Celebrating social workers as vital advocates supporting families through life’s challenges and triumphs.
The Institute for Family has celebrated social workers for the past two years through the Family Champion Awards. Social workers are vital in weaving a safety net of compassion, advocacy, and support for those navigating life’s most challenging and confusing times. Individuals must understand the role of social workers in our communities to raise awareness of available support and destigmatize the services they provide. The National Association of Social Workers released a report in 2023 stating that 86% of individuals in the U.S. are aware social workers work in social services and child welfare; however, less than half of U.S. citizens know social workers are involved in a range of other services including advocacy, financial benefits, and support. While social workers are a cornerstone of family well-being and a key component to helping individuals and families thrive, the depth and breadth of this role are often misconceived.
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Social workers are not limited to child welfare services. An article from The National Association of Social Workers explains there are many different areas social workers function in, including:
- Administration and Management
- Advocacy and Community Organizations
- Aging
- Developmental Disabilities
- Health Care
- International Social Work
- Justice and Corrections
- Mental health and clinical social work
- Substance Use
- Research
Social workers dedicate themselves to individual and family well-being in numerous ways and many different settings, including human service agencies, healthcare providers, schools, and juvenile centers. The Council on Social Work Education explains social workers have a history of “striving for social, economic, and environmental justice, advocating for human rights, competently providing services for clients at every stage of life, and engaging in lifelong learning.” The nonprofit A Broader View summarizes social workers’ responsibilities on the path to justice:
- Assessing the needs of individuals and communities.
- Developing and implementing intervention plans.
- Providing emotional and mental support.
- Advocating for individual’s rights and needs.
- Collaborating with professionals to provide the best care possible.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projected the field of social work will grow 7% between 2022-2032, estimating about 63,800 openings per year, which is faster than average for all occupations. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country. If you or anyone you know is interested in the field of social work, SocialWork.org can help identify a path and programs to aid in obtaining certification, or, if you are on the fence about why you should choose the social work profession, visit this article published by the National Association of Social Workers.
With the field’s importance and growth, the question becomes how communities can support their local social workers to increase their well-being and their own. Below, the Institute for Family provides actionable items and guidance on how individuals and organizations can create environments for social workers to thrive.
Create community education opportunities and awareness
Social workers are apt for burnout. Crown Counseling services estimates the current burnout rate is 39%, with a lifetime rate of 75% among social workers, which is comparatively higher than other professionals. A 2024 publication from the Delaware Journal of Public Health explains how social workers endure years of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, which can lead to burnout. The author, Michelle Ratcliff, DMFT, LSW, speaks to how it is imperative to teach people about the signs of burnout and encourage social workers to engage in self-care practices. The general population should be educated about signs of burnout to support peers, friends, or families in the field and help them find resources and outlets to ensure their happiness and well-being.
Establish “mental health days” for social workers to recoup
A 2023 article from Social Work News highlighted a discussion between three individuals in the social work field around the question, “Should social workers be given mandatory mental health days?.” A social worker, Vince Peart, spoke about how social workers often don’t work the typical eight to five hours and emotionally take on a lot. Social workers can only get a break by taking a sick day or using their vacation time. Peart argues that a fourth option, mental health days, should be included to acknowledge the time social workers need to recover. To encourage the overall well-being of individuals, organizations should add this option so social workers can feel their best and, consequently, do their best to serve families.
Lend a hand when you can
Volunteering is a great way to assist social workers and to get involved with the work in your communities. Look for local organizations accepting volunteers. This is a powerful way to become an advocate for resources and funding. Identify organizations that engage in advocacy and civic engagement. There are nonprofits in nearly every field of social work. Examples of keywords you can use when searching for how to be involved are as follows: Child welfare organizations, mental health and counseling services, homelessness and housing advocacy groups, healthcare access, community development, substance abuse and addiction, and elderly and aging support services. Within the field of social work, there is likely a cause or area in which you can find personal connection and passion.
Say, “Thank you”
Sometimes, a “thank you” is enough to give social workers the sign their daily acts of kindness and selflessness are making a difference. Social workers face ample criticism and misconceptions about their work from society. Hearing praise and validation is a small but excellent way to boost their self-confidence and security. For example, for the past two years, The Institute for Family has held the Family Champion Awards to honor and celebrate the miraculous work social workers do every day to support families and elevate family well-being. Through this event, the goal is for social workers across the state to feel appreciated for their work. Your “thank you” does not have to be as extensive as an event; it can be as simple as a card to a social worker showing gratitude for what they do.
Social workers are the hidden heroes of communities, and everyone can contribute to establishing community principles and practices that uphold and value their work. Social workers do not do their job for recognition; most do it because they believe in helping people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives and celebrating with them through the happiest moments. Social workers commit themselves to navigate complex systems (i.e., healthcare, legal, and social services) and advocating for everyone. As facilitators of change, people should understand their essential role in maintaining and advocating for family well-being.
If you have any questions or comments about the content in this Lightbulb Moment article, please contact our Research Associate, Madeline Attianese, at mattianese@chsnc.org.
