JFCS celebrates our social workers

By Ruth Paley • Clinical Services Director

 

Last month was Social Workers Month; throughout the month of March, the social work profession was celebrated and showcased nationally in many ways. At Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, social workers play an important role throughout the organization. Those of us who work at JFCS are well aware of this and are grateful every day for the passion and dedication our social workers provide our clients and program participants. JFCS employs social workers in senior leadership, as program managers, case managers and counselors. Social workers also serve as board members.

 

So, do you know what exactly a social worker is? Social workers are mental health professionals who help people with a broad range of issues, including psychological, financial, health, relationship and substance abuse problems.

 

A Few Facts About Social Workers   *Courtesy of verywell.com

• Social workers held approximately 649,300 jobs in 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Most jobs in the field require a Master’s degree in Social Work
• Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, nonprofit agencies like JFCS, and government offices

 

What Do Social Workers Do?

The field of social work utilizes social theories to understand human problems, to help improve people’s lives, and to improve society as a whole. Many who work in this field specialize in particular areas, such as helping children, assisting those life-threatening problems, or aiding people in overcoming addictions.

 

Social workers:

• Act as advocates for their clients
• Educate clients and teach them new skills
• Link clients to essential resources within the community
• Protect vulnerable clients and ensure that their best interests are observed
• Counsel clients who need support and assistance
• Research social problems to look for remedies
• Work to change  laws and policies

 

The hard work social workers do on many levels is critical to JFCS’ mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need. While March was officially Social Work Month, at JFCS we honor and celebrate the social work staff who are committed to improving the lives of the people we serve every month!