6 Pillars of Social Work

May is Social Work Month—an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who have committed themselves to a social work career. I am a social worker and wanted to share the mission that all social workers follow. The social work profession is rooted in a core set of values that have different meanings for different people.

• Service – Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and address social problems.
  This is probably the main reason people enter any helping profession. For me, I wanted to help others, and once I had my first job at an inpatient psychiatric unit, I knew right away that I wanted to work with people who had behavioral health issues. I was amazed by the resilience of the people I worked with and how they handled so many challenges in their lives. Even with their diagnoses, they still had the same goals and dreams we all have. They wanted to get a job, live on their own, get married, have friends, and be a part of their community. They just needed extra support sometimes to achieve their goals. That was something I wanted to do.
• Social Justice – Social workers challenge social injustice.
  Working in this field, you quickly realize that advocacy is going to be part of your job. You see the inequities embedded in the social fabric and systems. From stigma to discrimination to a lack of resources—there are so many ways we can help make positive changes for the people we serve. It isn’t easy—you need patience and the ability to find compromise and alternative approaches. You need insight and sensitivity to cultural and ethical diversity—to understand the varying needs of people and ensure that resources and services meet their needs, not just what we think is important.
• Dignity and Worth of the Person – Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of each person.
  This is one of the most important aspects of service—making sure that we empower the people we serve to increase their capacity and knowledge to change and address their own needs over time. Encouraging self-determination and independence. Recognizing that each person is the expert of their own life and can make their own decisions. Fighting the stigma that surrounds behavioral health issues—reinforcing that even with a diagnosis, a person can live a quality life of their choosing. Helping build self-esteem in each individual while also educating the broader society to change negative beliefs.
• Importance of Human Relationships – Social workers recognize the importance of human connection.
  Relationships can be key in the change process. Having people as partners to promote, restore, and enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Helping the people we serve identify those relationships and how they can be supportive and effective. Coaching on conflict management—something we all struggle with—whether in parenting, friendships, significant others, or neighbors. Everyone navigates relationships, and learning communication and other skills is essential to stability and life goals.
• Integrity – Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.
  There is a lot of responsibility involved in being a helping professional. We need to act honestly and genuinely. We must maintain boundaries and act with empathy. We must treat all people with respect and be non-judgmental. We must meet people where they are and not see them as failures or as unable to change or grow. It is so important to focus on strengths and maintain a positive attitude.
• Competence – Social workers practice in their areas of expertise and develop and enhance their professional skills over time.
  We should always be learning new things. No one can know it all. Everyone has different experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. We need to be respectful and understanding of those differences, recognizing our own limitations and reactivity, adjusting as needed, and identifying the skills and growth opportunities that will help us be better providers.