Social Work

Social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal. Social workers offer guidance and counseling to people in crisis. Their clients range from the unemployed to children who need foster homes to elderly people who have no one to care for them. They help their clients obtain government funds, education, and treatment. They also initiate legal action in cases of child abuse. They strive to prevent social problems caused by poverty, unemployment, inadequate health and education facility, alcoholism, drugs abuse, and other social problems. Today social work is much more than philanthropic support; it is a professional field supporting a proliferation of NGOs across the country. The field is now much sought after by many young aspirants.

Courses and Eligibility:

For most positions, a master’s degree in social work is required, although a limited number of jobs are available for those with a bachelor’s degree. Social workers who teach or do research generally hold doctorates. The minimum qualification for a bachelor’s programme in social work is a 10+2 pass certificate in any stream. Candidates who have completed their graduation can pursue a master’s programme; they can in turn opt for further studies by applying for MPhil and PhD programmes.

Career Prospects:

Graduates can find employment in public welfare agencies, private social service agencies, schools, hospitals, clinics, and recreation and rehabilitation centers. Medical and psychiatric social workers can be employed in clinics, hospitals, sanatoria, child guidance clinics, counseling centers, mental hospitals, medical colleges, and community public health centers. Community development workers are involved in fieldwork with community groups as well as government and voluntary agencies. Many work with juvenile courts. International NGOs such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Green Peace recruit social work graduates. Experienced social workers who have a master’s degree may become senior caseworkers, case supervisors, or chief social workers. They may also be promoted to administrative positions. Those holding doctorates may become university professors or researchers.

Remuneration:

Graduates employed in community developmental projects run by the government earn about Rs. 8000 to Rs. 10,000 per month. Those working for NGOs also receive a similar payment. One can expect a higher salary in international NGOs and corporate houses.