Social Workers: The Modern-day Superhero
Written by Hannah A. Kasmala, M.S.W. intern, Social Work
Batman’s Commissioner James Gordon said, “You’re going to make a difference. A lot of times it won’t be huge; it won’t be visible even. But it will matter just the same.” Similarly, social workers make differences in patients’ lives every day. Most of the time, the effects aren’t visible, but they are incredibly meaningful. Like superheroes, social workers consider their profession a calling in which they can use special skills and values – both learned and intrinsic.
Educational and professional requirements for becoming a professional social worker are extensive. A bachelor’s degree (preferably in a human behavior science or political science) is required. In addition, strong communication skills – both verbal and written – are essential. A master’s degree in social work, licensure and hands-on experience are also recommended, and are becoming more commonly required by employers. Intrinsically, social workers possess a universal appreciation for human diversity, social justice and social welfare.
Social workers use a person-in-environment approach to care, which allows them to help patients function optimally in their personal environments. In turn, patients can discover their own “superpowers” and adapt behaviors to positively impact their personal situations. Using keen observational and communication skills, social workers are uniquely able to identify – and solve – challenges to care that might exist for any given patient. And even after a health care crisis has passed, social workers continue to collaborate with community support services, which provide an additional layer of support for patients who need it.
Social workers, like superheroes, also are adept at working with people in all stages of life and in a variety of situations and settings. Professional social workers aid families, individuals, groups, organizations, schools and hospitals. Their areas of expertise can include, but are not limited to, mental health, substance abuse, justice and corrections, and hospice care. Social workers may also choose to become administrators, planners and policymakers where they are responsible for policy analysis and planning, program development and identifying funding for policies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the country with 650,000 people currently holding a social work degree. Professional social workers were the country’s largest providers of mental health services in 2013, making up about 60 percent of mental health providers. The social work profession is expected to grow by 22 percent in 2016, which will introduce a new generation of superheroes to our community and will most certainly make a difference for us all.
During Social Work Month, we pause to appreciate the numerous contributions – large and small, visible and invisible – the VCU Health social workers make to our patients and their families.
Categories Alumni, Students