3 minute read
LENS - Social Worker
Mental Health Monthly
By RanDee McLain, LCSW
Who is a Social Worker? What do they do?
Do they take children away from unsafe living environments? Do help patients in hospitals get connected to benefits?
Was it just me or was that the only thing we heard about social workers growing up?
I was recently asked what a social worker does. What is a day in the life of a Social Worker like?
Today, I negotiated a program move, edited multiple learning agreements for student interns, de-escalated a client, supervised staff, reviewed budget, spoke with court staff and so much more. All of this is aspects of social work. Social work is different every day.
We are clinicians, advocates, policy makers, leaders, teachers and many other things. That is why I love the field of social work- it is such a broad field of practice. March is officially National Social Work Appreciation Month is the US. Let’s learn more about the amazing field of social work.
Columbia University offered the first class on social work in the summer of 1898. Jane Addams is considered the pioneer of Social Work and is best known for establishing settlement houses in Chicago for immigrants in early 1900’s. She was the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and a known community organizer and peace activist.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards for social workers, and to advance sound social policies.
Six ethical principles we follow as a profession:
• Service • Social Justice • Dignity and Worth of a person • Human Relationships • Integrity • Competence A primary responsibility of Social Workers is to promote the wellbeing of clients we serve.
Famous Social Workers:
• Jeanette Rankin-The first woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
• Frances Perkins, a Social Worker, was the first woman to be appointed to the Cabinet of a U.S President.
• Clara Barton- founded the American Red Cross in 1881 at the age of 60 and played a crucial role in shaping the organization.
• Harry Hopkins- a close advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt, he helped create crucial New Deal programs like the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. He authored the official charter for the American Association of Social Workers
I do not often share this but I nearly gave up this profession three times in my first year of graduate school. I came from a military and law enforcement background. Additionally, I grew up in a fairly conservative part of the country. I found myself in California and at a very progressive school. I struggled with finding my place in the field and staying true to my values. I specifically recall a time I asked my best friend- what did I get myself into? This is too ‘hippy dippy’ for me. Ok the last part still makes me laugh- but I really struggled to find how I fit into social work.
I had an amazing professor who gave me the space to grow and find my place. She also taught me it was important to remain true to myself in the process. She was able to show me that my values were very much in alignment with the principles which social work is founded on.
I continue to learn and grow in my field every day. I am an advocate, leader, policy changer, teacher, clinician….I am a Social Worker.
Take time to appreciate the Social Workers in your life!
Happy Social Worker Appreciation Month!!
www.Courage2Call.org
