For example, community social workers are in demand during times of social injustice and unrest. Similarly, substance abuse and addiction recovery social workers became increasingly necessary during the rise of the opioid crisis. Throughout all of this, one thing stays the same: the world needs social workers.
Each specialization within social work relies on empathy and strong communication. That said, a social worker’s methods and approach vary from case to case. Follow along as we highlight 5 growing specializations in social work to help you choose the right one for you.
Choosing the Right Social Work Specialty
Undoubtedly, all forms of social work are rewarding and can drastically improve lives. However, you aren’t alone if you’ve ever struggled to pick a social work specialty. The best way to pick a social work specialty is to create a list of what social work means to you.
Similarly, it’s also important to consider your strengths and values and see how you can utilize them within social work. For example, you may want to consider a career in school social work if you excel at talking and relating to children. Some people pick social work niches based on personal experiences.
Some social workers specialize in addiction recovery because they’ve dealt with family members who struggled with addiction. Luckily, you can find meaningful positions within each social work field. However, it’s worth considering one of many rising social work specializations, such as:
1. Addiction Recovery
Unfortunately, the United States has one of the highest substance abuse rates in the world. People suffering from addiction come from all walks of life, and they often struggle to get better without help. That’s why we need so many social workers who specialize in addiction recovery.
Social workers can counsel addicts and steer them in the right direction to get help. For example, social workers who specialize in substance abuse can help place their clients in treatment centers. They can also teach their clients about harm reduction, which can save lives and spread throughout communities.
Sadly, drug treatment is quite expensive in the United States, which limits who can pursue it. This poses a big problem to many addicts who struggle financially and simply cannot afford rehabilitation. Working as an addiction recovery social worker is your chance to improve and even save lives.
2. School Social Work
How can children grow up and become successful if they are left helpless in their youth? Adolescence is a tough time for many children, whether it be because of mental health problems, trauma, or bullying. This is even tougher in some communities with high crime rates, poverty, and even racial injustice.
Today, many social workers specialize in helping school children overcome such problems. Young children face even more challenges than they did 20 years ago before the rise of social media. Self-esteem issues and cyberbullying that stem from social media can traumatize children.
In some cases, students simply have a lot going on at home and don’t feel like they can talk to anyone about it. You can enjoy a rewarding social work career if you fill that role and help children in schools. School social workers are needed at every level of education, from kindergarten to college.
3. Forensic Social Work
Forensic social work is one of the top social work specializations today. Naturally, victims of domestic violence and families caught in the legal system and child welfare must be heard. Forensic social workers can counsel such people, advocate for them, and point them toward healthy resources.
The nature of forensic social work can sometimes be emotionally tough. However, the ability to help people suffering from violence and trauma who feel voiceless is invaluable. Victims of domestic violence and other crimes often hesitate to speak up for fear of judgment and even retaliation.
Forensic social workers work hard to show that this mindset is unnecessary. You can enjoy the rewarding feeling of helping people navigate and heal from their traumas. It isn’t always easy, but it is worth every minute just to help those who need it most.
4. Trauma-Informed Practice
Trauma-informed social work entails creating safe spaces and counseling people dealing with trauma. There is a misconception that trauma is solely reserved for military veterans coming back from the frontlines of war. However, trauma wears many faces and can affect all walks of life.
Your job as a trauma-informed social worker is to make people feel heard, teach coping mechanisms, and provide counsel. Victims of domestic and sexual violence, car crashes, and household fires often experience many mental health challenges. Without help, their trauma may rule their lives, limit their capabilities, and leave them hopeless.
Social workers can show them how to navigate such issues in healthy ways. Granted, there is no cure for trauma. However, social workers can at least help people overcome the challenges that come along with it and enjoy a better quality of life. This social work field is worth pursuing if you want to directly impact people who may otherwise struggle to overcome their traumas.
5. Community Social Worker
A person’s environment can affect their mental health, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle. Unfortunately, many communities negatively impact people and cause problems. Whether it be racism and injustice or crime and substance abuse issues, such problems can affect anyone within the community.
Community social workers specialize in helping people deal with a complex array of issues in troubled communities. Not only do they help individuals, but they also often advocate for positive changes within such communities. This includes advocating for financial support, creating positive programs, and fighting for social justice.
Community social workers can also provide useful resources to help people get treatment, jobs, and even residential grants. It’s one of the top social work specializations today, and community social work is worth pursuing.
