Helping Out as a Social Worker

Are you the one your friends always flock to for advice? Does your phone line seem more like a "help line"? If so, a career in social work may be in your future. The CollegeBound Network caught up with Carolyn Simone, Certified Social Worker (CSW) in New York, long enough to hear the ins and outs of the rewarding field.

Lending an Ear and a Heart
Ever had a friend who faced a family crisis, or had one of your own? Social workers are the ones who step in and provide individuals with the support and resources they need to cope with the challenges they are facing. "We counsel individuals and families who are experiencing difficult times in their lives, whether it be illness, death, mental illness, divorce, or family issues, to name a few," explains Simone.

As a hospital employee, Simone's main job is working specifically with cancer patients and their families. "We provide them with emotional support, teach them how to cope with their illness and their limitations, and also provide them with the community and financial resources they need during this difficult time."

The Academic Path to Helping Others
For those who are eager to walk the social work path, it's never too early to start. "High school students can volunteer in a social work-related environment to get a feel for the field," says Simone.

In college, majoring in social work or psychology will best prepare you for what lies ahead, says Simone. Another way to hone your help-out skills is through internships. Most schools require that you spend a certain amount of time out in the field as part of your curriculum. Once you've earned your undergraduate degree, you may begin working as an assistant social worker while pursuing your master's degree. After you've accomplished this, you have the option of taking a certification exam, which will qualify you as a CSW if you pass it. Simone advises taking this step, as many jobs require a certification.

Fringe Benefits
"I feel a sense of gratification by helping people as they go through challenging times," says Simone. "They make a difference in my life and it is a privilege to be able to help them."

There are days, of course, when Simone admits feeling overwhelmed. "There can be a sense of sadness listening to people's problems on a daily basis."

Luckily, she points out that many social workers lean on each other and discuss what they are going through.

Ready to Make a Difference?
"If you want to help people, social work will be a rewarding profession for you," says Simone. "You will make a difference in the lives of others, and they will make a difference to you."

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