Social workers who work in the medical field are a very important component of an effective healthcare team. It does not matter what kind of healthcare team or setting this person is employed in. Their role is to provide a source of comfort and support to patients, their families and other persons of interest that may need some sort of psychosocial support. This will enable the affected people to be able to deal with any issues that have stemmed from addiction, grief and illness. It is also their role to provide counseling to the caregivers of patients and help make plans for any patients that will need some form of continuing care after they are discharged from the hospital.

The median annual salary for this position that is in the medical field is approximately $54,000 and depending on who the employer is, size of the employer, credentials of the social worker and years of experience,; the median salary can vary quite a bit.

When making the decision to become a social worker, you will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Although having a masters and PhD degree are quickly becoming the norm in order to be considered for many social worker positions. Social workers learn how to work with their patients. As their patients situations change and the nature of their problems evolve, taking social work continuing education classes are very helpful in providing the social worker with different ways to adapt.

One way the social worker uses the information that is gained from continuing education courses is by assessing a patient's situation and their lifestyle, and then using this information to determine how well equipped the patient is able to adjust to living outside of a medical facility. If the patient is not competent enough or needs extra help, they will arrange for outside resources to help out. Before any of their patients are discharged from a healthcare facility, they will have put together a very through and detailed discharge plan that is coordinated with the patient's healthcare providers. In addition to working with the patient's healthcare providers, they can help put together and implement a plan where all of the providers are able to continue providing care for their patients and continue to provide communication between the doctors and patient so that the patient is receiving the therapy they need from the relationship.

Since the healthcare industry undergoes change and growth almost every minute, one way the social worker can keep up with all of the changes in technology, equipment, procedures and protocols is by attending social work continuing education classes. Through these courses they can make sure that they are implementing and using the proper criteria for assessing a patient's needs and assigning and making the proper follow up care properly. Staying on top of the patient's case will prevent any delays in the patient receiving effective treatment.

When it comes to social work continuing education, it's always a good idea to further your knowledge. Learn more about your options at http://www.psychotherapynetworker.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6900838

Our website

An online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree prepares graduates to be professional practitioners, administrators, and teachers. DSW graduates can also become community organizers or fill other roles that those with a Master of Social Work degree can fill, just at a higher, more comprehensive level.

Professorships and teaching positions at most universities require that applicants have earned either a DSW or PhD in social labor. The DSW degree is similar to a PhD in social labor, though the DSW degree usually focuses more on practice rather than on research as a PhD usually does. Online DSW programs, though extremely rare, do exist for students who perhaps work full-time, or cannot afford to travel back and forth to classes.

Capella University offers online-only degrees, including a DSW through the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and belongs to the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Capella's curriculum focuses on problem-solving in social situations, the increased amount of attention on technology in the social labor field, and various other areas of current social labor research. Capella DSW students are required to take 72 hours of certain classes, including dissertation research courses.
DSW students must also choose four or five elective courses in order to fulfill the elective requirement. Students are also given the opportunity to attend a week-long Dissertation Writer's Retreat to receive additional feedback and support from professors and mentors. At Capella University, the DSW program is designed to last about three years from start to finish. As stated above, online-only DSW programs are extremely difficult to locate, though online PhD programs seem to be slightly more common. You can get a PhD in social employment online at Walden University and Bryn Mawr.

Jobs available for graduates with a Doctorate of Social Work are mostly focused in the areas of research and teaching. Public policy analysis, evaluation of non-academic centers, and advanced human services practice are only a few of the possibilities for graduates with a DSW degree. Most places of employment do not prefer a DSW degree over a PhD in Social Employment, or vice versa. Both degrees appeal to students who have experience in the social employment field, yet wish to advance in their careers by obtaining additional training. Graduates of DSW or PhD programs are more likely to hold leadership positions in organizations rather than in direct care positions.

Learn more about Online DSW programs and PhD Social Work Programs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6417091

Elevate Training and Development - Social work

Jane Addams, who is considered the mother of social worker said "Civilization is a method of living, an attitude of equal respect for all men". She is known for being one of the famous social workers of all time, using her training and education to do only good. Being a therapist, while it may not be one of the most high-paying jobs of all time, appeals to many people because it gives them the opportunity to help others and make the world a better place for children to grow up in. There are many different types of social work, including jobs which work directly with kids as well as families, groups and individual adult counseling.

The term is rather broad, and can be applied to many different people who work in various parts of the country's system that is designed to help people in a variety of ways. Jill Ruckelshaus said "The family is the building block for whatever solidarity there is in society." She understood the core value that a family has in society. She worked closely with many other counselors to provide children with a safe and loving home environment. Many of the women who have been inspirational have created the building blocks on which we stand today. They walked the walk and were not just arm chair thinkers.

Social work is about many different things, but above it all is helping our fellow man. Those social workers who have been quoted saying things such as the statements above lived up to what they said each and every single day. Being a social worker is perhaps one of the nobler, self-sacrificing jobs out there because of the notoriously low pay and difficult working conditions. Not only do many take on enormous responsibility in terms of sheer case load, but also emotional baggage that can often times have an effect on oneself. Weekend work can be involved as well as phone calls outside of work.

Many times social workers are forced to deal with very emotional issues concerning children who grow up in abusive homes and must suffer through unimaginable things. The inner satisfaction of having helped another person, especially a child, is very gratifying. Throughout history there have been many great social workers, many of which are unknown because of the nature of this work. They are not typically viewed as being inspirational people in society, though they are truly the definition of working class heroes. Burn out is also a problem from this work and the low pay so it's important to take care of oneself.

Most of the inspirational counselors of our time have been women, though men do occasionally hold such positions. Those who are interested in pursuing social work as a career will want to be aware of both the pay and the kind of work which will be required, depending on which section of social work you want to go into. Social workers perform numerous tasks relating to the health, safety, and well-being of others. It's also important to find a good school that has classes and mentoring to fit your interests.

Learn More About the Social Work Field
Visit Social Work Programs to learn more about day to day life as a social worker, programs as well as mental health issues and Social Work Licensing Exam information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4951686

Social worker online training visit this

In the setting of social services, psychotherapy sessions and related fields there are core social work values and ethics that is their foundation. This is what guides the rules and policies.

Therapists, counselors, psychotherapists, and community workers work hard to treat all patients with respect and dignity, and are to keep session information in confidentiality. There are also guidelines about sexual conduct which must be followed. Flirting and inappropriate behavior with patients can hinder the client's progress. They rely upon their counselor for personal change and transformation.
In these fields, workers cannot become intimately with their patients in any fashion. Some offices even have a policy that no gifts should be accepted by professionals from their clients. It is also important to remember that any child abuse needs to be reported to the proper departments.

The chief goal of social work professionals is to improve the quality of human life and help enhance it. Many patients are vulnerable due to past abuse, difficult family relationships, poverty and other adverse circumstances. People rely on their counselor for insight and support and this should never be taken advantage of or abused. Remember that some people are very isolated and the counselor for some may be the only one that one's deepest feelings may be shared with and discussed in detail. Self-determination is an important value according to the NASW. This means that helping clients to illuminate and gain insight into their own direction in life is part of one's role. Because of the special relationship between the client and counselor, termination and transference to another therapist are also important areas.

Treating someone with dignity enables their own worth to develop and to reach their true potential.

Working with Clients is a Gift
Learn more about Social Work Programs and read more about Hospice Social Workers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4735480

Social Worker Training visit here

Social work directly relates to many problems that tend to direct affect the society itself, and the individuals that form it. Even though some consider society, as a complicated network of individuals, social issues tend to have more weight in this regard. This is why social work has been generated to become a primary source of identifying these issues, and devising effective solutions to diminish their effect on the society to the maximum.

Social work is a task that involves a number of people participating and trying to resolve any societal problem at variety of levels. This is relative to approaches like psychological or behavioral theory, sociology, politically, economically, and alike. Such approaches are in fact used to draw on many effective solutions in the course of social working. They also make it evident that people can be helped out in different ways, like personally, socially, and others, so that they have the courage to overcome any adversities. In this regard, some pertinent social work theories can be seen, as they are known to have contributed quite a lot in this continuum.

The social cognitive theory is one of the most pertinent social work theories that deals with social issues while focuses on individual, as a subjective being. Hence, the individual psychology is the focus of this approach, and studies as to how an individual and his/her behavior, both tend to affect each other on a parallel scale. However, in case of any augmenting problems, counseling sessions are always at the rescue, generating positive notions in the environment.

Societies are generally based on a hierarchical system. Hence, what we generally come across is unequal distribution of power, and wealth. However, social conflict theory tends to counter such issues by bringing about improvement in such compartmentalized sections by trying to organize events where everyone can be looked upon as one whole. Social equality stands as the ultimate motive behind the social conflict theory to diminish any issues that may affect the individual's relation with the society.

There is the feminist theory that particularly aims at feminism, and counters issues related to women in the society. This is known as the feminist social work theory. Since women at large are marginalized, and deprived of their basic rights, this theory is dedicated to bring about a revolutionary change for women by working for their rights, so they can have hope, confidence, and power, and so that gender discrimination should not have any influence on their life.

If you're interested in becoming a social worker [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com], we have more great tools and resources on our website [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5779547

Our social worker training website

Studying social work online has many advantages as well as many disadvantages. On one hand, social work online degree program can be highly beneficial for some students, but on the other hand, it can be a great disaster for other students. Success depends on the abilities of the students for instance, learning style, motivation, availability, skills, and working habits. A valuable and quality education can be obtained from online institutions, but only those students succeed who have the abilities to follow online system. Following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of studying social work online.

Advantages
The syllabus or course material is favorable for online study, because classes like introduction to social welfare, ethnic awareness, organizational development, and cultural awareness can be taken online with ease. Students can also read, attend lectures, write essays and prepare for exams online. Study of Social work is unlike the study of studio art where students have to get familiar with resources, people, and materials at first level. However, there are some portions of the courses of social work degree where students are required to follow the traditional models of lectures and textbooks.

The online classes of social work program provide flexibility to the students. If some students are doing part time job or doing full time job, then online program allow working students to take their classes either in evenings, or at the weekends. Online program provides convenience and make students feel comfortable with their schedules.

Another advantage of studying this type of work online is that it allows students to study anywhere. Students who live far away from universities always prefer getting their name enrolled for online program in order to avoid traveling expenses. Moreover, online degree programs cater to the needs of all the students so that a suitable program of social work can be picked according to the interests.

Disadvantages
For some classes like action research and human services, face-to-face lectures are important to take; online education ignores this portion.

Secondly, presence of senior students and advisors is always beneficial for fresh students, because they can guide students at anytime within the university campus, whereas in online program of social work, students have to help them for managing the course material in a very effective manner.

Another important aspect of studying this field is that students choose this course to help disadvantaged individuals, groups, and families through practical assistance, but after completing their study from an online institute, most of the students fail to interact with disadvantaged people in real life.

If you're interested in learning how to become a social worker [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com], we have more great tools and resources on our website [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5779435

Check this social worker training

While I was studying for my LMSW exam, I often searched the internet for advice from recent graduates who had just passed 2011 social work exam. I kind of felt alone in my situation although I knew others were studying too! The Master's level social work exam (LMSW) is a 170 question multiple choice test, with only 150 questions counting toward the score. Also, the ASWB changed the exam in 2011 to reflect current social work practice. I had no idea if this was a good or a bad thing, but I was worried because the pass rate for the 2010 ASWB Master exam is 74.3% plus I also heard about social workers failing many times.

Oh no! I was never a good test taker, I have always had test-taking anxiety, and now I have to pass a standardized exam to become a social worker! There was so much material to study and the pile of books I had from my upcoming study course was overwhelming. I had no idea where to begin, so I waited until I started the study course offered by Adelphi University. The instructor suggested that we take a practice exam to determine what areas we need to concentrate on based on a percentage breakdown of the number of questions answered correctly on each topic. I was freaking out! I only got a 51~~I knew I had a lot of work to do!

The study course ultimately taught me to analyze each question by deciding if it was a situational or factual question. The next steps are to decide who the client is and what the clinician should do in the given scenario. Nearly all questions on the actual Master's level social work licensing exam (in New York) were: what happens FIRST, what happens NEXT, or what is the BEST choice to make (by the clinician). They all had factual information built into the question.

How to pass the social work licensing exam:

Don't over think the questions. They are not meant to trick you, and sometimes the right answer is obvious.

Ask yourself at every question - what is in the best interest of the client? No matter how reasonable other answers are, most questions focus on the client, not their family, doctor, or others needs and wishes.

Take a lot of practice exams. When I was ready to sit for the exam, I noticed a pattern in the questions and I began to understand what type of answer the "test makers" wanted. It is certainly not always what we would do in social work practice!

If it is possible, take as long as you need to prepare for the exam. I studied for nearly 5 months so that I could understand the information enough so that I did not have to memorize all of it. For instance, compare the problem solving model (acknowledge problem, define problem, brainstorm solutions, evaluate options, implement intervention strategies, and evaluate outcome) to program development (problem statement, goal/plan, resources, objectives, decide on program operation - evaluation tools, cost, usefulness of program, implementation, and evaluation). In my opinion, the steps are so similar that if I had a question related to either one, I would know what was involved in the process. I placed each similar topic on an index card and kept them paper clipped together. Of course, there are plenty of instances where memorization is necessary.

While I look for a social worker position, I have created a website to help social work graduates study for the 2011 Social Work Exam.

The website is: [http://www.socialworkexamhelp.com/] Please use this as a study guide and test exam prep only and understand that it is not inclusive of all study material needed for the examination(s). This information can be useful for those studying to obtain a social work license for the national ASWB exams including the BSW, LMSW, LSW, LCSW, and the LMHC, LMFT (bachelor, master's, advanced generalists, clinical social work, case work, family therapy, & mental health counseling). I have also included a feedback section, so please keep me up-to-date on your progress. Remember, you can do this - and you deserve it!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6388564

Visit this social worker cpd training

Are you wondering what is involved being a social worker? In reality, most people don't understand that they already ARE social workers. Perhaps this seems confusing, so let's first take a look at what images are conjured up when we think social worker. For some, being a social worker brings to mind the Department of Social Services. Within this government entity is found the typical worker that handles child welfare, family services, food stamps and other emergency or non-emergency services.

Perhaps others may see a specific role that has been exploited on TV and in the movies, such as taking children from their homes for suspected abuses against them. Or workers may be seen as assisting those that are on the streets to a better life. Regardless of what views you have and what is involved, there are an absolutely endless amount of specific roles that an individual can have that can be classified as 'social worker'. For example, do you regularly find yourself being asked for advice or help with others situations? Do you volunteer for humanitarian efforts, such as at your local food bank? Then you are a social worker.

Maybe you work in human resources assisting employees in sifting through their benefits paperwork-social worker. Or even the summer camp counselor jobs are on this path. There is a bounty of titled positions that don't necessarily involve getting a degree that is focused on the field. However, a bachelors or master's degree in social work (BSW, MSW) would open up the opportunities and salary range that might peak your interest.

One particular opportunity that was found to have great significance was that of prison social worker. Within this role there are varying positions such as counselor to inmates and reintegration mentor. Depending on facility, a BSW or MSW may be required. However, if this is of interest to you and you have a desire to see inmates reformed as a productive part of society, there are roles within community corrections as well. And if you like the idea of volunteerism then your opportunities are endless since well-paid jobs in this field are scare.

This is a tragedy, though, as it seems this is a much-needed area for being a social worker and there never are enough workers for the amount of persons needing help becoming productive citizens once again. But if pursuing higher education, or another degree is not available for you, consider that you might already be doing social work now. At the least, consider the opportunities that are available to anyone who has a passion for helping others.

Being a social worker and what is involved is compassion for the human spirit, a desire to uplift others and a willingness to give of yourself in order to make a difference. First and foremost, it involves the utilization of a strengths based perspective. This simply means you believe that all persons have positive attributes that can be built upon and are focused upon to that end.

Lisa Griffiths is a freelance writer [http://lisa-griffiths.com/] hosting several blogs and promotes human compassion. She has a BSW in social work. Visit http://www.lisa-griffiths.com [http://lisa-griffiths.com/] NOW to view a blog with current posts!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3918317

Social workers check this

Not many people fall into social work, and if they do they either take to it or get out fast. It is often thought of as a vocation. For people that enjoy the work it gives them an enormous sense of fulfillment and achievement. However, this and a host of other factors can lead to stress both acute and chronic. This can lead to burnout and ultimately ill health. This article will examine some of the causes of stress in social work.

The definition of Social work taken from the International Federation of Social Workers is
"The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.
Utilizing theories of human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments.

Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work."
So in effect this is all encompassing work. It deals with human social cooperation and relationships from children to old age. It deals with child welfare, domestic issues of violence to women, physical and mental disabilities and equality and old age welfare and dignity to name just a few.

Many people do this work because they relate to the problems that people are facing. Either they have a relative or friend that has faced this problem or they are facing the problem themselves. Whatever the case may be, they often find it very hard not to become emotionally involved in the particular case they are handling. In this respect they never switch off from work. The issues they are facing often can't be switched off or locked up at the end of the day. The issues affect a persons life 24 hours a day.

This means the social worker is probably thinking about these problems constantly. This could interfere with their sleeping patterns and cause them to lose sleep. They can interfere with the social worker's ability to have a social life and keep their own life harmonious. So becoming too emotionally involved is the number one cause of stress in a social workers life.

Another cause of stress for social workers is closely related to the first. Often they will be caused to go above and beyond their skill set because they feel responsible for the person they are working with. Often they are not adequately trained for the job they are doing or the organization they work for has not defined the boundaries of the work clearly enough. If there is a shortage of staff (and there always is) clearly defined roles are blurred and social workers have to do more than one job. This can lead to stress through overworking and meeting impossible deadlines.

The final point is that many social work jobs will entail dealing with a degree of grief. Some cases may end tragically and some cases will end without any resolution. This can lead to the social worker having to deal with strong feelings of sadness or frustration. If they do not deal with these emotions they could compound on each other and cause chronic stress. This could lead to burnout and ill health.

If you feel that you may be suffering from stress related burnout then visit http://stressmanagementreview.com. The site can identify common symptoms of stress and help you develop a stress management program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/522447

Click here for social worker online training

Social work has been of greater significance for centuries and no one can deny its importance and the difference it has made in the society. All the credit goes to social work for the difference it has made in the minds of our young generation, and our hearts have become charity giving so that people who are less fortunate, and less privileged can live up to the mark by the generous help and care provided by others.

However, as social work has made a tremendous difference in the world, at the same time these helping efforts are restricted due to multiple factors, and challenges. Social workers work during the times of high risks, which are even life threatening, at their own costs. They are provided no protection, and still they go out of the way to serve humanity.

During the times of natural disaster, these social workers the restricted in front of the powers of nature. Despite of their full efforts, they cannot cater to or everyone who has been affected, at the same time, limited aid, and funds places these volunteers in critical positions to evaluate the needy individuals, and how much should be allocated for each family.

In addition, the formal training expenditures are huge due to which, many social workers do not get to enroll themselves in formal training institutions, and they go out at their own to work for their community at micro levels. Besides, most of the times, these volunteers do not get any stipend to cater for their transportation, or basic living costs.

At times, government policies also affects the social work being carried out by various organizations, as it involves excessive paper work, and hence ultimately increases time for implementation of a project. At the same time, extra money is also deposited, or guarantee, which decreases the funds allocated for the actual project targeted towards the welfare of individuals.

Summing up, the growing awareness of social work in the world is helping the communities to shape their lives in a more positive, and proactive way. However, this task remains one of the toughest, as usually multiple problems and challenges arises, which halts the activities and leads to the wastage of time, money and other resources, which could be of use to underprivileged individuals. Limited funds, lack of training, time constraints, formal paperwork, etc are all the limitations for social workers.

If you're interested in learning how to become a social worker [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com], we have more great tools and resources on our website [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5779464

Social worker cpd training click here