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1. What is Social Work? Social Work is a dynamic and multi-faceted profession that works towards enhancing human well-being and social conditions. It is a profession governed by the values and principles of social work practice and based on a body of knowledge in essence; the Social Worker adopts a systemic view in assessing, intervening and acts as a voice for disadvantaged individuals, families, groups and communities in the society. Social Work is a versatile profession with Social Workers working in areas such as: - Poverty
- Relationship Problems
- Domestic Violence & Abuse
- Substance Addiction & Abuse
- Family Life Education & Parenting
- Interpersonal Communication & Social Skills Training
- Mediation & Negotiation
- Child Welfare
- People with Special Needs
- Youth Work
- Clinical / Mental Health Services
- Disability Services
- Care of Older Persons
- Social Work Administration & Policy
- Social Work Education & Research
- Consultancy Services
- Community Work
2. Who is a Social Worker? A Social Worker is an agent of change in society who works towards improving human well-being and social conditions by applying and utilising values, principles, knowledge, skills and techniques learnt through a rigorous course of study, field placements, skills training as well as supervision, mentorship and on-going professional programs. Social Workers are found in direct practice, in administrative, management and policy planning positions in various work settings. To be a qualified Social Worker, a person must either complete a Social Work degree or graduate diploma course at a recognised university. 3. How to become a Social Worker? In Singapore, the minimum educational qualification to be a Social Worker is a minimum of a recognised degree in Social Work or a Graduate Diploma in Social Work from an accredited tertiary institution. Formal courses of Social Work training in Singapore are offered by (i) National University of Singapore, Department of Social Work, in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; (ii) Monash University in collaboration with the Social Service Training Institute (SSTI), (Bachelor of Social Work degree), and (iii) SIM University. 4. What are the career prospects for Social Workers? Social Work is not voluntary work. It is a profession and practitioners can expect to be paid a salary that is based on guidelines provided by the National Council of Social Service. Social Workers are in very high demand in Singapore and there is a wide variety of employment opportunities for someone who is trained in Social Work. A Social Work graduate can work in a variety of settings such as in the area of Addiction/Substance Abuse, Child Welfare, Clinical/Mental Health Services, Community Work, Correctional/Institutional Services, Family Court, Elder Care, Youth Work, Family Services, Industrial Social Work, Medical Social Work, School Social Work, Social Policy and Planning, and Social Work Education, to name a few. Generally, Social Workers provide: (1) casework management (such as linking families or individuals to appropriate social services and resources), (2) practical assistance such as financial aid, like the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, (3) individual and family counselling, (4) psychosocial education (public education to enable members of the public to better understand intra- and interpersonal issues, (5) group work such as support groups for single parents or for the mentally-ill, and (6) research and programme development services to serve ever-changing needs.
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