By Lesli Senesac, Supervisor – Home-Based Family Preservation
“What do you want to do with your life?” is a question we all must ponder at some point. College, high school, and even junior high students are being asked to make a career choice earlier and earlier. For some of us, discovering our path in life comes easily and for others it’s more difficult. I knew I wanted to be a Social Worker in elementary school, but I didn’t know that’s what it was called. I just knew I wanted to help children.
Social Work is one of the most noble and versatile occupations, yet many people still think social workers have rose colored glasses and hand out government cheese. When in fact, social workers have the best pulse on the struggles of marginalized persons. While in my MSW program, I realized how many different things I could do with my degree – work with children and adults who have experienced abuse, struggled with mental illness, or are experiencing substance abuse issues. If you want to help others and believe people can change, I encourage you to consider the social work profession.
Below are a few of the qualities social workers possess:
- You see the value and worth of everyone.
- You believe all people can change.
- You see gaps in your community and you want to advocate for change.
- You use critical thinking skills.
- You are empathetic.
- People tell you that you’re a good listener.
Social workers are everywhere and part of the fabric in our communities. You’ll find social workers in schools, correction facilities, hospitals, home-based care, domestic violence shelters, community organizations, hospice, private counseling, lobbying for social change, mental health, substance abuse, and the list goes on and on. I have been able to work in a lot of different areas because of the flexibility of the degree which is probably the thing I love most about the profession.
If you want to work with like-minded people who are supportive and engaged in activities that inspire and amaze you, social work may be the career for you. If you like a flexible work schedule and your days to never to be the same, think no further than social work. If you want to help create change in your community, check out how you can become a social worker here.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT FAMILIES FIRST