Social work is not merely a profession; it’s a calling driven by empathy, dedication, and a commitment to helping those in need. A social worker’s goal is to help people overcome difficult challenges and restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning. Nowhere is this more evident than in the daily life of a social worker. Anxiety, depression, physical or emotional abuse, and trauma top the list of reasons teens struggle. From navigating complex family dynamics to advocating for vital resources, the role of a social worker is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
The National Association of Social Workers reports that social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were more than 708,000 social work jobs in 2021, and the profession is expected to grow by nine percent by 2031. The association cites more than 16 different types of social work, including advocacy and community organizing, child welfare, justice and corrections, mental health, and clinical practice. At Synergy Services, there is such a need for support that we employ one person solely responsible for mental health intake. Synergy offers individual therapy, family therapy, and group counseling to support the mental health needs of teens.
In this blog, we walk through a day in the life of a social worker to gain awareness about this challenging job and learn how you could support Synergy’s mental health efforts.
Morning
As the sun rises, the life of a social worker helping teens in crisis is already in motion. The morning often starts with reviewing case files and prioritizing tasks for the day. Each case presents its own unique set of challenges, ranging from homelessness and substance abuse to mental health issues and family conflict.
One of the first tasks may involve meeting with a teenager seeking assistance. Building rapport and establishing trust are paramount, as many youth may hesitate to open up about their struggles. Through active listening and a non-judgmental approach, social workers aim to create a safe space where teens feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seek support.
Afternoon
As the day progresses, social workers may find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, from checking in with their clients to collaborating with other professionals such as counselors, therapists, and law enforcement officers. One afternoon could involve accompanying a teenager to court as they navigate the legal system, advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive fair treatment. This is a common role for social workers at Synergy’s Children’s Advocacy Center, a center where all personnel involved in a child or teen’s trauma (doctors, police officers, lawyers, therapists, investigators, and more) work together to keep the victim from having to retell their trauma over and over.
In addition to direct client interactions, social workers also spend time coordinating services and resources to meet the diverse needs of the youth they serve. This may involve connecting families with housing assistance, like Synergy’s Transitional Housing Program or Youth Resiliency Center, arranging mental health counseling, or facilitating access to educational opportunities. Collaboration with community organizations and government agencies is essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by teen youth in crisis.
Evening
As the evening approaches, the day in the life of a social worker is far from over. Evenings may be spent following up on earlier interventions, making phone calls to check in with clients, or attending meetings with colleagues to discuss case progress and brainstorm strategies for ongoing support.
A Job with Purpose
One of the most rewarding aspects of social work is witnessing the positive impact of interventions over time. Examples include seeing a teenager successfully reunite with their family after a period of estrangement or a youth overcome addiction and pursue their educational goals. Social workers play a vital role in empowering young people to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
“A friend introduced me to Social Work my last year of Undergrad, so I took a Social Work class and loved it,” says Kristin Gilgour, MSW, a social worker at Synergy. “My first professional job was as an Investigator at Jackson County Children’s Division. I knew I was meant to help people after working there.”
Despite the obstacles they may face, social workers in this field remain unwavering in their commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of teen youth in crisis. Their work is not just a job; it’s a profound testament to the power of human connection and the capacity for positive change, even in the face of adversity.
“Making a child or caregiver feel heard or validated, or making a difference in one child’s life is what makes this job so rewarding,” Gilgour says.
Are you ready to help build brighter futures for the children, teens, and families we serve? Start making an impact today by joining our team, making a donation, or shopping our program-specific wish lists. No matter how you choose to get involved, your support is crucial in helping social workers be successful as they lead individuals to healing.
