Social workers are professionally qualified and trained people who help people and communities with their social well being. Social work besides being concerned with individual and personal problems also deals with broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence. Human rights and social justice are the philosophical social structures that support social work in the community. The exclusivity of social work practice is in the bringing together of some specific standards and principles, expertise and skills, including the use of relationship as the foundation of all affairs and respecting the client’s choice and involvement.
Social work when practiced in a socio-political-economic context which increasingly generates security for marginalized individuals and increases their well being. This is the reason that social workers plays an important role in society and are essential for people who need help.. The practice of social work is usually carried in such areas such as: mental health, assessment and diagnosis, human development, sociologic, psychosocial, issues related to diversity, marginalization and oppression; psychotherapy, counseling, social policy, public administration, social program evaluation, child welfare and community development. Social work is an multi faceted disciplinary field that derives theoretical bases from economics, education, sociology, law, medicine, philosophy, ecology, politics, anthropology and psychology
Social work improves the quality of life and well-being of individuals, families, couples, groups, and communities through research, policies, societal planning and organizing, direct practice, crisis solutions , and teaching those that are social disadvantaged such as poverty, mental and physical illness or disability, and social injustice, including violations of their civil liberties and human. The profession is dedicated to the pursuit of social justice and the well-being of oppressed and marginalized individuals and communities. Social workers put the community before themselves and try to help people without personal motives or anticipation of rewards.
A person who practices social work is called a social worker. In developed countries the title “Social Worker” is protected by law and only those who have undergone approved training at university either through a Bachelor or Masters Degree in Social Work and are registered with the appropriate professional regulatory body may professionally practice social work and be called a social worker. To practice social work without the appropriate qualification is termed criminal offences. Student social workers normally experience methodical and appropriate amount of training and qualifications that are very different from those of social care workers or care assistants, who may undertake a social work role but not necessarily have the qualifications or professional skills of a qualified social worker.
