Department of Social Work

About Social Work

Social work as a profession in South Africa

Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function optimally in their environment by providing direct services to people in their homes or places of work, assisting people through social service organisations, and working for policy change to improve social conditions.
Social workers empower people to deal, not only with how they feel about a situation, but also with what they can do about it.

What is the value of the social work profession in society?

There is always a need for social workers in communities to render preventative and care services. Employers in difference sectors value skills that are developed through social work courses. These include interpersonal skills, problem solving, teamwork and time management.

Perspectives from Unisa Social Work students

We asked a group of Unisa social work students to identify the attributes of a good social worker. According to them, a good social worker has:

  • A sound theoretical and practical knowledge base, and undergoes continuing professional training.
  • Effective intervention and administrative skills.
  • A clear set of values that result in ethical behaviour.
  • An attitude of service –is patient, friendly and kind and is able to set boundaries.

Last modified: Mon Aug 07 18:03:37 SAST 2023