Social Work Month, celebrated in March, provides an opportunity to honor the remarkable profession of social work. This year’s theme, “Empowering Social Workers!”, underscores the vital contributions of social workers and their tireless efforts to uplift individuals and communities. As we acknowledge their dedication, let’s delve into the positive impact they create and celebrate the social workers at Family & Children’s Services (FCS) who play a crucial role in our community.
Every day, social workers serve on the frontlines, assisting individuals in overcoming myriad challenges, including economic inequality, reproductive rights, racism and natural disasters exacerbated by global warming. Social work stands as one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States, with the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 12 percent growth by 2030. Why? As communities expand, the need for social workers persists — regardless of the level or urgency — wherever help is most required.
FCS employs 130 social workers holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, alongside 36 social workers who are Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduates. MSW students can join the FCS team as interns, completing their practicum at the agency. Presently, 40 MSW students work under the guidance of Kari Featherngill, LCSW, the Director of Internship.
Placement at FCS provides supervisors with the opportunity to collaborate with interns who may later transition into full-time positions. It also offers valuable insights to recruiters, supervisors and Onboard Ambassadors on how to effectively assess potential candidates for key roles. Additionally, Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) serve as therapists and are widely recognized for their pivotal roles as clinical supervisors throughout the agency.
The National Association of Social Workers reports a staggering count of over 700,000 social workers across the nation. These dedicated professionals play a vital role in enhancing the welfare of our communities. Here, we introduce a few of our own social workers who generously share their personal journeys into the field and the valuable lessons they glean each day. For more information, simply click on the accompanying image.
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