HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY AND BECOME A SOCIAL WORKER

In this article, HERALD BANDA JR a Masters Degree Student in the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi takes through a career in social work! Enjoy.

WHAT IS SOCIAL WORK?

According to the National Association of Social Workers, social work is “a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment” and Bureau of Labor Statistics adds, “Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.”

Social work offers a wide array of opportunities in different settings and specialties. Social workers might occupy positions in schools, hospitals, outpatient services, nursing care facilities, and government agencies. Because they address the specific needs of their clients. Social workers provide a variety of services depending on their chosen setting.

What Does a Social Worker Do?

In general, social workers help children, families, and adults access programs and services that improve their lives. Social workers work in vulnerable communities, partnering with other agencies to address emergency situations. Many work in specialty care areas like helping families navigate the foster care system, terminally ill patients cope with a diagnosis, or veterans access resources.

Social workers work at a macro level, where they investigate social problems by researching the causes and effects problems have on individuals and the community. They design programs and advocacy initiatives that seek to address these problems at the community, state and national levels. Macro social workers typically work at social justice and advocacy organizations; research institutions such as universities, government departments and think tanks that develop human services programs; and nonprofits.

In general, social workers help children, families, and adults access programs and services that improve their lives. Duties also differ depending on a social worker's educational background.

Where Does a Social Worker Work?

Social workers find positions in schools, family services, local and state government agencies, and ambulatory services. Their daily routines and work settings look different. Some work in offices, while others, such as school social workers, might travel between facilities within a region or district.

12 Types of Social Workers

·         Child Welfare Social Work

·         Forensic Social Work (Criminal Justice)

·         Clinical Social Work

·         Psychiatric (Mental Health) Social Work

·         Military Social Work

·         Palliative Social Work

·         Hospital and Medical Social Work

·         School Social Work

·         Pediatric Social Work

·         Geriatric Social Work

·         Macro Social Work

·         Private Practice Social Work

What is needed to be a social worker in Malawi?

To be a Social worker in Malawi one must be a holder of a certificate or bachelor’s degree in social work obtained from universities and colleges accredited and approved by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Malawi. The program is offered in 4 years (Bachelors degree) and 1 year (Certificate). The following is the list of Universities and Colleges that are offering social work programs in Malawi.

Universities and Colleges offering Social Work in Malawi

·         University of Malawi (Chancellor College)

·         DMI-St John the Baptist University

·         Catholic University

·         Magomero Training College

·         University of Lilongwe

The admission requirements into the 4-year Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Social Work program shall be:

·         A minimum of 2 years working experience in a field relevant to the program plus;

·         A Malawi School Certificate of Education or any equivalent O-Level qualification passed with six credits including ENGLISH, or

·         A-Level qualification with not more than 9 points in the best three subjects, or

·         A Malawi School Certificate of Education or any equivalent O-Level qualification passed with four credits including ENGLISH, or plus a certificate in Social Welfare or Community Development with a strong pass from recognized institutions.

The admission requirements into the 1-year Certificate in Social Work program shall be:

·         MSCE or its equivalent with at least 4 credits including English.

·         Evidence of working in a child protection sector for at least 2 years for Government or Civil Society serving officers.

I hope you will be interested to join my profession to help humans be better versions of themselves!

For more information you can contact the blog administrator to link you up with me! Until next time.