Community social work attracts individuals with a passion for building a career focused on helping others, particularly those from underserved communities, achieve their personal and professional goals. They also recognize that their efforts will contribute to stronger communities.

That commitment motivates social workers every day to enter communities and provide support to those in need. Most social workers earn a degree directly in social work, which opens the door to working with many different employers. By taking on jobs that emphasize protecting children, strengthening families, educating people on good health habits, and increasing access to healthcare, social workers make a difference every day in communities worldwide.

Why Community Social Work Is So Important

Social workers play a key role in improving the well-being of individuals and communities. They work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and community organizations. In every case, the goal of social workers is to help people navigate life’s difficulties.

Taking a holistic approach is a fundamental aspect of community social work. Social workers consider both the individual and their environment, addressing external factors that impact a person’s situation. They provide assessments and interventions to help clients and communities cope effectively with their circumstances and, when necessary, facilitate changes to improve those circumstances.

For example:

  • In healthcare settings, social workers help patients manage acute and chronic illnesses, providing support and connecting them with necessary resources.
  • In educational institutions, they work to prevent students from dropping out and help create supportive learning environments.
  • Social workers also play a crucial role in aiding individuals reentering society after incarceration and those recovering from substance use disorders.
  • Beyond individual support, social workers are instrumental in community outreach and long-term care, working in nursing homes, homeless shelters, and as first responders during natural disasters.
  • Social workers also serve as executive directors of nonprofit organizations, community organizers, and educators, demonstrating the profession’s versatility and commitment to community development.

A study in the journal International Social Work found that “sometimes all that social workers and their clients have time for is to survive for the next challenge.” But it envisioned a future of social work that includes stronger connections with vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. That work centers on connecting people in underserved communities with the proper resources.

The Different Types of Social Work

Social work encompasses a wide range of specialties, each addressing specific needs within communities. Below is an overview of various types of social work and their contributions to community well-being.

Administration and Management

Social work administrators lead public and private agencies that provide services to clients. They plan and deliver effective social services, ensuring that organizations meet community needs.

Advocacy and Community Organizing

Advocates and community organizers work to empower people and groups to effect change. By mobilizing resources and people, they strengthen communities by addressing systemic issues and improving access to services.

Aging

Some social workers specialize in aging and assist older adults in maintaining independence and dignity. They connect seniors with services that support their physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being.

Child Welfare

Child welfare social workers focus on the safety and development of children and youth. They support families in creating nurturing environments and intervene when necessary to protect children from harm.

Developmental Disabilities

These social workers assist individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence. They help families understand their legal rights and access services that promote inclusion and self-sufficiency.

Healthcare

Healthcare social workers address the social and emotional factors affecting health and wellness. They provide direct services, develop programs, and engage in policy planning to improve health outcomes and access to care.

International Social Work

Social workers in this field provide services in diverse settings, including refugee camps and hospitals. They support efforts to enhance global social well-being.

Justice and Corrections

Social workers in justice and corrections operate in courts, correctional facilities, and related settings. They support individuals involved in the legal system, aiming to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society.

Mental Health and Substance Use Social Work

These professionals assist individuals and families dealing with substance use disorders. They connect clients with resources, focusing on recovery and community reintegration.

Policy and Planning

Social workers in policy and planning analyze and develop programs to address social issues. They conduct research, propose legislation, and build coalitions to implement effective solutions.

School Social Work

School social workers serve as liaisons among students, families, and educational institutions. They address emotional, developmental, and academic needs.

Each of these specialties plays a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of communities, contributing to overall societal health and resilience.

Careers in Social Work

With about 752,000 professional social workers in the United States, the profession is a significant contributor to the nation’s mental health services, with more clinically trained social workers than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined.

Earning a degree in social work prepares students for careers in a variety of areas. Common types of social work include:

  • Working with the homeless
  • Child welfare
  • Access to healthcare
  • Advocacy for marginalized communities
  • Criminal justice

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), skills that drive success in the field include expertise in communication, compassion and empathy, organization, and problem-solving skills.

The BLS also reports that social workers nationwide earned an average salary of $61,330. The profession is projected to grow by 7 percent over the next decade.

The NMU Global Campus Master’s Degree in Social Work

Northern Michigan University’s Global Campus offers a flexible, fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program for working professionals. Students in the program have the option to choose between Clinical and Advanced Generalist concentrations, with two tracks available: Advanced Standing (36 credits) and Regular Standing (50 credits).

The curriculum combines academic coursework with field placements, preparing graduates for advanced roles in diverse social work settings. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.