Unlock a Rewarding Career in Social Work

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The term “social work” is familiar to most Americans, but the field itself is not often particularly well understood. Exploring some of the more interesting facts about social workers is a helpful way to gain insight into their day-to-day realities and impact. As we consider some surprising things about social workers, we will find that social workers are making a difference in a much wider range of contexts than many realize. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of social work and discover how you can pursue this rewarding career with the help of the University of New England Online.

Social Workers Have a Long History of Making a Difference

The first social work class was taught at Columbia University in 1898, beginning a decades-long legacy of caregivers and visionary leaders in the field. Over the century-plus since its origins, social work has remained a steady force in meeting the needs of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers have played crucial roles in historical changes, including:

• Identifying and treating mental health issues
• Developing key programs such as Medicare and Medicaid
• Leading the improvement of employee treatment and benefits
• Contributing to civil rights progress
• Offering substance abuse treatment
• Advocating for child wellness and welfare

Throughout waves of societal changes, social workers have proven essential to our shared history.

Social Workers Impact Virtually Every Part of Society

One of the most surprising aspects of social workers is their wide variety of contexts. Social workers can be found in almost every field, including:

• Schools and universities
• Healthcare
• Adoption and foster services
• The military and Veterans Affairs
• Child and family welfare
• Corporate settings
• Mental health
• Substance abuse treatment
• Housing and community services
• Hospice care

The stereotypical perception of social workers working in limited fields is incorrect. The field is constantly growing, and the need for educated, excellent social workers continues to increase.

Social Workers are Key to Movements of Justice and Change

Social workers are often on the front lines of systemic problems in our communities, making them some of the best advocates for broader awareness and response to issues of accessibility and equity. The pandemic highlighted how social workers played a vital role in addressing public health inequities, particularly for low-income populations, minorities, and the elderly. Future-focused education for social workers is crucial in creating a more just society.

Businesses are Hiring Social Workers as Social Responsibility Guides

Social workers now have a significant role in the corporate world. With growing expectations for companies to be socially conscious, corporations recognize the need for social workers to help create healthy work environments and contribute to society. Social workers offer essential skills to improve workplaces and guide companies to be better stewards of their resources.

Social Workers are Leading Providers of Mental Health Care in the United States

Among the many interesting facts about social workers is that they comprise the nation’s largest providers of mental health care. This era offers social workers the opportunity to address one of the nation’s most acute and growing needs. Nearly one-third of Americans have symptoms of clinical anxiety or depression, highlighting the crucial role social workers play in mental health care.

Social Work Career Opportunities are Growing Rapidly

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates over 78,000 new social work job openings each year over the next decade. Social workers can choose from a wide variety of settings, and society increasingly understands their vital role in helping us prepare for various challenges to our individual and collective well-being.

Pursue a Rewarding Career with the University of New England Online

If you’re inspired by the diverse and impactful world of social work, the University of New England Online offers a Master of Social Work program to help you pursue this rewarding profession. With a curriculum designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in social work, UNE Online provides the education and support you need to make a difference in the world.

Embark on a fulfilling career path and join the ranks of dedicated professionals making a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities. Discover how the University of New England Online can help you achieve your social work goals.

What do our students have to say?

“One of the major advantages and reasons for choosing UNE was the flexibility of the program. I was able to continue caring for my loved ones and working full time while pursuing my master’s. Although there were due dates for assignments, I was still able to review the course material during my own time and arrange my schedule to complete assignments accordingly.” – LaToya Bryant, MSW

“When I started the MSW program, I wanted to advance my education in order to lead my team by example. Earning my MSW has allowed me to fulfill that goal, but what I got out of the program was far more. Happily – I came out of the program having learned far more than I ever thought I was going to learn. Completing the program went further than professional validation, and became equally a matter of personal fulfillment. I gained confidence in what I was doing professionally, and I also found that one of the most important changes that happened to me was not necessarily from the outside looking in. It was from the inside looking out.” – Darryl Vincent, MSW 

“Since starting at UNE, I’ve convinced two of my coworkers to join the program. They saw me going through the program, getting my master’s, and being able to manage the workload and saw that they could be successful too – so they applied and both were accepted. They are at different stages of their academic journeys and it’s great to see them doing it!” -Melissa Oran, MSW