Department of Social Work
The Profession of Social Work
Social work is one of the most comprehensive occupations and is recognized as the profession that centers its efforts on helping people to improve their social functioning. This focus on people in their social environment requires social workers to have an understanding of factors affecting individuals as well as the social forces that shape the world in which they live. Central themes of social work include a commitment to social justice, assisting people and communities to better their life circumstances, an action orientation, and an appreciation for human diversity. These values lead to versatile practice perspective with skills to meet the challenges of the rapid changes affecting society.