Our world is changing exponentially, moving faster than ever. Costs are soaring, and many find themselves in a widening care gap in need of help to deal with the ongoing challenges of life — poverty, discrimination, food and housing insecurity, the breakdown of families, substance use, domestic violence, unemployment, and more.

Enter the social worker. 

Social workers are dedicated to improving the well-being of humanity by meeting both basic and complex needs. Their work is rooted in advocacy and service and driven by core values of social justice, equity, and dignity for all.

Gloria Steinem, journalist and social-political activist, most fittingly stated it best when she said, “Social workers are my collective heroes. They sit at the juncture between those with too much power and those with not enough.”

If you’re interested in joining the profession of social work to have a meaningful impact in your community but still have some questions, this blog reveals all what social workers do, where they work, how they benefit their communities, and why advanced education strengthens their impact. 

What Is a Social Worker?

Social workers support people from all walks of life. They navigate the social ecosystem of individuals, families, and systems to address challenges to well-being. They are creative problem-solvers, advocates, and counselors who champion social and economic justice.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) describes social work practice as:

• helping people receive tangible services. 
• providing counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, groups, and families. 
• assisting communities or groups in providing or improving social and health services. 
• participating in legislative processes.

NASW categorizes social work practice into these areas:

• Aging
• Behavioral Health 
• Child and Family Welfare
• Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
• Clinical 
• Ethnicity and Race
• Health
• Legal System
• LGBTQ+
• Military
• Private Practice
• School
• Social and Economic Justice

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social workers’ mission is to empower all people, particularly marginalized and oppressed populations, and ensure their basic needs are met.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for higher education social work degree programs. It categorizes social work competencies into nine areas:

1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
2. Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
3. Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
5. Engage in policy practice
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Within these nine areas of competency, the social work profession functions at three levels: 

1. Micro (individuals/families) – Direct, individual or small group practice
2. Mezzo (groups/organizations) – Work with larger groups such as schools, neighborhoods, or nonprofit organizations
3. Macro (broad scope) – Focus on comprehensive change through research, policy development, and legislation

All social workers practice in the nine core areas, although daily duties may vary by specialty or focus. Some common functions include:

Advocacy 

By definition, to “advocate” is to support or argue for a cause, policy, etc.; to plead in favor of. Social workers are advocates who champion all human beings, ensuring they are treated fairly and have the resources and support they need. They may advocate one-on-one, in groups, for the community, or for systemic change.

Needs Assessment

Social workers assess and evaluate the social, emotional, and environmental needs of individuals and groups to determine which support networks are in place and where gaps exist.

Resource Access 

After the needs assessment, social workers conduct research and refer clients to services that can help them thrive. Examples include housing, healthcare access, social services, food assistance, legal aid, and more.

Therapy

Licensed clinical social workers with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and substance use disorders.

Crisis Intervention 

Social workers respond to emergencies involving child abuse, domestic conflicts, disasters, and mental health crises.

Case Management

Developing care plans, maintaining detailed records, and monitoring clients’ progress are key functions of a social worker.

Policy Development and Implementation 

Social workers operate at the local, state, and federal levels. They work to improve social programs and services by removing barriers to equity and addressing discrimination.

Where Do Social Workers Work?

Community-focused social workers collaborate with allied professionals and other agencies to help people live their best lives. Many social workers specialize in serving a particular population or prefer to work in a specific environment. 

Generally, they practice in a myriad of settings within the context of community service, including: 

• Schools and educational systems
• Hospitals, health systems, and mental health clinics
• Private practices
• Public and private agencies (child welfare, etc.)
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Government agencies 
• Senior centers
• Prisons
• Military
• Corporations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports there were 810,900 social workers in 2024 working in these specialized areas:

Child, family, and school social workers	399,900
Healthcare social workers	193,200
Mental health and substance use social workers	136,800
Social workers, all other	81,000

Salary and Job Outlook 

Today's highest-paid social workers recognize the importance of advanced education for a meaningful and lucrative career — an MSW broadens skills and boosts earning potential.

Many universities, including Saint Leo University, now offer online programs so you can earn your degree without sacrificing your current career or personal obligations.

An MSW prepares you to begin your journey to becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who can independently diagnose and treat patients. With the MSW credential, your earning potential is much greater (see chart below).

Social workers’ salaries vary based on education level, practice location (setting and state), and specialty, but the chart below gives you an idea of the national median salary for common social worker roles.

Social Worker Role	National Median Salary	Top 10% Median Salary
Social Workers, all other	$63,770	$104,580
Healthcare Social Worker	$62,940	$97,790
Mental Health and Substance Use Social Worker	$55,960	$100,090
Child, Family, and School Social Worker	$53,940	$85,590
LCSW (MSW required)	$92,537	$154,546

Source: BLS, Indeed

The Impact of Social Workers on Communities

Complex systems, legislative and cultural barriers, discrimination, and inequities often impede a society's functioning, stability, and health. Social work is the essential link between the community and the well-being of the people it supports. At its core, social work fosters equitable care and dignity for all.

Social workers have an ethical responsibility to the community. As such, the NASW sets forth a code of ethics in four areas for the broader society.

Social Welfare

• To promote the general welfare of society and the development of people, their communities, and their environments

• To advocate for the fulfillment of basic human needs and to promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with social justice

Public Participation

• To facilitate informed public participation in shaping social policies and institutions

Public Emergencies

• To provide professional services in public emergencies

Social and Political Action

• To engage in social and political action that ensures all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they need to meet basic human needs 

• To advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions and promote social justice

• To advocate in all areas with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups, and to promote conditions that encourage respect for cultural and social diversity 

• To work to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person, group, or class based on race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression of age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability

Why Social Work Is Important to Communities

Social work addresses inequality and identifies access gaps. 

Poverty, discrimination, housing shortages, and access to healthcare prevent people from living their best lives. Social workers advocate and lobby for change to ensure individuals and families can access the support services and resources they need to thrive. 

Examples include: aiding food assistance (SNAP); providing job training resources; and improving access to mental health and substance use counseling through individual and group therapy

Social work supports vulnerable and underserved populations.

Like the Dalai Lama’s book, “Voice for the Voiceless,” documenting his lifelong quest to save the people of Tibet who are under China’s occupation, social workers are the voice for those without agency. 

Social workers advocate for the rights of the marginalized, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, people with disabilities, children, and older adults. They work to ensure dignity, safety, and access to essential services for these often-overlooked populations.

Examples include: investigating child neglect and abuse and providing safety nets; advocating for older adults against ageism and nursing home abuse; connecting the unhoused with shelter; protecting the rights of trans people; identifying root causes of inequality and advocating for policies that promote equity

Social work strengthens community resilience.

Social workers bring communities together and fortify collective resolve. Their work in the community brings people together through support groups and community-building events, fostering a sense of community.

Examples include: collaborating with other professionals to identify potential health crises before they escalate and strain community resources; coordinating emergency shelters, providing emotional first aid, and helping survivors navigate insurance and aid claims during natural disasters

Social work bridges individuals and systems.

Social workers are system navigators and resource warriors. Their education, experience, and professional networks come together to navigate complex systems and create clear, accessible paths for those in need. 

Examples include: addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and transportation barriers that affect health outcomes; working with students, families, and schools to support students and families facing academic or emotional challenges; and championing justice by advocating for the formerly incarcerated to reintegrate into society

Social work promotes long-term social stability and equity.

Social workers identify and address the root causes of social problems to promote stability and equity. By encouraging diversity and helping people better understand one another, they contribute to creating tighter, more united communities.

Examples include: providing financial literacy education and job-search assistance to support economic mobility; breaking cycles of poverty and trauma through work in child welfare, education, and domestic abuse; and partnering with local governments to develop more welcoming public areas or with companies to implement fair workplace practices.

How the Social Worker Role Has Changed

The heart of social work has always been responding to the imbalance between human needs and the complex environments in which people live. However, contemporary society is inundated by social, political, and economic instability, which threatens the health and safety of all.

Social work has evolved in many ways in response to these disruptors. Let’s look at some ways social work is evolving to meet the needs of modern society.

1. Greater Attention to Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. Social determinants of health can affect life expectancy, chronic disease, mental and behavioral health, and maternal and infant health, among other outcomes.

Addressing differences in SDOH is key to influencing health equity. It’s estimated that medical care accounts for only 10-20% of healthy outcomes. The remaining 80-90% is attributable to social determinants of health.

SDOH is grouped into five domains:

1. Economic stability
2. Education access and quality
3. Healthcare access and quality
4. Neighborhood and built environment
5. Social and community context

Social workers address social determinants of health through assessment and screening to identify needs, case management to connect individuals to appropriate resources, care coordination with multidisciplinary teams, and advocacy to identify root causes of health inequities.

2. Heightened Focus on Mental Health 

An emphasis on mental health awareness and the nation’s addiction crisis has put a spotlight on mental and behavioral health. One billion people across the globe live with mental health disorders. Yet, one in four adults in the U.S. living with a mental illness does not have access to care.

Licensed clinical social workers can directly diagnose and treat mental illness and substance use disorders. All social workers who care for those with mental health disorders do so holistically, focusing on the broader picture, including social determinants of health. By treating people in this way, social workers provide comprehensive, individualized solutions and treatment plans.

3. Increased Need to Support an Aging Population

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the “gray tsunami” is coming. In 2020, there were 73 million baby boomers. By 2030, all boomers will be 65 or older. This dramatic shift in our population requires more social workers specializing in healthcare, geriatrics, and hospice to support long-term care and navigate common acute and chronic illnesses in an aging population.

Social workers in this area support older adults through:

• Care coordination with healthcare professionals and navigation of complex programs such as Medicare and Medicaid
• Counseling and emotional support for depression, anxiety, grief, advance care directives, and hospice care
• Advocacy and protection to intervene in cases of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation
• Caregiver support, education, and respite care resources for family members

4. Expanded Roles in Schools and Healthcare Systems

In today’s dynamic landscapes, social workers play a larger role in schools and healthcare systems than ever before. Their primary role in these areas is to bridge the access gap.

Schools

Access to education and essential educational resources remains a challenge for many communities, especially those in impoverished or isolated geographic areas. More and more schools are turning to social workers to help students with their mental health, behavior issues, and family problems. During the 2024-2025 school year, 18% of public school students used school-based mental health services.

Healthcare Systems

The social worker role plays an invaluable part in any healthcare system, especially in underserved areas. 

For example, Veterans Affairs (VA) social workers are essential in connecting Veterans with the care they need, especially those in rural areas, high-risk groups, and other vulnerable populations. Adding social workers to VA primary care teams increased rural Veterans’ access to social services by 57% last year.

Furthermore, their inclusion in primary care teams has led to fewer hospital stays and emergency room visits and has also more than doubled the use of palliative care for VA patients.

5. The Rise in Use of Technology

Human connection and compassion can never be replaced. Still, technological tools such as telehealth and digital case management have transformed social workers’ ability to reach more people and deliver care more efficiently.

As society changes, so too must social workers adapt to new challenges. The demand for social workers will continue to grow as modern life evolves. 

Let’s look at how higher education is the gold standard for advanced clinical social work, where you can make the largest impact.

Social Work Education and Training 

Social workers are essential to helping communities grow stronger, fighting for fair treatment, and assisting people within complex social structures, but making a real and meaningful impact requires both dedication and advanced training.

Those with a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) can certainly have a profound impact on their community. However, earning an MSW is the definitive credential to become a leader in advanced social work practice. 

A master’s in social work prepares you for professional practice to become an ethical leader and to promote the social and economic well-being of clients, support human rights, and empower people and groups that experience discrimination and oppression.

A reputable education from a CSWE-accredited institution, including supervised field practice as part of the curriculum, fully prepares you for graduation and independent practice. 

Some universities, such as Saint Leo University, offer two tracks to earn an MSW. The traditional track is designed for those without a BSW but who have an undergraduate degree in another field. The advanced standing track is shorter because it leverages students’ BSWs from CSWE-accredited universities. Both confer an MSW at graduation.

Saint Leo University Online

If you’re interested in a community-focused career in which you can have a meaningful impact on the well-being of others, an MSW can prepare you to lead with integrity, advocate for the voiceless, and drive sustainable change. 

Saint Leo University’s CSWE-accredited online Master’s in Social Work is designed for compassionate, driven leaders like you who want to advance their careers and crusade for change in their communities.

Saint Leo offers two tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing. Both tracks offer fully online coursework, supervised field placement near the student’s home community.

Traditional Track

The Traditional Track is intended for non-BSW graduates with a bachelor’s degree in another field. Credit hours (62) and field practicum hours (1,024) are nearly double those of the advanced-standing track to account for the absence of a BSW. This track is offered full-time and part-time, and can be completed in two to three years, respectively.

Advanced-Standing Track

The Advanced-Standing Track is designed for BSW holders to fast-track to an MSW. It is offered full-time (four semesters) and part-time (five semesters). Coursework includes 32 credit hours, and 512 field practicum hours are required.

Both tracks offer three intakes per year and confer an MSW, preparing you for a meaningful career helping others.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo was founded in 1889 as Florida’s first Catholic institution. It has a longstanding history of providing students with a transformative, values-centered education. It was ranked as a Best National University in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.

Saint Leo is a nonprofit university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).