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Governments and many of their agencies employ social service workers for a variety of reasons. From occupations such as Community Social Workers to Public Policy Social Workers, these professionals care about helping others and making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families. Each state government has a Department of Social Services, which consolidates many of the smaller departments, organizations, and professionals who are invested in assisting vulnerable and needy populations.
Within the government sector, social workers may work in:
- Adult Services
- Energy Assistance
- Food Assistance (SNAP, Food Bank, WIC)
- Foster Care
- Adoption
- Child Care Assistance
- Child Protective Services
- Domestic Violence
- Social Security Administration
- Veterans Administration
- Department of Justice
- The Department of Defense
- Health and Human Services
The government also employs social workers to provide community services like mental health and wellness initiatives, assistance with substance abuse, urban and community planning initiatives, ensuring affordable housing, and assisting, advocating, and promoting the inclusion of those with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities.
Social workers also have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives by working in public policy. Public policy social workers engage in policy analysis on large scale projects and issues such as public housing developments, zoning regulations, and public service programs.