Discover Social Work

What is social work?

Do you like to help people? Are you good at maneuvering through complex situations? If so, social work should be on your list of career options! According to the National Association of Social Workers, social work is “a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment” and Bureau of Labor Statistics adds “Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.” 

Social work professionals are found in a wide variety of environments, from hospitals and universities to communities of all types.

 

Social workers share a commitment to

  • promoting social welfare,

  • ​helping people of all backgrounds overcome their unique challenges,

  • advocating for social and economic justice for all members of the community, and

  • embodying a professional code of ethics.

   

 

John Cocco, a current doctoral social work student, answers the question “What is social work?” in this short video.