Social work is a profession that can challenge you and help you to make a difference for others. Its goal is to improve the overall functioning and well-being of all people.  Yet, social workers have a special concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable.  Social work is both an art and science.  A past student explained it this way, “to be a social worker is to be like an artist with the right strokes on a canvas and like a scientist with the correct formula for reaching out and providing what is needed for others.”

Where Do Social Workers Practice?

Almost Everywhere.  Social workers can be found in hospitals, schools, churches, criminal justice systems, community agencies, child and family services, mental health centers.  They practice as school social workers, mental health counselors, community planners, administrators, child protective service workers, advocates.

See What Social Workers Do On a Daily Basis

The National Association of Social Workers Public Education Campaign’s video “On Any Given Day” presents a day in the life of a professional social worker to students and other audiences.   The DVD showcases social workers in different practice settings, highlighting the breadth of social work careers.  View it on line here to see just what it is a social worker really does on the job.

Unique Features of Social Work

Social work: 

• Utilizes a liberal arts foundation
• Builds on its specialized knowledge base
• Is directed by a Code of Ethics and Core Values
• Has a holistic view of human problems and strengths
• Used methods to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Values the dignity and worth of every person
• Uses hands-on experience through Field Placements (internships)
• Has a dual perspective: the person and the impact of the environment

Across the Life Span

Social workers help individuals and families at every age.  They may do adoption counseling or help someone who is grieving over the loss of a loved one or anything in-between.

What is Micro and Macro?

Sometimes social workers help individual or families who are coping with life’s challenges at the micro level.

Other times, it’s with larger problems when systems or organizations need to be changed at the macro level.

What Skills Do Social Workers Need? 

• An understanding of social policy and its origins
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and critical-thinking skills
• Advocacy skills and insight into strategies that promote social justice
• Competence and comfort in working with diverse populations

How Does Someone Become a Social Worker?

The first step to becoming a certified or licensed social worker is enrolling and graduating from a Social Work Program, like CUW’s Social Work Program, which is fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).  After graduation, with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work (BSW), students can take the exam for social work certification or licensing.

Core Values of Social Work

Service:  Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems.

Social Justice:  Social workers challenge social injustice.

Dignity and Worth of the Person:  Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.

Importance of Human Relationship:  Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.

Competence:  Social workers practice within their areas of competence, and develop and enhance their professional expertise.

Taking the First Step to Your Future as a Social Work Professional

Students at CUW who are interested in Social work can begin taking courses as early as their freshman year and begin upper division courses in their junior year.

All social work majors receive academic and career advising from a social work faculty member.

Students who earn their Bachelor degree in Social Work (BSW) have the academic credentials to immediately become employed in social work.

Students at CUW can also link their faith to social work through the Lay Ministry Certificate

The Social Work Program at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

For more information or to meet with a faculty advisor,

Contact: CUW Social Work Department  262-243-4436 or  Dr. Janice Staral, Director