Social work offers a wide range of career opportunities—from entry-level practitioner to doctoral-level researcher and educator. And social workers are in demand; employment of social workers is projected to grow 12% from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social work is an evidence-based profession that promotes human and community well-being. Guided by a person-in-environment framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, the purpose of social work is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally. To create a more just society, the Grand Challenges for Social Work was launched to address some of society’s toughest social problems such as homelessness, health disparities, and economic inequality.

If you are excited about making an impact on the world, social work is the profession for you!

The Council on Social Work Education  reviewed this career profile.