Social Work
Social work can be a profession which participates in helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social work is related with individual and personal problems, but at broader level, it does consider social issues like education, hygiene, health services, poverty, unemployment and domestic violence.
The uniqueness of social work practice is in the blend of some particular values, knowledge and skills, including the use of relationship as the basis of all interventions and respect for the client’s choice and involvement.
Key to Success
To be successful in Social Work you should have/ develop:
- Ability to listen to others
- You should be good at picking up on social cues
- Able to working closely with people of all class
- good at controlling your emotions
- Never give attitude
- Trustworthy
- Constantly acquiring knowledge
Scope and Opportunities
Having a Bachelor (BSW) or Master (M.A in Social Work/MSW) degree in Social Work is generally a professional social worker. These can get employed in administrative, management and policy planning positions at various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as well as in government organizations. Both Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), International organizations employ professionals from this field, one willing to work hard and in any given conditions. Industrial and commercial sectors too employ social workers.
Designations enjoyed by Social Work Professionals in different employment sectors
Governmental Sector
· Research Officer/Researcher
· Welfare/Development Officer (like Child/Youth/Women/Labour etc.)
· Community Development Officer
· Jail Probationary/Welfare Officer
Non-Governmental Sector
· Program Officer
· Program Coordinator
· Project Officer
· Training Coordinator
· Development Professional
· Consultant
· Sociologist
· Vocational Rehabilitation
· Counselor
Lifestyle & Social Status
- It’s an indoor as well outdoor activity
- Remuneration wise initially it may not be that promising.
- Working urban as well as rural areas
- Doing long-hour field work and extensive travelling
- Well known Personalities in
- Medha Patkar
- Rajendra Singh – waterman of India
Job Profile
There are three general categories or levels of intervention for Social Work professionals.
- The first is “Macro” social work which involves society or communities as a whole. This type of social work practice would include policy forming and advocacy on a national or international scale.
- The second level of intervention is described as “Mezzo” social work practice. This level would involve work with agencies, small organizations, and other small groups. This practice would include policy making within a social work agency or developing programs for a particular neighborhood.
- The final level is the “Micro” level that involves service to individuals and families.
Skill set
- Documentation.
- Communication – oral as well as written skills
- Team management
- Good Observation skills
- Critical Thinking
- Computer knowledge
- Problem Solving
Work Value
- Challenging
- Integrity and honesty
- No monotony in work
- Working for a social cause
- Innovation
Current Job Scenario
Having completed degree preferably a Master’s degree in Social Work is highly preferred in developmental agencies and NGOs. The salary of a professional social worker in development sector varies from organization to organization. Students completing M.S.W from institutes like TISS, XISS, Delhi University – are generally preferred and are paid high package at the beginning.
Top Recruiters
- HelpAge India
- Uday foundation
- LEPRA society
- Pratham
- Smile foundation
Course Synopsis
Course Options | Bachelor Social Work | Masters Social Work |
Academic Eligibility | 10+2 any stream | A Bachelor’s Degree of a minimum of 3 years duration or its equivalent |
Fees | Rs. 5K per annum | Rs. 30K per annum |
Overall expenditure in Metro and Tier-1 | Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs | Rs. 1.25 Lakhs to Rs. 1.75 Lakhs |
Overall expenditure in Tier-2 | Rs. 1.25 – Rs. 1.75 Lakhs | Rs. 80000 – Rs. 1 Lakhs |
Duration | 3 Years | 2 Years |
Mode | Regular | Regular |
Specialization | Human resource management, Criminology and correctional administration, medical and psychiatric social work, family and child welfare, rural and urban community development, and schools social work. | |
Approved | UGC | UGC |
Affiliation | Respective University | Respective University |
Entrance Exam | Yes | |
Education Loan | ||
Scholarships |
Career prospect
- Child welfare social workers
- Public social worker
- Corporate social responsibility
- Substances abuse social workers
Places where Social Workers are required:
- NGO’s
- Correctional homes
- Education centers
- Community development corporation
- Private practices
- State & local government
- Military based & hospitals
Entrance Exam
For MSW
- Jamia Millia Islamia MA Admission Entrance Test
- KUCET Social Work Entrance Exam
- Calicut University MSW Entrance Examination
- Manipal University Entrance Exam
- University of Mysore Entrance Exam
- University of Delhi Combined Entrance Examination
- IGNOU Entrance Examination
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) MSW Admission Test
- Tata Institute of Science and Technology Social Work Entrance Exam
- Sree Sankaracharya University MSW Entrance Examination
Success stories