In the US social workers have been used for years. Sometimes they are in the role of monitoring the welfare of children or working with the parent or parents to work on issues to give family reunification. Social workers serve both children and adults in many areas.

Included career fields are the following, with more programs constantly developing.

• Residential Programs
• Community-Based Programs
• Outpatient Programs
• Juvenile Detention Centers
• Drug & Alcohol Programs
• Schools
• Group Homes

In many countries with populations having the "third world" classification the UN and other governments have given high amounts of financial aid. Despite this aid, the percentage living in extreme poverty was still 38%. 

Countries like Costa Rica and El Salvador have found that community-based social work programs are the key, not only to transforming lives but to improve the socio-economic development of the community and country.

Crime rates, health, school attendance, and employment are all areas of strong improvement. Social workers are using a three layer approach. Instead of just being perceived by people as a negative impact in their life, they are asking the community what the needs are in the community, then helping to address those needs. The next layers are education programs and help in procuring employment. They are empowered to have programs aimed at ending violence, helping women and girls to learn independence, increase the awareness of programs to avoid drug abuse, and having basic schooling for all.

In the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession of social work will grow a projected 16% between 2016 and 2026. This is faster than most professions. 

But even more impressive is the statistic coming from the International Federation of Social Workers. They have had an unprecedented growth of 60% between 2011 and 2017.

Why are we seeing these statistics? The short answer is because social work works! At Staffing Plus we partner with employers and prospective employees to provide the best opportunities for both in this field.

To learn more about this and related topics, visit the Behavioral Health section of our blog.

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