Social worker

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Social worker

Social workers are health professionals who use counseling to help people function in their environment, improve their relationships with others, and solve personal and family problems. They also help people locate and access appropriate resources for their particular needs.

A social worker may work in a hospital, community organization, or private counseling. Most social workers concentrate on a specific area of practice. For example, clinical social workers provide psychotherapy or counseling and a range of diagnostic services in public agencies, clinics, and private practice; child or adult protective services social workers investigate reports of abuse and neglect and intervene if necessary; and medical social workers provide counseling to people receiving therapy for physical problems or addictive behaviors in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities.

While many social worker positions, such as a child protective services social worker, require only a bachelor's degree (BSW), most require a master's degree (MSW). All 50 states require licensing, certification, and registration of social workers. Requirements vary from state to state.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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