Bachelor of Social Work | UMP

Fields of Practice

• Child and Family Welfare: Work with children in need of care and protection, family counseling, adoption services, foster care, and support programs.
• Substance Abuse: Counseling and rehabilitation programs for individuals and families struggling with addiction.
• Mental Health: Community mental health centers, hospitals, and private practice settings focusing on therapeutic interventions.
• Medical Social Work: Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, supporting patients and families with the social and emotional aspects of illness and recovery.
• Correctional Services: Probation and parole, rehabilitation programs within prisons, and support for reintegration into society.
• Policy and Advocacy: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and government departments focusing on social policy development and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
• Community Development: Work with communities to address issues such as poverty, housing, education, and social empowerment.
• Disability Support: Organizations and services dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

South Africa Specific Considerations:

• Critical Need: South Africa faces significant social challenges, creating great demand for social workers across various sectors.
• Government Focus: The Department of Social Development is a major employer of social workers with many programs nationwide.
• NGO Sector: The robust NGO landscape in South Africa provides numerous employment opportunities focusing on diverse social issues.

Potential Job Titles:

• Social Worker
• Case Manager
• Child Protection Officer
• Community Development Worker
• Substance Abuse Counsellor
• Rehabilitation Officer
• Medical Social Worker
• Policy Analyst
• Program Coordinator

Organizations to Target

• Department of Social Development and provincial offices
• Child welfare organizations
• NGOs addressing a broad range of social issues
• Hospitals and health care facilities
• Schools and educational institutions
• Prisons and correctional facilities
• Community-based organizations

Additional Considerations:

• Registration: Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) is mandatory for practice as a social worker.
• Specialization: A Master’s in Social Work can open doors to specialized fields like clinical social work, forensic social work, or research.