Department of Social Work

There is a lot of variety in social work. Most professionals work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds. Social workers can also practice at one of three levels: micro, mezzo, or macro.

• Micro — Professionals at this level are typically licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and work with clients in a one-on-one setting.
• Mezzo — Also typically LCSWs, these social workers support client systems, including families. They focus on individuals, but also loop in other people.
• Macro — Macro social workers aim to make societal or community progress through activities like research and lobbying.

There are opportunities for social workers to practice at every level. A social worker can, for example, help a homeless individual find housing (micro), facilitate a job-interview program for the homeless (mezzo), and advocate for community outreach (macro). As you think about the impact you hope to make, familiarize yourself with some social work careers.

Social workers are found in every facet of community life, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices, prisons, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies. Some social workers help clients who face a disability or a life-threatening disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse. Some social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services, engage in systems design or are involved in planning or policy development. Many social workers specialize in serving a particular population or working in a specific setting.