Social Work: A Profession That Moves With You

As veterans in social work practice, Erikson professors Maggie Brett, LCSW, ACSW and Francisco J. Lozornio, DSW, MSW, LCSW, have had a front-row seat to the sector’s changes. They are excited to bring the next generation into a practice that they love. Erikson’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for impactful careers in a field that allows them to evolve their practice in new ways over time.

Most social workers will tell you that no two days on the job are ever the same. Often juggling multiple clients or projects, the work can be demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Social work is defined as a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, groups and communities enhance their well-being and to cope with and overcome challenges. Brett, Interim MSW Program Director says, “A good social worker is someone who has a good sense of themselves and is open to learning more about themselves.”

Whether working in a specific setting like a school or hospital, or in a community, social workers often address social, behavioral, economic and health-related issues through advocacy, direct intervention, counseling and community work. It is unlike any other career. “Social justice, human rights and empowerment are the core values and principles of the social work profession,” says Lozornio.

“I think that one thing that makes social work different from other professions is that we have the perspective of a person within their family, within their community, within society. Some counseling professions can tend to focus only on the individual, and social workers see a person in their context,” Brett says.

Brett and Lozornio agree that in the past several years, there have been significant changes to the practice of social work, making it a great time to explore the profession. “The pandemic triggered the rise of telehealth and online counseling, transforming social work practice and education. Social workers now increasingly collaborate with professionals in other disciplines, such as healthcare, education and other social systems,” Lozornio says.

There are several things that students should be aware of as they prepare to enter the profession, according to Lozornio. “There are emotional challenges. Working with individuals in crisis or facing severe trauma can be emotionally taxing,” he says. But there are opportunities to work in diverse, dynamic environments. “Social workers may work in various settings—hospitals, schools, non-profits or government agencies, which can demand flexibility and the ability to handle diverse client needs.”

While the practice continues to evolve, two attributes continue to be critical: having a natural curiosity and being able to build and maintain relationships. “You have to want to engage in relationships. You have to have the capacity to build relationships. Those are the types of students I would love to see the MSW program,” Brett says. “We get a lot of students with undergraduate degrees in psychology, social work, sociology and criminal justice. But we also get career changers, people who are seeking a new, challenging, meaningful career. We want students who are really committed, no matter their background.”

Lozornio says passion is also required to be successful. “We need people who have a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help others, especially in communities that have been historically impacted by systemic violence, structural racism and disinvestment.”

“There is more than one way to pursue a career in social work. I love that that the career trajectory is not the same for everyone. We come to it from different places. That is why social is so wonderful; it is a career that moves with you.” Brett says.

Learn more about Erikson’s MSW program at an upcoming information session