By: Jennifer Hall
The National Association of Social Workers has designated March as National Professional Social Work Month. The 2020 theme is “Social Workers: Generations Strong,” emphasizing the positive impact that social workers have upon society throughout their careers. Let’s take a brief look at some of the vital roles today’s social workers play.
For generations, social workers have devoted their time, expertise, and passion to improving the quality of life for all Americans. Whether they’re working with children, individuals with addiction, families in crisis, or trauma survivors, social workers bring about positive change each day within our communities.
- Family, child, or school social workers offer assistance and advocacy to improve both the social and psychological functioning of children and their families. They help students perform better in school, as well as assist parents in locating foster homes, arranging adoptions, and addressing abuse issues. In schools, social workers address truancy, inappropriate behavior, teenage pregnancy, drug use, and poor grades. They also act as liaisons between students, group homes, schools, courts, protective services, and other institutions.
- Public health social workers are tasked with helping those diagnosed with chronic, life-altering diseases and disorders. They help these patients connect with local resources, provide emotional support, and help patients navigate the often-daunting landscape of bureaucracy. They counsel family caregivers, offer patient education, and assist in referrals and case management issues. Many serve vulnerable populations in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.
- Addictions and mental health social workers provide key support and services to those struggling with addiction or mental health issues—helping them connect with programs and services that can help them chart a healthier and more sustainable life course. In this context, social workers provide individual and group counseling, intervention during crises, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education services. They also provide guidance to help family caregivers address a client’s challenges.
Today’s social workers can be found in a range of environments—from preschools to hospitals and hospices—helping individuals of all ages have richer, more functional and rewarding lives.
Interested in learning more about social work? Check out these upcoming events as part of National Professional Social Work Month 2020:
Events
The Kent School Celebrates Social Work Month
Kent honors social workers with a week-long series of events designed to highlight the importance of social work to the campus community.
Date: Monday, March 16, 2020 (Day 1)
Time: 12:15–2:30 pm
Location: Oppenheimer Hall
2217 South 3rd Street
Louisville, KY 40208
Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work Membership Drive
KSCSW hosts an evening filled with live music, food, and fun at their annual Membership Drive! This is a wonderful networking opportunity, and a chance for community members to learn more about KSCSW.
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Pivot Brewing Co.
1400 Delaware Avenue
Lexington, KY 40505-4010
At Key Assets Kentucky, we are often the first point of care for many of our clients. That’s why our clinical staff includes skilled and trained social workers equipped to deal with the problems that frequently challenge clients and their families. We believe that our clients are best served by a holistic approach to care. So we treat more than injuries and disorders—we treat people. If you or a family member is struggling emotionally or have concerns about your mental health, contact us today. We can help.
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Key Assets Kentucky, is a behavioral health and child caring company based in Central Kentucky. Through our Key Assets Behavioral Health program and Children in Community Care program, we seek to positively impact the lives of children, young people, and their families. We specialize in offering support services via residential treatment group home care for youth with autism and/or developmental disabilities, and behavioral health therapy and case management services for youth, adults and families in times of crisis.