What Do Social Workers Do? Roles, Responsibilities and Impact

The most recent data indicates that more than 800,000 social workers are employed across the country, with projections for 74,000 job openings each year through 2034. Social workers help people deal with challenges in their lives, whether by providing psychotherapy services, connecting vulnerable families and individuals with resources, or supporting those with chronic illnesses as they navigate healthcare systems. Many also work at the systemic level through advocacy, program management and policymaking.

The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program from Campbellsville University (CU) is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to promote well-being at individual, community and societal levels. Grounded in ethical and Christian ideals, the program emphasizes trauma-informed practice and prepares graduates for clinical and leadership roles across a range of social work settings. Learn more about what a career in social work looks like and how CU’s online MSW degree prepares you to drive social change and make an impact.

What Is a Social Worker?

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) defines social work as a profession that helps “individuals, families, and groups restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, and work to create societal conditions that support communities in need.” As per this social worker job description, these professionals focus on both the person or group they serve and their environment, or the external factors influencing the situation and outlook of individuals.

At the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) level, social workers are qualified for entry-level positions. With an MSW, graduates can seek advanced licensure and expand their scope of practice. In Kentucky, MSW graduates can pursue the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential by passing the ASWB Masters-level exam, and ultimately the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential — Kentucky’s highest social work license — by completing supervised post-master’s clinical experience and passing the ASWB Clinical exam. The LCSW equips practitioners to provide clinical services independently or to pursue leadership roles.

Through psychosocial services and social justice advocacy, social workers support people across different backgrounds and needs as they navigate life challenges. Although social work services are often associated mainly with poverty and child welfare, these professionals also offer their services for a wide range of other challenges, such as discrimination, addiction, abuse, physical illness, special needs, mental illness and more.

The NASW describes social work as a helping profession and defines its primary mission as helping meet the basic and complex needs of all people, particularly those who are vulnerable, oppressed and impoverished. To create opportunities for assessment and intervention and to help clients implement practical coping strategies, social workers draw on knowledge of human behavior and development, socioeconomics, cultural institutions and the intersections among these factors.

What Are the Core Roles and Responsibilities of Social Workers

Social workers carry out a wide range of responsibilities that address both immediate needs and long-term challenges. The role of a social worker often involves balancing direct client interaction with coordination across systems such as healthcare, education and social services. The exact responsibilities and duties of social workers vary across job titles, but they generally include:

• Assessment: Gather information on mental health, physical health, environment and support systems to assess client situations and understand needs and risks
• Case management: Coordinate care plans, track progress and communicate with service providers to maintain continuity and connect clients with the appropriate services
• Counseling: Provide therapeutic support to help clients navigate challenges, build coping strategies and improve emotional and behavioral outcomes
• Advocacy: Represent client needs within systems such as healthcare, education or government services to improve access and reduce barriers
• Crisis intervention: Respond to urgent situations, such as abuse, mental health crises or housing instability, with a focus on immediate safety and stabilization
• Connecting clients to resources: Link individuals and families to services such as housing support, financial assistance, healthcare or community programs that address underlying needs

Where Do Social Workers Work?

Social workers work across multiple sectors, and each employment setting influences their responsibilities and focus. With MSW training, social workers can move between settings that address different aspects of social, emotional and systemic challenges.

• Healthcare: In hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation settings, social workers help patients navigate treatment plans, manage chronic conditions and coordinate discharge planning. Many also specialize in systemic medical or healthcare social work, where they address the intersection of health and social factors.
• Schools: School social workers support students’ emotional, behavioral and academic needs by addressing bullying, family instability, mental health needs and other issues, often collaborating with educators and parents to improve student outcomes.
• Government agencies: In public sector roles, social workers develop and implement programs to address community needs, such as housing, child welfare and public assistance. These roles involve a varying combination of policy work, program oversight and direct service delivery.
• Mental health clinics: In clinical settings, licensed social workers provide psychotherapy, provide assessments and develop treatment plans for individuals with mental health conditions.
• Child welfare: Social workers in child welfare focus on protecting children, supporting families, and overseeing foster care or adoption processes. Their work frequently involves case investigation, family support and coordination with legal systems.
• Nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations employ social workers for community-based services, social advocacy and management for social welfare programs.
• Private practice: Licensed clinical social workers may operate independent practices, providing therapy and counseling services to individuals, couples and families.

The Impact of Social Workers

Social workers contribute to systems that address both individual needs and broader social challenges. Because of the wide range of services social workers provide, many work within primary care and specialty care teams to address health outcomes stemming from behavioral and social factors.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6% job growth for social workers through 2034, with higher demand in underserved areas. At 10% through 2034, employment projections are even faster for social workers who specialize in mental health and substance abuse, reflecting the nation’s mental health crisis and increased public awareness. Employment projections for healthcare social workers are also faster than average at 8%, driven by workforce shortages and an increased need for support for an aging population and individuals with chronic conditions as they navigate health care systems and make lifestyle adjustments.

MSW-educated and licensed social workers have a competitive advantage in these careers, since their training and licensure expand their scope of practice to include assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy and crisis response. In many states, social workers may also provide telehealth services, improving access for individuals who cannot attend in-person visits. This broader scope allows them to address complex needs and contribute to integrated care teams.

Expand Your Impact in Social Work

Social workers take on a range of roles, from direct client care to advocacy and program development. With advanced knowledge of social welfare policy, institutions and systemic factors, as well as skills in direct client care, MSW-educated social workers can promote social change and support individuals, families and communities.

At Campbellsville University, the online MSW program prepares graduates for clinical practice, leadership and specialized roles that require deeper knowledge and applied skills. The CSWE-accredited program offers both foundation and advanced standing tracks, with areas of focus in clinical social work, substance use disorder, forensic social work and faith-based practice. Explore CU’s MSW online degree to learn how it can support your career goals.

Learn more about Campbellsville University’s online MSW program.