Social workers serve on the front lines of challenges our communities face

March is Social Work Month – this year’s theme is Social Work: Compassion + Action

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By Jill Kozberg • JFCS Mental Health and Senior Services Director

Social workers have had a positive impact on society for the last 100 years, and since 1963, we have celebrated their contributions every March. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S.

Social workers train for years so they can help individuals, families, communities and our society reach their full potential. Social workers are on the forefront of helping our nation address a mental health and substance use disorder crisis and chronic income inequality that has led to rising homelessness. Social workers are called upon to not only provide support, but engage in advocacy, influence policy, and work toward lasting, systemic solutions.

According to the National Association of Social Workers, this year’s theme of Social Work is Compassion + Action, was chosen because, “social workers will be called to turn their compassion into action to help our nation address a variety of societal challenges.”

We are grateful for the social workers at JFCS and across our communities for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. We are fortunate to have social workers serving the organization in many roles, including community services professionals, employment specialists, intake counselors, mental health targeted case managers, mental health therapists, and senior services case managers. Social workers serve in direct service roles, program leadership, and on our Executive Leadership Team. We thank them all for their tremendous work.