Social workers practice in a wide variety of settings, including family services agencies, community mental health centers, child welfare, private practice, schools, hospitals, businesses, nursing homes, courts, prisons, and public and private agencies. They address problems as varied as substance abuse, family conflicts, workplace tensions, health problems, disabilities, mental illness, inadequate housing, poverty, and violence. Social workers work directly with individuals and families, as well as in public policy, administration, research, community organizing, and advocacy. Professional social workers are the nation's largest providers of mental health and therapy services in both rural and urban areas. They provide an important service by being able to coordinate both counseling services with community and environmental resources.
Federal law recognizes social work as one of the four core mental health professions.
MUSC and UMA employ professional social workers representing inpatient and outpatient areas throughout the center. A social worker is assigned to provide biopsychosocial assessments, develop interventions and provide therapeutic services as indicated. Social work is also involved in the transition of care when patients are discharged from one setting to another. Social workers are dedicated and committed professionals who make a real difference in people's lives everyday. By helping individuals and families cope with or prevent problems and manage change, improvements are made in the quality of their lives.