Employment
Social Work

Summary
Social work is a "people" career, meaning that the work social workers do involves helping people overcome or relieve problems in their lives. Some social workers work directly with individuals, families and groups; others work with communities, organizations and systems. Social workers use their professional knowledge and skills to help people make the fullest use of their abilities.

Social workers are found in many different settings and work with people of all ages and backgrounds. The main areas of employment are:

  • Aging - Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, Hospitals
  • Addictions and Substance Misuse ? Treatment Centers, Residential Programs, Schools
  • Child Welfare ? Day Care Centers, Children's Services, Juvenile Court, Adoption and Foster Care Programs
  • Health ? Hospitals, Health Depts., Hospice, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, Nursing Homes
  • Mental Health ? Counseling Centers, Hospitals
  • Private Practice
  • School Social Work
What About St. Rita's Social Workers?
St. Rita's employs approximately 40 full and part time social workers throughout and outside of the Medical Center . Social workers work alongside patients, doctors, nurses and other professionals to provide help where it may be needed. Some workers are employed in specialty areas such as dialysis and oncology, while others work with a specific age population such as children or the elderly. Social workers also use their skills and expertise in making sure that programs and services the Medical Center provides are helpful and available to everyone.

Education Requirements and Resources
A bachelor's degree in social work is generally required for entry-level positions. A master's degree is required to provide therapy in an advanced setting. Most states require social workers to be licensed or certified, which involves meeting the necessary educational requirements and passing a licensing examination. A person interested in becoming a social worker should have good communication skills (both oral and written), have respect for and acceptance of differences in people and their lifestyles, and be flexible in handling many different problem situations.

The National Association of Social Workers has a variety of Web sites that can provide information related to the profession. Recommended Web sites are:

Area colleges and universities that provide a social work curriculum include:
Social Work

For More Information
Job Line:
(419) 226-7020

Fax
(419) 226-9870

E-mail
javantilburgh@health-
partners.org

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