SOCIAL WORK WEBSITE - PUSWP-BETH.ORG
Social Work Jobs - Volunteer or professional?
Without doubt, there are plenty of social work jobs, both volunteer and professional. And each designation has its proper place in a social worker's career. For most people, volunteering time and services is a direct result of having considerable free time, possessing the financial resources to spend the time, having the passion to aid a cause, or completing an obligatory time frame for practical knowledge at school.
Agreeably, volunteer work in general is a nice element to see on a resumé, but for those in the field of social work, it can be a stepping stone to a better position. Social service organizations are keen to have a complement of both volunteer and professional staff. Often, this is because of funding. Where the needs are greatest, money does not always follow, so many organizations could not survive and operate effectively without the time invested by volunteers. And volunteers carry out many functions ranging from cleaning the grounds, fund raising, to transporting children to parental visitation sessions, or senior citizens to the doctor.
Furthermore, volunteer positions in social work are just as important as the paid positions. In fact, because of today's laws, most volunteers require the same screening as paid staff members. Background checks and police reports are conducted on everyone when they are dealing with children in particular. Proper vaccinations are required to ensure all a safe environment.
Social work jobs in the volunteer sector may also include those with non-governmental agencies, missions, and worldwide charities. Countless numbers of people eagerly and readily devote their time to disaster relief, helping residents of vulnerable nations in turmoil, and generally trying to improve the plight of the less fortunate. And what is most intriguing is that many of these volunteers are educated and experienced in their fields of social work. They are humanitarians who seek to make a difference in other people's lives.
At some point in a social work student's educational process, the curriculum may dictate that he/she devote a predetermined number of hours per semester to a specific organization. The course credits may even depend on the work he/she provides, as well as a written report or thesis on the experience. Often called "placements", volunteer work is seen as an integral part of the learning process for social work.
Although many people need to be paid for their professional services because they require the resources to live day-to-day, there are still many people who are able to carry out volunteer functions without pay. And both volunteer and paid employees can act in a professional and official capacity. Especially when someone decides to start his/her own charitable organization, he/she may seek the help of others who have the necessary education and ability to bring positive assets to the organization.
Indeed, social work is an excellent example of the interaction between volunteer and professional human services workers. There are probably not many fields or professions where volunteers are so highly regarded and where they are real necessities. Basically, whether an individual chooses to work for pay or volunteer his/her time is going to depend on his/her stage in life. But, it remains that volunteer social work jobs are just as important as paid or professional social work jobs.
