Social work is different from other professions, because we focus both on the person and their environment. Social workers deal with the external factors that impact a person’s situation and outlook. The most well-known aspect of the social work profession is providing direct services or therapy directly to clients.

The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values, principles, and standards to guide social workers’ conduct. The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the profession’s core values and establishes a set of specific ethical standards that should be used to guide social work practice.

1. Jane Addams (1860-1935) Perhaps the most famous and decorated female social worker, Jane Addams founded one of the world’s first settlement houses – the renowned Hull House in Chicago – and received the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize.

“Social work is a profession concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. It aims to help people develop their skills and their ability to use their resources and those of the community to resolve problems.

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.

• Social and human services assistants: $33,750.
• Rehabilitation counselors: $35,630.
• Substance abuse/mental health: $44,630.
• Health educators and community health workers: $46,080.
• Marriage and family therapists: $50,090.
• Probation officers and corrections specialists: $53,020.
• School and career counselors: $56,310.

“Social work is a noble profession not only because of its aspirations and values, but because practitioners are willing to deeply engage with the suffering of others” (Miller, 2015, p. 56).