(by Tenise M. Wall, LLSW - School Social Worker at Truman Moon)

In honor of National Professional Social Work Month, March 2008, social workers throughout the country are working hard to bring acknowledgment to, and an understanding of, the social work profession.

There are many different agencies in which you will find social workers employed. Social workers may be found in hospitals, mental health agencies, foster care agencies, adoption agencies, courtrooms, geriatrics departments, substance abuse centers, disaster relief centers, and in schools, just to name a few. Surprisingly the misconception is still prevalent that social workers primarily work within the area of child protective services. This is an unfortunate misunderstanding. The fact is that, as a collaborative professions, social workers do more to strengthen, build, advocate and provide resources for families than any other profession to date. Working in the social work profession is more than “just listening.” It is having the clinical training, knowledge, licensure and skills needed to assess, diagnosis, and work with a team of people who are focused on an individual. In the schools that team may be the parents, student, teachers, administrator, and collateral agencies. In a hospital that may be the nurse, doctor, patient, and case manager. Wherever you find social workers you will find them working diligently on behalf of the populations they serve. Their reward is certainly not the pay, but rather the improved lives along the way.

Help celebrate March 2008 Social Work Month by saying thank you to a social worker who has touched your life.