Make service your calling

Social work or work for the welfare of society became a well-established discipline  when societies grew and people began applying scientific principles to understanding human behaviour and society became more tolerant and reformative rather than prescriptive. It involves the application of social theory and research methods to study and improve the lives of people, groups, and societies. It incorporates and utilises other social sciences as a means to improve the human condition and positively change society’s response to chronic problems.

 

With the increasing importance of psychology in 20th century, the profession began to rely more on research and evidence-based practice. Today social workers are employed in a variety of roles and settings and as a result an increasing number of educational institutions have started offering social work programmes.

 

Professional social workers need to have a degree in social work and often also have a licence. For getting into a career in this field you would require Master’s in Social Work (MSW), which is a two-year course open for graduates from any stream. Those who plan early and take up sociology  in graduation sail smoothly in this field. You can also linearly graduate to an MPhil and PhD in Social Work. 

 

The skill set required for this career includes a excellent communication skills  and a desire to do something for society and also the ability and perseverance to work long hours. You should have good stress management skills and emotional maturity in order to thrive in a work environment that poses unique challenges.

 

After a master’s degree, students can choose to work in the field of their choice and continue to develop the skills required to perform clinical assessments, manage cases, take on supervisory roles, and explore new ways of drawing upon social services to meet the needs of clients. Advancement to  the posts of supervisor, programme manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department usually requires an advanced degree and related work experience.  

 

One may also go in for teaching, research, and consulting. Some of these workers also help in formulating government policies by analysing and advocating policy positions in government agencies, in research institutions, and on legislators’ staff. 

 

One can also start private practice and provide psychotherapy. Other types of social workers include social work administrators, planners and policymakers, who develop and implement programmes to address issues such as child abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, and violence. These workers research and analyse policies, programmes, and regulations. They identify social problems and suggest legislative and other solutions. 

Child welfare caseworker: Child welfare workers work with children and families in need. They deal with children  with special needs and behavioral problems. In many situations, caseworkers interact with children and family members and assess the needs of each child and determine the best course of action for improving the child’s situation.

Many child welfare caseworkers focus on specific groups of at-risk children. Who would employ you: You would find employment in government social work facilities, at the local, state, or union level. Child and youth service offices and family services offices, Community health centers and schools might also hire you.

 

Drug counselor: Drug counselors, also known as substance abuse or behavioural disorder counselors, work with patients on an individual or a group basis to help them address their addiction issues. They assist patients as well as friends and families of patients with coping methods and recovery programmes. Drug counselors must be licensed by the state where they work, which usually requires at least a master's degree. Professional certification is not required, but may increase employment opportunities.

 

What would you do: Drug counselors usually assist individuals in controlling their addiction to drugs or alcohol; however, a drug counselor may also help patients with gambling problems or eating disorders. In addition to scheduled therapy sessions, a drug counselor performs emergency crisis-counseling sessions and is expected to sometimes take drop-in patients who need support therapy. Some also start community outreach programmes to try and prevent future substance abuse problems.

 

Where are the jobs: Drug or deaddiction counsellors  work in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and governmental facilities such as prisons, juvenile detention centers and as probation offices. Working hours include days, evenings, nights, and weekends and jobs are usually full time.

The added advantage

 

While applying for admissions in a foreign university, work in social welfare or a stint with an NGO can give you an extra edge. If you want to elevate yourself  to a higher cause, script your career in social welfare.

 

— The writer is a Punjab-based career counsellor