant gains toward improving their lives.

Task-centered practice is a form of social work brief therapy, that provides time-limited treatments to
move individuals closer to success as they complete tasks. Instead of focusing on the past, social
workers using task-centered practice focus on the present and how the work individuals do on certain
tasks will positively impact their future.

Resources to Explore Social Work Theories

Social work theories have been practiced over decades and continually evolve when new research is
completed. Learn more about social work theories by exploring the resources below.

Journals

Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work:External link:open_in_new This journal features research on

evidence-based practice in social work and evaluates social work theory, techniques and strategies.

Journal of Social Work Practice:External link:open_in_new This journal focuses on psychodynamic and
systemic social work perspectives. It features research on theory and practice experience and includes
articles offering critical analysis of systemic and psychodynamic theory.

Journal of Social Work:External link:open_in_new This journal includes social work research and shorter
“think pieces” on social work theoretical understanding, policy and practice.

Social Work:External link:open_in_new This journal is the official journal of the National Association of
Social Workers and features articles on social work and social welfare, including new techniques and
research.
Clinical Social Work Journal:External link:open_in_new This journal features peer-reviewed articles on
clinical social work practice with individuals, groups, families and couples. It also has articles on theory
developments, practice and evidence-based clinical research.

Introductory books

“A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory”:External link:open_in_new This textbook by David Howe
explains how social work practice is influenced by various social work theories and shows how social
work theories have evolved over time.

“An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods”: External link:open_in_new This book
by Barbra Teater explains the most prominent social work theories and how those approaches can be
used in practice.

“Social Work Theory and Practice”:External link:open_in_new This book by Lesley Deacon and Stephen J.
Macdonald explains how social work theory informs practice for various individuals and contexts.

“Modern Social Work Theory”:External link:open_in_new This book by Malcolm Payne introduces the
major social work practice theories and explains how to apply theory to practice.

“An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice”:External link:open_in_new This book by James
A. Forte covers 14 social work theories and explains how to use them from engagement through
evaluation.

Note: the links in this section on Social Work Theory all go to Google Books and are solely provided for
your information. OnlineMSWPrograms.com does not receive any form of compensation for these links.

Other online resources

Theories of Social Work:External link:open_in_new This slideshow introduces social work theory,
explains the use of social work theories in practice, covers social work theory limitations and briefly
covers some specific social work theories.

NASW Clinical Social Work:External link:open_in_new This section of the National Association of Social
Workers website covers clinical social work practice. It features content, publications and related
resources for clinical social workers, like the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work
PracticeExternal link:open_in_new.

Encyclopedia of Social Work:External link:open_in_new The Encyclopedia of Social Work by the National
Association of Social Workers Press and Oxford University Press features tools for applying social work
theory to practice. These resources include scholarly articles and bibliographies.

Social Work Today:External link:open_in_new This publication features articles on current social work
trends in categories like behavioral health, addictions, children and family, aging and professional
practice.

Social Work Helper:External link:open_in_new This website features articles and videos on various social
work topics and the latest news in social work.
Science-Based Social Work Theory Helps Social Workers and Their Clients Succeed

Social work theory helps social workers ensure competence when creating interventions for clients. An
understanding of the most prominent social work theories gives social workers the tools they need to
provide evidence-based treatment and help their clients overcome their problems. As social work
theories continue to evolve and emerge, social workers can apply their multifaceted knowledge to
unique situations and clients.