Social Work

960 Words2 Pages

After coming to North Carolina Central University I have distinct opinion of what the social work profession is. Before, when I was still in high school I had a poor general idea of social workers. I was aware that school social workers had a degree but, I was under the impression that such degree was not needed to work in a place like the department of social services and both positions carried the same title. I knew of someone who worked at DSS for many years and they had begun working there straight out of high school. I know now that I was wrong, however, was my predetermine opinion that much different than the public’s? The only reason I have a more precise knowledge of the field is because I am a social work major. However, the vast majority of the population are not social work majors and thus their impression is based on what they have experienced and seen. In this paper I argue the different publics views based on interviews, readings, and personal experience. I would to begin this paper with an authentic definition of the Social Work field. Social work practices involves facilitating change—in other words, working with others, not doing something to them or for them(Dubois). Most people and social workers would always use the world ‘help’ in some way or form when defining social workers. Which is true but the confusion come in when asked where they work, who they assist and how they differ from other helping professions. Social workers can be sustain abuse therapists, child welfare specialists, and school social workers. We are not limited to just the department of social services. They can work in nursing homes, hospitals, and even in legislation. I began my research trying to find a negative perspective of social w... ... middle of paper ... ... one of the things they are not expecting is negative attitude. To conclude, the public’s definition of social is inaccurate. However, I believe that with the right skills and positive attitude a person in this field can help change this negative perception. Although, I am aware of the challenges people in this profession face I am eager to face them and become an excellent social worker. References DuBois, B., & Miley, K. K. (2014). Social work: an empowering profession (Eighth ed.). Boston: Pearson. The Five Most Popular Social Work Careers. (n.d.). Masters In Social Work Online Program Online MSW Degree MSWUSC. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from http://msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/the-five-most-popular-social-work-careers/ (2004). The public perception of Social Work: Is it what we think?. The public perception of Social Work: Is it what we think?, 49(2), 1-12.

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