The Future of Social Work as a Profession

• Main Author: Leon Ginsberg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Indiana University School of Social Work 2005-05-01
• Series: Advances in Social Work
• Subjects: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Council on Social Work Education, employment trends, non metropolitan employment, social work in schools, illegal drugs, politics
• Online Access: https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/view/71

This is an introductory, overview article that summarizes some of the major issues social work will encounter as a profession in the 21st Century. Employment trends are projected. Clinical and other direct services employment appears to be much more pervasive than employment in organization and management services. Professional employment data show that non metropolitan employment will be more prevalent than employment in large cities. Social work in schools will be a major area of growth. So will programs to provide treatment and other alternatives to prison for those involved with illegal drugs. Some of the effects of current political issues and the 2004 elections on social work are also discussed.