Social workers play a critical role in communities and are needed more than ever

By Gloria Questel – Special to Wooster Daily Record

March is Social Work Month.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with more than 715,000 social work jobs in 2020.

There is a lack of qualified social workers to meet the needs in this country. That deficit is seen largely in rural areas such as Wayne County.

Kent State University recently recognized this need and is adding a social work program to their undergraduate curriculum.

Locally, Wayne College and the University of Akron also offer social work programs on both the bachelor and master level.

There are specific guidelines to follow on curriculum standards from the Council on Social Work Education for universities offering this major. There are specific classes, a field practicum and a licensure exam required to be a licensed social worker.

What is the role of a social worker?

The role of a social worker cannot be specifically defined because there is a vast array of needs that social worker’s respond to in our society.

Social workers can be found in mental health centers, child welfare, addiction treatment centers, schools, hospitals, and corporations, to name a few.

I am a social worker with Wayne County Children Services. Our role in the community is working with families to provide the best environment for children.