They help people obtain services, provide counseling, and help communities to provide or improve social and health services. Today, social workers wear many hats. They must be able to negotiate like lawyers and mediate like judges, with the cultural competence of diplomats and the leadership skills of CEOs. The social worker is the essential link between individual families and their troubles, on the one hand, and the community and its resources on the other. If services are not available, social worker jumps into the political arena and helps to create them by working with community leaders on public policy.
Social work is a profession with a wide range of career options.
The employment outlook for social workers in our area and the nation is good. Graduates of our program are working in children's services, mental health, public welfare, nursing homes, hospitals, adoption and foster care, and programs for the homeless. Most of our graduates remain in West Virginia. Salaries vary according to geographical regions and types of agencies. Private agency salaries are slightly lower.