What is social work?
Social work as defined by international federation of social work (IFSW) 2014 defined social work as practiced based profession and an academic discipline which promote social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principle of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by the theories of social work social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge’s, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.
Who is a social worker?
A social worker is a professional whose concerns is helping individual, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being.
Social Worker’s Role
The core mandate of social work is service to humanity. Social workers are in a unique position to promote disease prevention efforts by disseminating accurate information about the virus and other important information from trusted sources and address anxiety and other concerns that are arising as a result of this public health crisis.
Social workers are often at the forefront of the crisis intervention during this pandemic period, social workers are not only responding to this health crisis but also offering skill and resources that will restore individual normal pattern of function.
Social workers have also been on the front line of promotive, preventative and treatment services during pandemic to ensure the health and well-being of their client or people they serve.
In many countries social workers are supporting communities that are affected or fearful of the pandemic. Social work has an essential frontline role in the fight against the spread of the pandemic through supporting communities on how to protect themselves and others from the virus through physical distancing and solidarity.
Social workers help in ensuring that the most vulnerable are included in the planning and response organizing committees to ensure that essentials such as food and clean water are available.
Social workers advocate within social services and in policy environment that care services should be made available in supporting communities and the vulnerable there.
Social workers help in facilitating physical distancing and social solidarity. Social workers as professionals, they advocate for the advancement and strength of health and social services as an essential protection against the pandemic. Social workers help in the recovery process of individual who have had the virus.