essay of social work

10 MSW Personal Statement Examples (with Commentary)

Get inspired by some of the best MSW personal statement examples below.

These personal statement examples are inspired by actual essays from students with whom we’ve collaborated, essays that contributed to their successful admissions. For confidentiality, key details have been altered.

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Table of Contents

Example 1: NYU MSW Personal Statement Sample

Prompt: ‘why i want to be a social worker’ essay.

At the tender age of five, as my family faced the challenges of immigrating to the United States, I quickly became attuned to the complexities surrounding us. This early brush with adversity sparked my quest for understanding, especially in the realm of adolescent experiences. Growing up in a household where my mother tirelessly cared for us, while my father remained emotionally distant, I learned to seek solace in introspection and daydreaming. These experiences laid the foundation for my deep empathy towards others and a commitment to understanding them beyond surface-level perceptions.

My ability to empathize with others, particularly adolescents, has been a guiding force in my life. Working with XXXX as a counselor, I revisited my own teenage years, recognizing the crucial need for guidance during this transformative phase. This realization has fueled my determination to specialize in counseling and therapy for adolescents, a path I am eager to pursue through NYU’s Master of Social Work program. I am convinced that effective counseling during adolescence is pivotal in shaping capable, responsible adults.

My internship at XXXX Health was a turning point. Observing clinical behavioral health therapists and working alongside a psychiatrist specializing in post-incarceration life, I gained profound insights into the long-lasting impact of disrupted adolescent experiences. Hearing the narratives of former inmates underscored the importance of early intervention in defining one’s identity. This experience intensified my desire to work with young individuals struggling to find their place in the world.

Choosing NYU Silver was a natural decision. The school’s esteemed faculty, particularly Dr. Kirk Jae James, resonates with my journey as an immigrant. Dr. James’ dedication to overcoming his challenging past and disproving stereotypes is not just inspiring; it mirrors the resilience and determination I strive to embody. His work with those affected by mass incarceration aligns closely with my aspiration to be a clinical therapist who can bring change to young lives.

New York City, the vibrant and diverse backdrop of NYU Silver, also greatly appeals to me. The city’s rich history of nurturing notable figures like Andy Warhol, Roy Halston, and Jean Basquiat speaks to its capacity to foster self-discovery and belonging. I am excited to immerse myself in this melting pot of cultures and ideas, which will undoubtedly enrich my learning and practice in clinical therapy.

My personal history, particularly my father’s struggle with his traumatic childhood, has taught me that resilience and determination are key to overcoming adversity. His journey, though fraught with challenges, has instilled in me the belief that embracing the unknown and being steadfast in one’s goals can lead to remarkable achievements. Carrying this lesson with me, I step into NYU Silver poised to embark on a journey towards becoming an influential clinical therapist for adolescents.

My path to NYU Silver is more than an academic pursuit; it is a commitment to my dream of guiding adolescents through their most vulnerable years. By combining my personal experiences with the comprehensive training at NYU Silver, I am ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of clinical therapy, helping young individuals navigate their formative years with understanding and resilience.

Commentary:

Personal and Cultural Background : Effectively connects early experiences as an immigrant to developing empathy, crucial for social work.
Professional Aspirations : Clearly links past experiences with seniors and an internship to a focused interest in clinical therapy for adolescents.
Academic Motivation : Draws a parallel between personal experiences and the inspiration found in NYU Silver’s faculty and New York City’s diversity.
Resilience and Determination : Reflects on lessons learned from family, particularly the father, instilling a belief in achieving ambitious goals.
Career Vision : Articulates a strong desire to impact adolescent lives, demonstrating an understanding of the field’s challenges and opportunities.

Verdict: The personal statement is heartfelt and well-structured, showing a clear link between the candidate’s background, their professional drive, and their chosen academic path. The reflection on personal and family resilience adds depth, positioning the candidate as a motivated individual ready to leverage their experiences for meaningful social work.

Example 2: Columbia MSW Personal Statement Sample

Part 1: Reflecting upon your decision and motivation to pursue the MSW, describe how attending CSSW will enable you to meet your goals as a social worker. What are your immediate and long-term social work goals?
Part 2: Describe a social problem of significance to you. Please discuss it in regard to societal contributions to the origin of the problem, experiences that have contributed to your identification and understanding of the problem, and possible ways of addressing the problem.
Part 3: Choose two attributes and provide examples as to how you exemplify these traits. Choose one attribute you would like to improve. How will attending the MSW program at CSSW help you in doing so?

1. Motivation and Goals for Pursuing MSW:

From a young age, I have been acutely aware of the disparities and injustices in my community. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of poverty, limited access to quality education, and the cycle of violence. These early observations fueled my passion for social work, specifically my desire to develop community-based programs aimed at youth empowerment and education. My immediate goal is to work in a non-profit organization focused on urban youth development, while my long-term ambition is to establish a foundation dedicated to providing educational resources and mentorship programs for at-risk youth.

Attending the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) will provide me with the critical skills, knowledge, and network necessary to achieve these goals. CSSW’s commitment to social justice, its comprehensive curriculum, and the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and diverse peers will equip me with a nuanced understanding of social issues and effective intervention strategies.

2. A Significant Social Problem:

The social problem that resonates most with me is the school-to-prison pipeline, an issue rampant in many urban communities, including my own. This problem arises from a combination of societal factors such as underfunded public schools, zero-tolerance policies, and systemic racial discrimination. My understanding of this issue deepened through volunteering at a local youth center, where I encountered numerous teens who had been expelled from school and were at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.

Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with policy reform to prioritize education and rehabilitation over punishment. Community-based intervention programs focusing on mentorship, counseling, and educational support can play a vital role in diverting at-risk youth from the criminal justice system. At CSSW, I hope to explore these interventions in-depth and develop effective strategies to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.

3. Personal Attributes and Areas for Improvement:

Empathy : My empathy has been a guiding force in my social work journey. A poignant example was when I volunteered at a local youth center. There, I met a teenager named Marcus who had been expelled from school. By actively listening and engaging with him, I learned about his challenges at home and his struggles with learning disabilities. Understanding his situation, I worked with the youth center staff to develop a personalized educational plan and connect him with a mentor. This experience deepened my ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the unique challenges they face.

Resilience : My resilience was particularly tested when I spearheaded a community project to revitalize a rundown public park. The project faced numerous setbacks, including funding shortages and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these challenges, I mobilized the community, organized fundraising events, and negotiated with local officials. The successful completion of the park not only provided a safe space for children but also reinforced my ability to persist in the face of adversity, a crucial trait for a social worker.

Area for Improvement – Policy Advocacy : My experience in grassroots initiatives has been rewarding, but it also highlighted the limitations of addressing social issues without policy change. For instance, while volunteering at the youth center, I realized that individual interventions, though beneficial, could not alone prevent the systemic issue of school expulsions leading to juvenile detentions. This recognition has fueled my desire to improve my skills in policy advocacy, an area where I see great growth potential. CSSW’s program, with its emphasis on policy practice, will be instrumental in helping me acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for systemic changes.

Conclusion:

Attending Columbia School of Social Work will be a pivotal step in my journey to becoming an impactful social worker. I am eager to engage with the CSSW community, learn from diverse experiences, and contribute my perspective towards creating meaningful change. I am committed to using the knowledge and skills gained from CSSW to fight for social justice and empower the youth in communities like mine.

Clarity of Motivation : The essay effectively communicates the candidate’s personal experiences and observations of disparities in their community as key motivators for pursuing social work.
Goal-Oriented : Clearly outlines immediate and long-term goals, demonstrating a focused vision for a career in social work.
Understanding of a Social Issue : The candidate’s insight into the school-to-prison pipeline, informed by volunteer experiences, indicates a deep understanding of this complex social problem.
Attributes and Self-Improvement : Demonstrates empathy and resilience through specific examples. Identifies policy advocacy as an area for improvement and connects this to CSSW’s curriculum.
Personal and Professional Growth : The candidate’s experiences, challenges faced, and the growth they seek align well with the offerings of the CSSW program.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling and well-crafted. It showcases a strong personal connection to the field, a clear understanding of relevant social issues, and a desire for professional growth that aligns with the CSSW program.

Example 3: UC Berkeley MSW Statement of Purpose Sample

Please address each of the following in your statement:

Describe your aptitude, motivation and preparation for graduate study in the field of social welfare; your future career goals in the profession of social work; and achievements that demonstrate your professional promise and leadership potential as a social worker.
Describe your academic and professional areas of interest in social work, including your chosen area(s) of specialization.
Demonstrate your understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in the professional practice of social work by posing a question or identifying a relevant problem/current issue you would like to explore, and how you might address it from the perspective of a masters’-level social worker.

My journey into the world of social work began with a deeply personal experience – caring for my youngest daughter who faced developmental and language delays. This challenge opened my eyes to the struggles of parents with special needs children and sparked my commitment to helping vulnerable groups. I founded a non-profit organization to support children in rural Russian orphanages, which expanded my drive to assist not only children but also adults suffering from trauma and PTSD. This path has led me to pursue the Master of Social Welfare program at Berkeley, where I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills for effective global impact.

My background is richly diverse. As a mother of four bilingual, multicultural children, I developed a keen interest in early bilingualism. For my thesis at XXXX State Linguistic University, I explored bilingual language development in infants and toddlers, focusing on methods used by parents raising bilingual children. This research, recommended for publication as a guide for multilingual families, heightened my awareness of the challenges immigrant families face globally. It solidified my resolve to find research-based solutions to social issues, a commitment I bring to Berkeley’s rigorous program.

Professionally, I thrived as a XXXX Director for XXXX in Russia, where I honed leadership skills by building a team of passionate educators. A notable achievement was our collaboration with XXXX Department, providing educational programs to young patients. This experience was transformative, broadening my perspective on social change and reinforcing my desire to make a meaningful difference.

As a certified life and leadership coach, I focused on assisting Russian-speaking immigrants and refugee women, many confronting dire challenges like domestic abuse and PTSD. These encounters underscored the need for specialized social welfare skills, steering me towards a Master’s in Social Work. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in trauma and PTSD, and to contribute on an international scale, possibly with organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

Recognizing the critical role of language in social work, I have been learning Spanish and French to better connect with diverse patient populations. My linguistic background enhances my ability to engage effectively in multicultural settings. To gain practical experience, I completed a 90-hour training at Crisis Support Services of XXXX and began volunteering on their crisis line. This hands-on involvement, particularly during these challenging times, has further motivated me toward my LCSW goal.

UC Berkeley’s MSW program, known for its diverse student body and commitment to public service, is the ideal environment for me to grow. Surrounded by peers and faculty who share a dedication to social justice, I am eager to expand my understanding and prepare for a career dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.

Personal Experience as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the candidate’s personal experience of caring for a child with developmental delays as a catalyst for their interest in social work.
Global Perspective : Showcases a strong commitment to international social issues through work with Russian orphanages and immigrant communities.
Professional Achievements : Highlights relevant professional experiences, including leadership roles and work with vulnerable populations.
Educational Goals and Alignment : Clearly articulates the desire to specialize in trauma and PTSD, aligning with Berkeley’s MSW program’s strengths.
Multicultural and Linguistic Skills : Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cultural competence in social work, supported by multilingual abilities.

Verdict: The candidate presents a compelling mix of personal motivation, professional experience, and academic alignment with the MSW program at UC Berkeley. Their diverse background and specific career goals make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Example 4: Cal State Fullerton MSW Personal Statement Sample

The quality of the writing in the personal statement will be evaluated, as will the applicant’s ability to thoroughly address the questions outlined below:

Describe how your personal background and life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate education in social work. Please include any challenges or hardships you may have overcome on your journey.
What are your expectations of graduate education at Cal State Fullerton in terms of your own development? Indicate any problems or limitations that should be taken into account in planning your graduate program.
Specify your career objectives as a professional social worker as you now conceive them. Indicate the fields of practice in which you are interested.
Describe your experiences with diverse populations and groups, and how those experiences have contributed to your interest in social work. Which population (defined by culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, psychological and/or physical functioning) would you like to serve and why?

While managing an in-school feeding program, I watched a 7-year-old boy take a modest meal at school, and save half for his siblings at home. Another girl expressed joy for the school meals she relied on. These encounters, and others like them, deeply impacted me, highlighting the critical issue of child hunger and food insecurity. My resolve to expand our school feeding program was fueled by these experiences, successfully growing it from 7 to 1,053 schools over five years.

After graduating, I joined the Philippine XXXXX in 2001, managing the Business and Peace Program in the XXXXX Region. Here, I worked with XXXXXX, identifying young Muslims for internships that fostered leadership and peace.

In 2008, I transitioned to the XXXXX Foundation, developing community programs and managing the in-school feeding program, which fed 40,000 children at its peak. These experiences solidified my commitment to child welfare and my belief in the power of social work.

Managing the feeding program, I faced ethical challenges, like discovering fund misappropriation by a local agency officer. I addressed this by establishing direct communication with schools and conducting random checks, ensuring program integrity.

Then in 2013, I took a break to focus on family and moved to XXXXX. Motherhood enriched my perspective, making me more empathetic, resilient, and dedicated to child welfare. Now ready to re-enter the social work field, I seek an MSW degree to update my skills and knowledge.

Post-MSW, I aim to influence policies and contribute to community-based solutions in the Philippines, aspiring to work with large non-profits and eventually with international agencies like UNICEF.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened child poverty in the Philippines, underscoring the urgency of my mission. At CSU Fullerton, I plan to study social work theories, understand child welfare systems, and apply these learnings to the Philippine context.

With a Master of Social Work degree, I am poised to join the effort to advance children’s welfare, equipped to make a significant difference in their lives. The Filipino children cannot wait. They need all the help they can get. And with a Master of Social Work degree from CSU Fullerton, the battle will have been half-won.

Personal Narrative as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the applicant’s personal experiences with poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to illustrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
Community Involvement and Professional Experience : Highlights significant community engagement and professional achievements, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and positive change.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations : Discusses challenges faced during professional work, showing problem-solving skills and ethical awareness.
Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates how an MSW will enrich the applicant’s knowledge and skills, aiming to influence policies and create community-based solutions.
Personal Growth and Family Perspective : Reflects on the lessons learned from being a stay-at-home mother, tying this to a renewed enthusiasm for child welfare work.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a compelling personal connection to social work, reinforced by active community involvement, ethical professional practice, and clear career goals. The applicant’s experiences and aspirations align well with the MSW program at CSU Fullerton- making them a strong candidate.

Example 5: Cal State Long Beach MSW Personal Statement Sample

How did you become interested in social work? What motivated you to choose social work as a profession?

My passion for social work and advocacy for equality is rooted in a fundamental belief: no voice should be silenced in the pursuit of a just society. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how advocates for equality are often marginalized, their concerns unheard. This fuels my commitment to actively work towards a just world, where standing up for justice is a right for all.

As a child of Mexican immigrants, I experienced the harsh realities of a low-income household. This upbringing ingrained in me deep empathy and an intimate understanding of the struggles faced by underprivileged communities. My parents’ relentless hard work and sacrifices, despite economic hardships, have been a constant source of inspiration. They taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of community support.

My professional journey in social work began at XXXX Community Development Corporation, where I took a lead role in organizing a landmark meeting with elected officials. We successfully voiced community concerns, addressing critical issues like infrastructure and public safety. This experience honed my skills in advocacy and highlighted the power of active listening and engagement.

Furthering my commitment, I volunteered at XXXX Volunteers in Medicine, assisting in providing healthcare to those unable to afford it. Here, I learned the critical role of accessible healthcare and the importance of educating communities about healthy living. These experiences have solidified my resolve to pursue a career in social work, focusing on advocating for essential services and support for underprivileged communities.

My aspiration to become a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in children’s mental health, aligns perfectly with the academic rigor and diverse environment offered by the Master of Social Work program at CSULB. As an undergraduate at CSULB, I was captivated by the program’s depth and the diverse perspectives it embraced. The experiences shared with students from varied backgrounds deepened my understanding of the multifaceted challenges in our society.

I am fully committed to investing my time and resources in the coursework and fieldwork placements at CSULB. The opportunity to study in a stimulating environment, surrounded by professionals who share my passion, will provide a solid foundation for my career. I bring with me a wealth of practical insights from working with low-income communities, the homeless, the elderly, and drug users. These experiences, I believe, will contribute significantly to our class discussions and align perfectly with CSULB’s mission of supporting vulnerable and oppressed populations.

My journey in social work is a commitment to those who struggle to be heard. At CSULB, I aim to further my skills, knowledge, and understanding, preparing myself to be a force for change and a voice for the voiceless. My goal is to ensure that every child, family, and community I work with gets the opportunity to thrive, just as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.

Strong Personal Connection : The statement effectively connects the candidate’s personal background as a child of Mexican immigrants to her empathy and understanding of underprivileged communities.
Professional Experience : Highlights relevant work in community development and healthcare, which demonstrates practical skills in advocacy and community engagement.
Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates the ambition to specialize in children’s mental health, aligning with CSULB’s program.
Commitment to Social Work Values : Demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice, aligned with the mission of CSULB’s social work program.

Verdict: The personal statement is comprehensive and well-constructed, effectively demonstrating the candidate’s passion, relevant experience, and alignment with CSULB’s Master of Social Work program. The candidate’s background and professional aspirations make them a strong fit for the program.

Example 6: San Jose State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

In the heart of a small migrant community, where the sting of social inequities was a daily reality, my path toward a career in social work began to take shape. My childhood, marked by the challenges of racial discrimination and economic struggle, instilled in me not only resilience but a deep understanding of the complex social fabric that shapes communities. It was these formative experiences, coupled with my time volunteering at a local shelter, that solidified my dedication to advocating for social justice.

Professionally, my experiences have been closely aligned with the values at the core of social work. Serving as a community organizer, I worked alongside local leaders to tackle critical issues like housing affordability and healthcare accessibility, gaining valuable insights into the world of policy advocacy. Another pivotal role was as a counselor for at-risk youth, where I developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by young people from diverse backgrounds. This role was instrumental in refining my skills in empathy and communication.

Looking ahead, my immediate goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a focus on trauma and PTSD. In the long run, I aspire to establish a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health services to marginalized communities. These ambitions are rooted in a deep-seated commitment to effecting lasting change for those society often overlooks.

San Jose State University’s MSW program, renowned for its emphasis on culturally competent practice, particularly with Latinx and other minority groups, aligns perfectly with both my personal and professional values. The program’s exceptional faculty and comprehensive curriculum stand out as ideal for nurturing my academic and professional growth.

In conclusion, I am confident that my time at San Jose State University will not only refine my existing skills but also expand my perspectives, equipping me to become an effective, empathetic social worker. I am eager to embrace the tools and knowledge that the program offers, to champion social justice and make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

This MSW personal statement sample effectively showcases the candidate’s journey and motivation towards a career in social work. It does well in several key aspects:

Personal Experience : The statement begins with a compelling narrative about the candidate’s upbringing in a diverse, challenging environment, effectively linking personal background to their interest in social work.
Professional Alignment : The candidate skillfully ties their professional experiences, like community organizing and counseling, to the core values of social work- to demonstrate a clear understanding and commitment to the field.
Future Goals & Alignment with the Program : The statement outlines specific short-term and long-term professional goals, aligning them with the strengths of San Jose State University’s MSW program. This demonstrates the candidate’s purposeful choice of program and their understanding of how it will support their career objectives.
Flow and Clarity : The essay is well-structured, with each paragraph transitioning smoothly into the next, maintaining a clear and engaging narrative throughout.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded, sincere, and focused candidate with a clear vision for their future in social work. It makes a strong case for their admission.

Example 7: Wayne State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Your statement must address the following items:

The National Association of Social Workers set forth important guiding principles to address social workers’ ethical responsibility to clients, colleagues, employers and employing organizations, the social work profession, and society.
Describe how these ethical standards would shape your professional social work practice. How would you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirements of the profession?
Describe why you believe you are a good fit with the mission of the Wayne State University School of Social Work, particularly its urban mission.
Social workers are committed to social justice. Please describe your thoughts on a particular social and economic justice issue and how you intend to use your professional social work degree to address these issues.

As an African American with Native American roots, I have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by underserved communities. This background has deeply influenced my desire to pursue social work, driven by a belief in compassion, commitment, and competence. I aim to amplify my impact in this field by enhancing my skills, and I believe the MSW program at Wayne State University is the ideal setting for this growth.

My life in Detroit has exposed me to the myriad challenges of urban environments, from food deserts to unsafe public spaces and high crime rates. The city’s struggle with deindustrialization has led to job losses, property abandonment, and heightened poverty, which I believe positions me uniquely for Wayne’s urban mission. Understanding these issues firsthand, I feel equipped to contribute meaningfully to solutions.

In my current role with a youth assistance program, I work to prevent youths from entering the juvenile system and help rehabilitate those already involved. Our sessions include group counseling, academic enrichment, and life skills training, aimed at early intervention to improve life quality and academic performance.

My practice as a social worker is grounded in the ethical standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. I prioritize service above self-interest, as evidenced by my role as a Direct Care Worker for my sister with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am committed to social justice and understand the importance of dignity and respect for every individual, regardless of their background. My experience with Wayne State University’s XXXXXX program has further reinforced the value of human relationships in social work.

I recognize the potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities. In such cases, I intend to adhere to the profession’s ethical standards, ensuring that my personal beliefs do not hinder my ability to serve clients effectively.

The Wayne State University School of Social Work’s urban mission resonates with my experiences and aspirations. My understanding of Detroit’s unique challenges aligns with the school’s focus on urban social work. I am particularly interested in addressing issues of poverty and economic disparity, leveraging my post-masters degree to initiate impactful programs like fundraisers for low-income students and collaborations with local food banks.

I am aware of the challenges in understanding certain aspects of social work, such as the dynamics of gang involvement. To address this, I plan to engage in continuous learning about various community issues to enhance my ability to serve diverse populations effectively.

My journey has not been without its challenges. While I have been actively involved in addressing the needs of victims of gang violence, I recognize a gap in my understanding of gang culture. To bridge this gap, I am committed to learning more about gang dynamics, history, and the socioeconomic factors that influence gang membership. This knowledge will be crucial in my work with at-risk youth, allowing me to provide more targeted and effective interventions.

Balancing the demands of graduate studies with work, family, and financial responsibilities will be challenging, but my experience in the Wayne State University XXXXX program has equipped me with valuable skills in time management and prioritization. I am prepared to fully commit to the MSW program, confident that it will transform me into an impactful social work professional aligned with Wayne State’s mission.

Alignment with University’s Mission : The statement effectively aligns the student’s personal and professional experiences with Wayne State University’s urban mission.
Ethical Awareness : Demonstrates a clear understanding of social work ethics and a commitment to upholding these standards in practice.
Conflict Resolution : Thoughtfully addresses potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities, indicating maturity and professional readiness.
Commitment to Social Justice : Shows a strong dedication to social justice, particularly in addressing economic disparities and poverty.
Continuous Learning : Emphasizes a willingness to learn and grow, especially in areas like understanding gang dynamics, which is crucial for effective social work.
Personal Experiences : Successfully uses personal experiences to illustrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities.
Realistic Approach : Acknowledges and prepares for the challenges of balancing graduate studies with other life responsibilities.

Verdict: The applicant shows a strong alignment with the program’s focus, demonstrates ethical awareness, and possesses a clear commitment to social justice and continuous learning. The statement shows maturity and readiness for the challenges of graduate study in social work.

Example 8: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

Please describe in your personal statement the following:

Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession
Why you are applying to the University of Pittsburg School of Social Work
How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals
Your special skills and abilities, your strengths as well as your limitations
How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker
Discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you

Printed on my grandfather’s funeral brochure was an old Irish proverb: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” This sentiment has resonated with me deeply, as I have experienced significant loss in my life, from cancer to accidents and suicide. These experiences have not only shaped my understanding of grief but also steered me towards a career in social work, specifically in gerontology and hospice care.

During my final quarter at XXXXXXX State College, I met a hospice social worker whose impact on families dealing with end-of-life situations was profound. Her approach to helping families accept, celebrate life, and find peace in farewells deeply inspired me. It was then that I realized the power of social work in providing comfort and dignity in life’s final stages.

I am applying to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work because of its strong gerontology program and its commitment to addressing contemporary issues like the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population. The pandemic has starkly highlighted the disparities in our healthcare system, especially concerning end-of-life care. I aim to contribute to this field by developing solutions to these emerging challenges, ensuring dignity and comfort for all in their final moments, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic status.

My work experience in childcare and hospitality has equipped me with patience, empathy, and a strong work ethic, qualities essential for a career in social work. Additionally, my volunteer work with XXXXXXX and the XXXXXXX has given me valuable experience in community service. However, I recognize my tendency to be overly trusting as a limitation. In the field of social work, discernment is crucial, and I am actively working on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.

At the University of Pittsburgh, I am particularly interested in courses like Grief and Loss: Interventions, Implications, and Understanding, and Direct Practice with Older Adults. These courses, coupled with field education in aging, hospice, or hospital settings, will be instrumental in achieving my career goals.

My commitment to serving the Pittsburgh community stems from my deep-rooted connection to the city. Witnessing the impact of the university’s alumni in the field has further motivated me to pursue my MSW here. I am fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the field of social work, but I am confident that the guidance and training offered by the University of Pittsburgh will equip me to tackle these challenges effectively.

My personal experiences with loss, combined with my professional aspirations and commitment to social justice, make me a suitable candidate for the MSW program. I am eager to contribute my skills, work ethic, and unique perspectives to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and to grow into a compassionate and effective social worker.

Connection of Personal Experience to Career Choice : Effectively links personal encounters with loss to a passion for social work, particularly in gerontology and hospice care.
Alignment with Program’s Strengths : Clearly identifies why the University of Pittsburgh’s program, with its focus on gerontology, is a strong fit for the candidate’s career goals.
Discussion of Contemporary Issues : Addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, showing awareness of current challenges in social work.
Self-awareness and Growth : Acknowledges personal limitations, like being overly trusting, and the intention to work on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.
Relevant Skills and Experience : Highlights experiences in childcare, hospitality, and volunteer work, which showcase skills valuable in social work.

Verdict: The statement demonstrates a clear connection between personal experiences and professional aspirations. It aligns effectively with the program’s focus, displays awareness of current social issues, and shows a commitment to personal growth- making the candidate a strong fit for the University of Pittsburgh’s MSW program.

Example 9: Case Western Reserve University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Discuss significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA).

Your essay should include information regarding your interest in the social work profession, your intended concentration/specialization, and career goals.
Please reflect on how any past school, community, volunteer, professional work, and leadership experiences will contribute to your success as a graduate student.
Describe how you see yourself contributing to the vibrancy of our student body and school community.
Describe any strengths or limitations that might influence you being successful in your field placement.
Finally, please include why the Mandel School is a good fit for your educational goals.

My decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) at the Mandel School is deeply rooted in personal and professional experiences that have highlighted the profound impact of social work. My journey began with observing the complexities of mental health within my family, which instilled in me a passion for understanding and advocating for mental health care.

Growing up, I watched a beloved family member struggle with mental health challenges. Witnessing their battle and the ripple effect it had on our family stirred in me a resolve to support others facing similar trials. This resolve only deepened with the birth of my daughter, Eve, when I encountered my postpartum mood disorders. Through receiving treatment and support, I was empowered to overcome these challenges, which further fueled my aspiration to assist women grappling with similar issues.

In my professional role as a Health Coach and Personal Trainer, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients like John and Anna, whose mental well-being was intertwined with their physical health goals. These experiences have honed my ability to listen empathetically and devise holistic approaches to wellness that I believe will be invaluable in my social work practice.

My immediate career goal is to establish a private practice focused on women’s mental health, particularly addressing postpartum mood disorders. I am inspired to create a space where women can seek help without stigma or silence. In the long term, I aspire to influence mental health policy, advocating for accessible care and support systems that recognize and address the silent struggles many women face.

The Mandel School’s commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant student body resonate with my educational and professional ethos. The school’s innovative approach to social work education, particularly in mental health, makes it an exceptional fit for my aspirations. My compassion, coupled with my professional experience and personal journey through mental health challenges, will contribute to the rich tapestry of the Mandel School community.

Ultimately, I envision my time at the Mandel School as a transformative experience that will not only deepen my understanding of social work but also equip me with the skills to make significant contributions to the field. With a community that fosters diversity of thought and experience, I am confident that my educational journey here will prepare me for a fulfilling and impactful career in social work.

Personal Connection : The statement effectively establishes a personal connection to social work through the candidate’s family experiences with mental health.
Professional Relevance : It highlights relevant work experience that translates well into social work competencies, particularly in understanding clients’ holistic needs.
Clear Career Objectives : The candidate articulates well-defined short-term and long-term goals that align with their personal experiences and professional aspirations.
School Alignment : There is a strong emphasis on how the Mandel School’s ethos resonates with the candidate’s goals, suggesting a thoughtful choice in their application.
Contribution to Community : The statement outlines how the candidate’s unique experiences and compassion will add value to the student body and fieldwork.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling, demonstrating a strong, authentic motivation for pursuing an MSSA and a clear vision for how the Mandel School will help fulfill their career objectives.

Example 10: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession.
Why you are applying to Pitt’s School of Social Work.
How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals.
How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker.
discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you.

At just seven years old, I witnessed the harsh realities of poverty, domestic violence, and addiction within my family. These experiences instilled in me a passion for social work, especially after seeing how social workers supported our family through my parents’ mental health and addiction challenges. This inspired me to pursue a career in this field to use my background and skills gained from an MSW program to assist individuals and families in their recovery processes.

Growing up, our family was caught up in a custody battle, leading my siblings and me to frequently navigate foster care and courtrooms. My parents’ struggle with addiction was alleviated by the support of social workers and case managers, who provided housing, food assistance, service coordination, and counseling. Tragically, both my parents eventually succumbed to drug overdoses. Though painful, these experiences further reinforced my commitment to social work and helping others facing similar struggles.

In recent years, I have been actively involved in social justice activism. My roles as a community organizer and development director for XXXXX Summer Camp, a non-profit empowering girls and non-binary youth through music and mentorship, highlighted the need for improved mental and behavioral health services. Volunteering as a delivery driver and food packager with XXXXX Aid during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of community support for those in need.

My experience in event coordination, donor relationship building, and electoral campaign work has enabled me to contribute to meaningful change in my community, such as the successful XXXXX Wage initiative in Oregon, which improved the lives of countless workers. Serving on the XXXXX Democratic Committee for Ward Four, I have amplified community voices and supported candidates who advocate for accessible mental and behavioral health services, safe and affordable housing, and environmental protection.

A contemporary issue that concerns me is the effectiveness of harm reduction techniques in treating mental health and dual-diagnosis clients. I aim to explore how these techniques can be integrated into traditional substance abuse treatment models to better meet the mental health needs of individuals like my parents. Additionally, I am interested in how mental health professionals and addiction treatment providers can collaborate to provide comprehensive care for dual-diagnosis clients.

Obtaining an MSW will empower me to become a skilled, compassionate, and trauma-informed clinician. My goal is to contribute to accessible mental and behavioral health services, particularly for trauma survivors, and advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive, and restorative justice practices.

I am empathetic and easily connect with people, and my resilience in adversity will contribute to my development as a professional social worker. These qualities have supported me in helping my sister Cheyan and in my social justice work.

I chose the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work for its highly-ranked program and specialization in mental health. This program aligns with my goal of employing harm reduction strategies for dual-diagnosis clients. Additionally, its proximity to my family will enable me to support them while pursuing my education.

I am eager to return to the University of Pittsburgh and embark on this transformative journey to become a professional social worker. The MSW program will enable me to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need compassionate and trauma-informed care. I am confident that this program will honor my family’s legacy and empower me to create positive change for countless individuals and families in need.

Personal Experience as a Motivation : The applicant compellingly uses their personal history of overcoming poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to demonstrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
Community Involvement : The statement highlights significant community engagement and activism, showcasing a commitment to social justice and change.
Professional Development : Details about event coordination, campaign involvement, and leadership roles show the applicant’s ability to effect change and work collaboratively.
Academic and Career Goals : The applicant clearly articulates their interest in harm reduction techniques and their intent to enhance their skills through the MSW program.
Personal Qualities : Empathy and resilience are emphasized as strengths that will aid in their development as a social worker.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a powerful personal connection to social work, backed by active community involvement and clear professional goals. Their commitment to addressing complex social issues, coupled with their personal strengths, shines throughout the statement.

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Social Work Personal Statement Guide (w/Examples)

Top 8 Cheapest Online MSW Programs

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Writing Guide

Professional social workers create a variety of documents, including proposals, case reports, and treatment itineraries. Social work programs prepare students for these tasks through writing assignments such as research papers and essays. To prepare for these writing assignments, students should have a basic understanding of grammar, punctuation, citation styles, and essay formats before entering a social work program.

Professional social workers create a variety of documents, including proposals, case reports, and treatment itineraries.

Social workers handle vital information, which makes the ability to communicate clearly in writing a crucial skill. For example, a child welfare worker gathers information concerning the wellbeing of a child. If the phrasing in the related case report is too complicated, the professional may overlook safety details, which could endanger the child. Additionally, concise wording is important. Wordy documents can take excessive amounts of time to read, which could prevent social workers from considering other cases on a suitable schedule. To master the social work writing style, students should learn to provide necessary information succinctly.

Social work programs may begin assessing writing abilities during the application process through personal statements, so applicants should polish their writing skills before applying.

Featured Programs in Social Work

Types of writing social workers will do in school, personal statements.

Many applications require a personal statement that provides in-depth information highlighting the candidate’s qualifications and positive traits. Whereas a resume may briefly reference a volunteer opportunity at an organization, a personal statement could describe lessons learned while volunteering or elaborate on personal contributions that benefited the organization.

Schools examine these qualifications while reviewing statements, but they also consider the statements as social work writing samples and evaluate each applicant’s writing skills. For this reason, candidates should proofread these documents and include the standard introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. By following these practices, applicants demonstrate their understanding of college-level writing concepts.

Applicants should focus on strengths and experiences related to social work and avoid vague statements and cliches. Instead of noting their lifelong passion for the field, a student could address a single incident that sparked interest in social work. The school may provide a prompt on which applicants should base their statements. These prompts may involve career goals or ambitions in the social work field.

If the school lists personal statements as optional, applicants should consider submitting a statement to demonstrate their work ethic. However, if the school makes no mention of personal statements, students should refrain from submitting one, given the amount of application materials each school must review each year.

Social work courses may include essay examinations during which learners must answer questions in a limited time frame. Students rarely see the questions in advance. To prepare, students should become familiar with all major course components by attending classes, taking clear notes, and keeping up with readings and assignments. Study groups may also be beneficial.

To prepare, students should become familiar with all major course components by attending classes, taking clear notes, and keeping up with readings and assignments.

During the exam, students should begin by outlining the thesis and supporting evidence. This outline guides the student through the writing process and ensures the response remains on-track. These assessments often require three main supporting points, so students may include five paragraphs within these outlines: the introduction, three body paragraphs, and the conclusion.

Learners should also use time-management techniques during these assessments. Students may allot a certain amount of time for each paragraph, plus time to proofread. Using this strategy, students can write and polish each paragraph.

Candidates should carefully answer the assigned question, ensuring they read the question correctly. A single word can alter the prompt’s meaning. For example, an essay explaining how an event happened is different than one detailing why the event happened.

Research Papers

Whereas an essay may include personal opinions, a research paper focuses on facts. For example, an essay discussing a novel could include the student’s thoughts about the work. A research paper would use scholarly evidence to examine aspects of the novel, such as themes, characters, and historical significance.

Essays and research papers also differ in length. An essay may require only five paragraphs. A research paper, however, may be 10 pages or longer.

Students in social work courses can research topics such as drug or alcohol issues, government policies, child welfare, community involvement, and mental wellness. Social work research papers often include sections for methodology, literature, and research results, as well as an abstract and a reference list that fulfills APA requirements.

Students should use a variety of primary and secondary sources when writing research papers. Citing multiple sources reinforces the student’s claims. However, students should refrain from relying too heavily on quoted material; excessive quotations implies the writer does not understand the topic well enough to paraphrase the source information.

Learners may also submit papers to tutoring services before submitting to reduce the chances of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

How Do You Write an Essay?

Social work programs may require various writing assignments to prepare students to complete professional writing for social work practice. Each form of academic writing serves a distinct purpose, and an understanding of various writing styles provides a foundation to help students during these assignments.

Narrative papers often depict personal experiences, such as memorable vacations or first attempts at hobbies. Narrative works also include opinion pieces, such as book reports. When writing a narrative essay, students should have a clear focus.

Expository writing explores a specific topic and requires the writer to carefully examine the topic. The facts presented in an expository piece can come from research or, if the assignment’s structure limits research time, through means such as logic or an example. Cause and effect pieces, compare and contrast works, and process descriptions may all qualify as expository writing if they are meant to present information. All expository pieces should include a thesis and logical transitions.

Persuasive writing requires students to take a stance on a topic and to support that stance with evidence. Research is crucial to persuasive writing, and students should incorporate multiple sources to support their thesis. Additionally, writers should present countering opinions and prove the instability of opposing viewpoints through facts, logic, and examples. Ultimately, persuasive writing should convince readers that the writer’s position is the accurate stance on the topic.

Comparative

These assignments require students to compare two or more similar concepts, such as political positions, marketing plans, or fictional themes. Professors may assign topics or allow students to select their own. Before writing, learners should brainstorm similarities and organize them into body paragraphs. For instance, a student comparing two artistic pieces may construct paragraphs about color, medium, and setting.

Cause and Effect

This type of paper explains a presumed cause for a specific occurrence. For example, a student may claim that limited health insurance options lead to untreated illnesses in the United States. With this topic, the student could divide supporting evidence into separate paragraphs, such as the cost of health insurance, the benefits of health insurance, and the process of finding insurance information. Using this strategy, the writer covers various health insurance problems to verify the paper’s main point.

Citations Guide for Social Work Students

Using source information without proper citation leads to plagiarism, the act of claiming a source’s ideas without giving the source due credit. Consequences for plagiarism can include failing assignments, failing courses, being expelled from school, and enduring a lawsuit. Since departments require different citation styles, degree candidates should ensure they use the proper citation format for each assignment.

American Psychological Association (APA) Style

APA format was established in 1929 to create a common format for writing. These guidelines allowed writers to more easily interpret one another’s findings. Professionals in fields including psychology, criminology, and business use APA style.

APA format requires specific headers, page numbers, a cover page, an abstract, divided sections, and a reference list. APA in-text citations specify the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number. Students may substitute these details for the work’s title, “n.d.” (“no date”), and a paragraph number or section title, respectively, if the primary information is not available.

The company decided that the new marketing policy was “their best idea in 20 years” (Simmons & Hatfield, 2016, p. 23).

Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

In 1906, the Chicago University Press established this citation style, which professionals in fields including history and philosophy employ today. Students following Chicago style may use in-text citations but often use footnotes or endnotes instead. Chicago style also requires a specifically structured cover page, page numbers, and a bibliography.

Footnotes and endnotes resemble bibliography entries but have different punctuation. In a bibliography, students use periods to separate a book’s publisher, publication place, and publication year. In footnotes and endnotes, this information is in parentheses. Additionally, endnotes and footnotes should include page numbers.

The company decided that the new marketing policy was “their best idea in 20 years” (Simmons and Hatfield 2016, 23).

Modern Language Association (MLA) Format

Established in 1883, the Modern Language Association supplies guidelines that many English, literature, and communication departments adopt.

MLA format includes a works cited page at the end of the document and specific page headers and numbers in the upper right-hand corner of each page. Basic assignment information, such as the student’s name, the date, and the course title, appears in the upper left-hand corner of the first page. MLA does not require a cover page, which separates this format from other styles. MLA in-text citations include the author’s last name and the page number.

The company decided that the new marketing policy was “their best idea in 20 years” (Simmons and Hatfield 23).

Associated Press (AP) Style

This style, established in 1977, covers wording, organization, and source documentation. Journalists and news reporters often use this format.

AP style uses brief paragraphs and concise sentences to quicken the pace of the writing. The style requires writers to abbreviate certain words, use a person’s first name only on the initial mention, and eliminate titles. Writers should also replace vague words with more specific options.

Instead of using parenthetical citations, writers can reference the sources in dialogue format. This detail and the lack of reference list are AP style’s distinct elements.

The company decided that the new marketing policy was “their best idea in 20 years,” according to Simmons and Hatfield.

The Best Writing Style for Social Work Majors

Most types of writing in social work require learners and professionals to use APA format. This style is ideal for social work professionals, who often work with documents containing vital information. When dealing with these types of documents, clear details and concise wording are essential. The rigidness of APA style helps writers provide an organized overview of the document’s topic.

Common Writing Mistakes Students Make

Active vs. passive voice.

When writing in active voice, writers state the doer of the action before the sentence’s verb. An example of an active construction would be, “He wrote the book.” Passive voice places the object of the action prior to the verb: “The book was written by him.” Though the information remains the same, active voice states the message more concisely.

Passive voice is a style error, not a grammar issue, and can even be useful in certain situations. Writers may use passive voice when the noun or pronoun undergoing the action supplies the sentence’s emphasis, such as in the following sentence: “The U.S. was founded in 1776.” Because passive voice serves certain purposes and has no technical grammar flaws, using unnecessary passive constructions is a common error.

In most cases, students should choose active voice for concision and clarity. Consider the sentence, “The food was enjoyed.” The reader cannot tell who enjoyed the food, whereas an active sentence with an equal number of words answers this question: “Jane enjoyed the food.”

Punctuation

Punctuation marks include periods, commas, semicolons, dashes, and quotation marks, and confusing their purposes may lead to flawed sentence structures. For example, a semicolon joins two independent clauses, or phrases that can stand alone: “The dog barked; it was loud.” Using a comma in this situation constitutes a grammatical error called a comma splice: “The dog barked, it was loud.”

Punctuation missteps can also alter meaning. In the sentence, “Please stop, David,” the comma before the name directs David to stop. “Please stop David,” on the other hand, would instruct an unknown person to stop David from performing a task.

Writers may confuse colons and semicolons. Colons indicate a pause before an emphasized idea, such as in the sentence,”She knew where to drive: Montana.” The colon places importance on the destination, Montana. Semicolons, on the other hand, may separate nested lists, as in the following sentence.

“The attendants choose between hiking, swimming, and basketball; running, yoga, and tennis; or weightlifting, bicycling, and baseball.”

Writers should become familiar with punctuation rules to craft accurate and clear sentences.

Grammar refers to language rules for phrasing and wording, including concepts such as verb tense and noun-pronoun agreement. Students may struggle with grammatical details, since the language includes irregularities that alter guidelines. For example, constructing past tense verbs often involves adding “d” or “ed.” However, irregular verbs use different formats; the past tense of “eat” is “ate,” and the past tense of “go” is “went.”

Writers may also struggle with homophones, which sound similar but have distinct meanings. Commonly confused homophones are “there,” “their,” and “they’re,” which indicates a place, shows possession, and is a contraction for “they are,” respectively. To avoid grammatical mistakes, learners should thoroughly study the language’s structure.

Writing Resources for Social Work Students

Paradigm Online Writing Assistant This website guides learners through various stages of the writing process, including topic selection, revisions, and idea organization. Additionally, students may find information on different types of writing, such as argumentative works and informal pieces.
Write Content Solutions This website provides tips on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure and assists students with researching and citing sources. Students can improve their writing skills using practice worksheets available through the website.
Purdue Online Writing Lab The Purdue OWL offers information on the writing process and assists applicants to undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can explore MLA, APA, AP, and Chicago formats through the writing lab.
Writer’s Digest This website provides articles on creating pieces in specific genres, for individuals with particular levels of writing expertise. Topics include homophones and time management. The website also provides information about writing conferences and publications.
TutorMe This website assists students struggling with essay structure or citation format. Tutors may help learners polish their writing through grammar and punctuation checks and general proofreading.

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Application Requirement:

The Garland School of Social Work application includes four short-answer essay prompts. The four essays focus on the following topics:

Social work profession
Advocating for others
Diana R. Garland School of Social Work mission statement
Societal issues

Application Advice:

Essays are a significant piece of the application to the MSW program at Baylor. This is how we get to know you as a future student and social work professional. We encourage all applicants to take their time, thoroughly think through a response, and engage in strong writing skills. Read through the information below for additional advice regarding application essays:

Review, revise, and review again …grammar, punctuation, and editing matter. Be sure there are no typos or other errors that can distract readers.
Answer the question . As a graduate student, you learn how to write in a concise manner. Use your application as a chance to highlight this skill by answering the question asked of you and avoid rambling.
Read the mission statement . Knowing the mission of a program and highlighting how you identify with that mission can help reviewers understand what you would bring into the program.

The essay prompts are available on the GoGarland Application. These prompts are available for students to review and begin drafting essay responses. Students will submit responses to the application essay directly from the GoGarland Status Portal. As a reminder, students will have access to the GoGarland Status Portal immediately upon submission of their application.

Application essays are required as part of a complete application. Applicants will submit application essays directly from the GoGarland status page.

Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

811 Washington Ave. Waco, TX 76701

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153 Social Work Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on social work, 👍 good social work research topics & essay examples, 🔎 easy social work research paper topics, ✍️ social work essay topics for college, 💡 simple social work essay ideas, ❓ social work research questions.

Child Labor and Social Worker Interventions
Social Work as a Profession
Multidimensional Theory Applied to Social Work
Assumptions, Values, Biases in Social Work
A Social Worker’s Interview and Reflection
Theoretical Perspectives of Social Work
Object Relations Theory in Social Work Systems
Social Work in Mental Health Settings Social workers are regarded as highly trained individuals working closely to foster the standard of life and the well-being of other people through crisis intervention.
Multidisciplinary Team Meeting: A Social Workers’ Role Social workers are involved in activities that are geared towards helping people who have different problems with the aim of enabling them to live comfortable lives.
Social Work Theory for a Molested Child Psychological analyses indicate that children who have undergone molestation are likely to experience anxiety, physical injury and may be susceptible to more abuse in the future.
The Use of Self in Social Work In the following paper, I will discuss the use of self during my field education experience and describe any potential boundary challenges at my placement agency.
Social Worker in the Field of Child and Family Welfare Responsibility for the well-being of families and children, including in the issue of domestic violence, lies with the state, but a social worker also takes on an important role.
Professional Judgement and Decision-Making in Social Work Due to the fact that social workers often find themselves in ambiguous and difficult situations, it is important for them to have analytical skills, and a readiness to make decisions.
Competing Values, Social Work The primary objective of this paper is to discuss competing values and the subsequent tension in Maria’s case.
Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice The society being the centerpiece of a civilization must have its own regulations and standards that create order and stability, governed by morals and obligations.
Ethical Issues in Medical Social Work The dilemma described in this paper lies in avoiding negative social consequences, withholding the client’s parents’ information that is important for life.
Medical Social Work and Teamwork Teams of healthcare professionals could be presented in various forms. They include a consultative approach, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and trans-disciplinary teams.
Change Process in Social Work Changes within a social work environment could include integration of departments, or organizations, establishing different cultures or implementing technological changes.
“Is Social Work a Profession?” by Abraham Flexner Abraham Flexner’s article “Is Social Work a Profession” opens the author’s view on the essence of social work and its compatibility with the concepts of profession.
The Role of Faith in Social Work Social workers integrate faith in their profession using models like the latent and coping integration frameworks.
Effective Interviewing Skills of a Social Worker The essay presents interviewing techniques useful for a social worker. It includes the ability to paraphrase, provide an empathetic response, keep eye contact, etc.
A Social Worker’s Experience and Lessons The experience of a social worker represents a unique amalgamation of research, cross-cultural experiences, and meticulous analysis of provided information.
Law Policy and Ethical Setting in Children’s Social Work Organizations, medical and government institutions bestowed with the responsibilities of fostering vulnerable children, should have clear policies on all matters to children.
Social Worker’ Role Play Exercise This paper reveals personal experience in the framework of role play exercise as a social worker interviewing the patient, its analysis, and the article critique.
Social Work and Motivational Interviewing Increasing a client’s incentive to change is a key component of the counseling practice known as motivational interviewing.
The Issue of Micro-Macro Divide in the Social Work Profession The social work profession is dichotomized by micro and macro practices that aim to promote social equality, eliminate disparities, and increase people’s quality of life.
Is Social Worker a Profession? Social work is a significant activity in society as it aims at providing assistance to those in need, promoting better living conditions, and improving the social environment.
Human Rights and Feminist Perspectives in Social Work This paper aims to review the main principles of human rights in order to understand the connections between the narratives of human rights and feminism.
The Social Workers (NASW) Practice Standards The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) practice standards are a collection of professional rules with specific goals for the various social workers.
Social Work Practice: The Role of Implicit Bias The role of implicit bias in social work practice is predetermined by the unconscious influence of one’s individual prejudices on the character of the interaction with clients.
Social Workers’ Advocacy for Queer Population At the international level, local social workers are not able to introduce significant changes and help LGBTQ people.
Assessment of Need and Practice of a Social Worker A social worker helps in managing the cases by linking clients to the relevant agencies, counseling, social research as well as others.
The Role of Social Workers to Meet Client Needs Social workers in psychiatric facilities have several important responsibilities, including completing patient intake and evaluation procedures.
Social Work Career: Personal Experiences A first person account is the narrative from a particular person’s point of view. Normally, the genre is used for reaching the reader who is likely to contemplate.
Bachelor of Science in Social Work: Self-Reflection The paper states that this education program develops effective communication within the field of study, and social subjects which will be important in a social worker career.
Social Workers’ Benefits from Stress Management This essay evaluates the benefits for social workers from the stress management. They involve finances, security, personal health, and communities without violence.
Managing Ethics Challenges in Social Work Organizations Managing ethical challenges in social work is effective through the approach including following NOHS standards, and embracing inclusivity in practice.
Ethics in Social Work: Addressing Economic Inequality It is imperative to understand the application of core ethical values of social work that are relevant to the identified problem of inequality and explore the challenge.
Social Work Interventions This paper describes the evidence-based practice models applied in correctional facilities and examines how they could be introduced in field placement agencies.
Personal Field Education Experience in Social Work The purpose of this paper is to explain the social work interns’ field education experience and discuss the development of professional identity.
Social Work Practice: Work Experience and Career Development The paper tackles having experience in Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, and Safeguarding all vulnerable people and ensuring a better Social Work Practice.
Main Values in the Work of a Social Worker A notable and defining attribute of social work is the profession’s focus on individual welfare in a social context and the welfare of society.
Social Work: the Latin American Youth Center This paper will focus on one particular organization, which is the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), which operates as a non-profit organization.
A Social Worker’s Reflections on Power, Privilege and Oppression In his A Social Worker’s Reflections on Power, Privilege, and Oppression, Spencer involves the challenges that social workers encounter under oppressive systems of power.
Diversity and Cultural Competence in Social Work The example case scenario is focused on a hypothetical situation involving an immigrant individual named Miranda, and she is a heterosexual female who is 27 years old.
Human Trafficking in Thailand: Social Work Practice Many generations have come into being and exited this planet, leaving behind a legacy of positive virtues and harmful vices.
Social Work Theories: Application to the Knowledge Base Social work is centered on promoting the well-being of people, families, and the community. The practice is driven by theories.
Personality Traits of a Social Worker The paper indicates that there is an interdependent relationship between professional social work practice and problem-solving skills.
Celebrating Social Work Month with Angelo McClain The present paper analyzes and evaluates the main ideas discussed in the first episode of the NASW’s podcast. The guest is the CEO of the NASW, Angelo McClain.
Social Worker Challenges Today and the Future of the Planet The paper examines the applicability of the plans of the social workers in the USA and the United Nations in the future, and the similarity and global nature of their tasks.
Joys of Social Work Administration Social workers seek to empower people and communities in their everyday lives. Unfortunately, the field has garnered a reputation for being a noble but dreary profession.
Spirituality and Social Work Practice Spiritual care should be included in the client’s initial assessment because it has been proven to generate positive health outcomes in primary care.
Human Behavior and Social Work Theoretical Analysis: Adolescent Aggression This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical approaches to the problem of violence and deviant behavior overall among young people.
Social Workers Ethical Issues In a scenario where a colleague believes that a particular subset of clients does not deserve the same attention and care as other groups, several ethical issues arise.
Research Process in Social Work This paper explores research methods in social work, mainly, quantitative and qualitative research methods, descriptive, exploratory, explanatory and evaluation research methods.
Social Work Ethics: Issues and Critical Debates The paper is based on a value conflict occurred between a social worker and his mentally ill patient. The conflict is caused by religious diversity and different value systems.
Personal Professional Statement of Social Work: Path, Skills and Future The basis of social work is caring about others – without a desire to help, one cannot fully understand the idea of this job
Multicultural Competence in Social Work Our self-perception depends on the images, stereotypes, and biases that refer to our racial identities, the expansion of which is crucial for individuals, including social workers.
Social Worker’s Ethical Dilemma of Confidentiality The patient’s family face communication difficulties after her brain injury. The social worker has no rights to talk about the patient’s case even to her relatives.
Service User Inclusion and Empowerment in Social Work Service user inclusion within the context of social work suggests that social workers should embrace the idea of collaborating with clients.
The National Association of Social Workers’ Position The importance of providing quality sex education for children and adolescents is recognized by public organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers.
Vicarious Trauma in Social Workers Increased self-observation enables social workers to identify and track stress, vicarious trauma, and burnout symptoms.
Social Work in Groups: The Key Challenges Social work in groups requires a leader to spread their attention to multiple sources without losing connection to a team as a whole.
The Family Violence Act of 2004 in Social Work Family violence reforms, such as the Family Violence Act of 2004, have raised awareness of the nature and effects of family violence among the general population.
The Social Work: Eliminating Shame and Stigma The social work encompasses various layers of social systems and, thus, remains crucial in promoting emotional well-being in the population.
Demographic Groups Comparison in Social Work Comparing different demographics and groups can facilitate the establishment of efficient techniques for combating issues and providing help.
National Social Workers’ Association and Cultural Competence The National Social Workers’ Association organized the Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, which was able to strengthen the organization’s cultural competence.
Social Work and Eugenics Article by Anastas The story shared in the article Social Work and Eugenics by Anastas (2011) sheds new, disturbing light on the history of social workers in the U.S.
The Role of Social Workers in Addressing Teenage Obesity The social worker should be the bridge uniting obese individuals and society advertising social changes, and ending injustice and discrimination.
Mezzo- and Macro-Levels of Social Work Both mezzo- and macro-level social work can be used to support people that experience various challenges through a broader and comprehensive approach.
Social Work and Culture in the Context of the US The lack of cultural awareness is an unacceptable manifestation of ignorance in a country driven by diversity, inclusion, and variety.
Micro-Practice Social Work to Strengthen Communities The micro-level of social work, referred to as the traditional approach, entails working in close collaboration with individuals and families to strengthen one-on-one support.
Social Work With Native American Population The Native American or Indigenous population has historically been challenged by severe oppression ever since the European population’s first arrival in the Americas.
Self‐Concept and Allyship in Social Work The development of social work-associated professional identity is concerned with internalizing the relevant skills and knowledge, values, and social work mission.
“Patients’ Satisfaction With the Social Work…” by Roberts et al. A study by Roberts et al. in the article “A patients’ satisfaction with the social work service provided at a rehabilitation centre” talks about social workers.
Social Work Assignment: Gender, Money, and the Charity Organization Society Throughout the history of its development, the sphere of social work has witnessed the work of various contributors dedicated to achieving social equality.
Mental Status and Spiritual Views in Social Work Mental status examination and biopsychosocial history are among the most critical aspects of learning during conversations between a social worker and a client.
Diversity in Social Work: Spirituality Concept If one cannot find it in their moral belief to accept others, respecting their beliefs can help in creating a conducive working environment.
National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics One can distinguish two main points in the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics which makes the performance of any organization effective and profitable.
Ethical Issues in Social Work With Children This paper reviews the case of 33-year-old Janie, which presents a situation where a social worker needs to make a sensible decision.
Influential Figures in Social Work This paper discusses influential figures in social work, namely, Alice Walker, Jane Addams, Sandra Bernabei, Jane Addams’ approach to migrant and immigrant issues.
Abortion Policies: History, Current Issues, and Social Workers’ Roles This discussion is aimed at discussing abortion policies with regard to the Constitution, their history, current issues on abortion, and social workers’ roles.
Representation of Social Work Identity Societies in the modern world strive for well-being, find ways of improving life in all its manifestations, and establish the type of relations where tolerance prevails.
Social Worker Tasks Regarding George Floyd’s Family The work of a social worker for the George Floyd family should include assessment and analysis of the physical and mental health of the family.
“Documentation in Social Work”: Ways of Maintaining Documentation The article “Documentation in Social Work” describes new standards emerging for the use and storage of information, including patient personal data and ethical principles.
Social Work Skills: Mid-Term Evaluation and Self-Assessment The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of the mid-term evaluation in terms of social work skills and explain professional growth and action plans for the future.
Ecology of Policy in Social Work Settings Racism is a major social problem that ensures the construction of initiatives based on participation in the policy implementation process.
Policy Implementation Challenges for Social Workers Sometimes social workers may disagree with the central policy of the higher management, based solely on their own biases and views.
Policy of Ecology in Social Work Settings The paper analyzes demographic characteristic of Hillsborough Township is diversified due to the convergence of different ethnic group and cultures in the area.
White Suprematism in Social Work Social services aimed at improving the quality of life of the population, including ethnic minorities, also have racial prejudices, often unintentional.
Safety Measures of Social Worker in Education Social laborers are in danger of becoming victims due to the character of their work. This is because social workers’ clients often experience psychological issues.
Assessing as an Important Task of a Social Worker One of the primary tasks of a social worker lies in assessing. It allows to be aware of the atmosphere in the family and enables gathering essential information on each client.
Social Workers’ Responsibility in Research This paper discusses the obligations and responsibilities of social workers in research and ethical issues in social work research.
TANF Policy Problems and the Importance of Social Workers The reason for implementation of the TANF Extension Act of 2019 was the end of low-income families’ support in 2018, due to the budget negotiations.
National Association of Social Workers The paper takes a critical look at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and highlights Burger’s thoughts on the roles of this association.
Crisis Intervention of an Effective Social Worker A crisis is a danger because it has the potential of exhausting an individual to a point of serious pathological incidents such as suicide taking place.
Social Workers’ Contribution to Elevating Welfare Programs Stigma The approach to stigma elimination should be complex, it is essential to involve social workers in helping people deal with the stereotypes they encounter.
Research Methods for Social Work While conducting social experiments, it is essential to gather accurate data. Several factors may interfere with this process and threaten the credibility of the information.
Advocating with Policy Makers in Social Work Gun-related incidences directly increase social workers’ burden, exacerbate the current shortage, and hamper efficient service delivery.
Racism & Privilege Within the Social Work Setting Racism and privilege are not the same, but their relationship cannot be ignored. Racism gave birth to privilege by translating beliefs into actions.
Personal and Professional Social Work Values In this discussion, attention will be paid to a case when a homosexual teacher is not able to find a well-paid job at local schools and address a social worker for help.
The Similarities and Differences Between Renal and Cardiac Care Social Work Renal social work and cardiac social work have the two major similarities of requiring a high level of proficiency and being a person with great inner qualities.
Social Work: Career of Social Worker and Job Opportunities Social work becomes inseparable from the history of humanity. This paper is an analysis of present-day social work as a career.
Preliminary Self-Appraisal of Social Work Knowledge and Abilities The author of this paper describes the results of assessments, that opened up his strong sides and his weaknesses and call on to focus on studying such aspects as social policy and administrative reports development
Social Workers’ Effectiveness and Professional Skills The insufficiently high outcomes of social workers’ activities compared with the power of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors may be due to a number of causes.
Online Education for Clinical Social Work Since the time of its creation and popularization, online learning has attracted the attention of both users and researchers alike.
Military Social Worker’s Qualities and Skills This essay describes personal and leadership qualities that need to have in the perfect candidate for being a military social worker.
Social Work Profession: Principles and Ethics Social work is a knowledge-based profession whose main goal is to improve people’s lives by helping them to adapt to any life situation or challenge.
Social Work Values and Ethics Different professions have ethical guidelines that facilitate effective decision-making, but there are times when the professionals face ethical dilemmas.
Dynamic vs Non-Moving Crisis Theory in Social Work The postulates of the formal theory never change from the perspective of their relation to the world. In this way the theory for explaining iis always the same.
Quality Interviewing and Case Management in Social Work Case management is to promote the well-being of the client through communication, education, a consultancy. Quality interviewing aims to reduce dependence on external sources.
Psychological Effects on Social Workers A social worker is a professionally qualified personality who strives for the general well- being of individuals from all lifestyles.
The Role of a Social Worker: Scott’s Case Scott is a young Russian boy who suffers from autism. He has communication problems with his peers. He has poor social skills and thus unable to interact with fellow students at school.
The Social Work Profession Within the United States Military
Correctional Social Work With Male Prisoners
Social Work and Practice for an Effective Work Environment
Motivation and Commitment for the Social Work Profession
Social Work Intervention With the Disabled and Their Families
Attachment Theory and Its Effect on Social Work
Integrating Christian Thought Into Social Work
General Characteristics of Social Injustice, Racism and Social Work
Personal and Professional Values in Social Work
Social Work Analysis for Borderline Personality Disorder
Analysis of the Basic Principles of Ethics and Values of Social Work
Different Clients and Different Types of Social Work Practice
Overview of Cultural Values and Ethics in Social Work
Anti Oppressive Theory and Practice Social Work
Forensic Social Work Practice With Immigrants and Refugees
Social Work Practice With Lesbian Gay and Bisexual People
Relationship Between Social Work and Government
Culturally Sensitive Social Work Practice With Arab Clients
The Six Core Values of Social Work
Common Sense and Stereotyping in Social Work
What Are the Theories and Limitations of Social Work?
How Does Social Work Affect the Prevention and Treatment of Juvenile Delinquency?
What does the Primary Mission of Social Work as a Professional Means?
How does Social Work Affect the Lives of Becoming a Social Worker?
What Are the Purposes of Social Work Research?
What Makes Social Work Critical in a Community?
How Can Social Work Help a Neighbor Overcome Financial Difficulties?
How Can Community Social Work Methods Be Used to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion in England?
How Are Social Work Theories Used in Families in Times of Crisis?
What Are Social Work Interventions?
How does Social Work Affect the Lives of Vulnerable People?
What Are the Key Characteristics of Social Work?
How Does the Social Work Profession Affect American Society?
How Technology Assisted Social Work Aids Various Social Work Roles?
Does Singapore Government Care Social Work?
What Does the Profession of a Social Worker Mean in the United States Armed Forces?
How do Changing Laws, Policies, and Economical Ideologies Impact Social Work Practice?
What Are the Prospects for the Sociology and Social Work of the Black American Pioneers?
How Social Work Became a Socially Needed Profession?
How Social Work Helps Develop an Effective Social Worker?

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These essay examples and topics on Social Work were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 24, 2024 .

Writing Guide for Social Workers

Social workers serve as a link between clients and community resources, providing vital human services that assist underserved populations. Writing is a key part of the job; social workers frequently write documents such as assessment reports, case notes, letters, emails, and support plans. Often, social workers are responsible for procuring and providing services for clients, and their writing skills must be strong to enable the best support possible. The social work field has a reputation for bureaucratic red tape and paperwork, but it’s up to skilled social workers to navigate these systems and secure the most useful resources and social services for their clients.

This guide examines the ins and outs of professional writing for social work practice, exploring the main types of writing you’ll likely encounter while studying social work in college. Along with a breakdown of common types of writing, you’ll also find information on style and citation formats relevant to academic writing. Additionally, this guide includes common writing mistakes to avoid, resources to help you improve your general writing skills, and writing resources specifically for social workers.

Types of Writing Social Workers Will Do in School

Personal statements.

The personal statement is a written representation of your interests and abilities, giving colleges a sense of who you are and why you’re interested in social work. Specific topic requirements vary between schools, but the statement of purpose typically calls for you to describe your personal and professional experiences and relate them to the goals of a specific social work program. Schools also use the statement as a social work writing sample, gauging your career motives as well as your creativity, self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and overall writing ability. Common prompts may include describing your background, the development of your interest in social work, your experience with diversity, or your work experience in the field.

A strong personal statement answers all required prompts in a cohesive narrative. The essay should explain your experiences and how they relate to your aspirations while avoiding clichés and overly generalized statements. Almost everyone who goes into social work wants to help people; distinguish yourself from other applicants by explaining precisely why and how you want to help, and what makes this desire unique. Some schools don’t require the statement of purpose, but you should always complete one if you have the option, as it gives the admissions committee a clearer sense of who you are as a student and a social worker.

In many social work programs, exams take the form of essays completed during class. Professors rarely announce the essay topics in advance, but you can prepare by examining the syllabus and determining major course ideas and themes. You may also be able to anticipate potential essay topics by examining previous course materials and looking for patterns in the type of questions the professor assigns. A study group can also help you prepare for essay exams by reviewing the course curriculum and devising possible essay topics with other students.

Before you begin writing an essay, you should first determine exactly what the prompt asks, which ensures that you’re fully prepared to answer the question. Next, compose an outline with a thesis and at least three main points that support your idea. Ideally, you should spend 10-20% of your allotted time devising your main ideas and drawing up an outline. Essay exams must follow the same logical progression of ideas that characterizes conventional expository writing, so be sure to organize your supporting paragraphs properly. While writing the essay should occupy most of your exam time, try to give yourself a few minutes at the end of the exam to proofread your work and make minor revisions.

Research Papers

Of all social work writing, the research paper ranks among the most common. You’ll likely complete several extensive research papers throughout the course of your studies, requiring you to examine and synthesize many information sources on a specific topic. While a research paper is similar to an essay, several key factors distinguish the two forms: an essay typically expresses your own perspective, while a research paper uses the work of others to draw new conclusions on a topic. Research papers are typically longer than essays and require a greater depth of knowledge on a topic. Potential topics for social work research papers vary as much as the field itself and may cover subjects like substance abuse, child and family services, community organizing, or education.

Most research papers either make an argument on a topic or explore overall perspectives on a topic, and some do both. Like other forms of writing, a research paper needs a thesis and supporting information, though the thesis often changes as further research occurs. Since research papers call for substantial information gathering and presentation, outlining and organization are particularly important, and a topic must be complex enough to sustain significant research.

How Do You Write an Essay?

Regardless of your area of study, you’ll likely complete several types of writing throughout the course of your degree. Different essay styles call for different approaches, and the following section outlines the most common essay forms you’re likely to encounter, along with tips for writing them.

Narrative : A narrative essay allows you to tell a personal story, typically with more freedom than most forms of writing. However, the narrative essay must fulfill certain requirements, such as telling a cohesive, interesting story with a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay must also serve a purpose; readers need to understand why you’re telling your story and come away with a message or lesson.
Expository : The expository essay requires you to explore a topic and make a compelling argument based on your research. An expository essay begins with a clear thesis statement, moves into body paragraphs that support your argument, and ends with a conclusion that sums up your main ideas. Expository writing encompasses many styles, including comparative writing and cause-and-effect writing.
Persuasive : Similar to the expository essay, the persuasive essay requires you to research a topic and make an argument based on your assessment. However, persuasive essays differ in that they require more extensive research and often entail more writing. Expository essays may occur as in-class assignments or as parts of exams, while persuasive essays often function as final assignments with more time to complete. A persuasive essay still requires a strong, evidence-based thesis and extensive supporting details in its body paragraphs.
Comparative : A comparative essay examines the similarities and differences between two or more items, which could be anything from political systems to literary texts. After analyzing these items, you must develop a thesis that makes an argument about their similarities or differences. Some comparative essays focus more on similarities to develop a thesis, while others focus on differences. Like other essay forms, the comparative essay needs well-organized points that support a thesis.
Cause and Effect : This essay type examines a certain event or pattern and attempts to analyze the factors that caused it, making an argument about why the event occurred in such a way. For example, an essay on the Great Depression and the stock market crash of 1929 might examine the various economic and social factors that led to the depression, making an argument about how these factors functioned together to create the situation.

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Citations guide for social work students.

Citation plays an important role in all forms of academic writing, as it ensures that writers properly attribute their research sources and avoid plagiarism. Failure to cite your sources properly can cause major problems in your academic career, and even unintentional plagiarism can result in heavy penalties in the academic world, particularly at higher levels of study. This section outlines the major citation styles used for academic writing, highlighting key differences and presenting examples of each style’s citation format.

American Psychological Association Style

APA style is the citation method of choice in most social science courses, and this format generally serves as the default social work writing style. Since research in the social sciences constantly changes, APA emphasizes the dates of sources to help readers determine their recency and relevance. For in-text citations, APA style uses the author’s name, the date of publication, and the page number. Book citations used in a reference list typically include the author’s name, year of publication, book title, city of publication, and the publisher.

“If the manner of a man’s dying seems arbitrary, his morality is inescapable” (Anderson, 1983, p. 10).

Anderson, B. (1983). Imagined Communities. New York, New York: Verso.

Chicago Manual of Style

The Chicago style ranks among the most comprehensive and complex of formatting choices, and it often serves the needs of high-level academic writing, particularly in the field of history. Unlike most other styles, Chicago calls for the use of either footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations. Numbered in-text citations correspond to notes that indicate the author’s name, book title, publisher information, publication date, and page number. Chicago style formatting also typically includes a formal bibliography at the end of the text.

“If the manner of a man’s dying seems arbitrary, his morality is inescapable.”[1] [1] Benedict Anderson, Imagined Communities (New York: Verso, 1983), 10.

Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities. New York: Verso, 1983.

Modern Language Association Format

MLA formatting most commonly occurs in humanities and liberal arts writing, such as English and philosophy. This format emphasizes authorship, with in-text citations that indicate the author’s name and page number at the end of each quotation. For reference lists, MLA format calls for writers to include the author’s name, the title of the work, the publisher, and the year of publication.

“If the manner of a man’s dying seems arbitrary, his morality is inescapable” (Anderson 10).

Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities. Verso, 1983.

Associated Press Style

AP style isn’t commonly used for academic writing, but you may find yourself using this style if you’re writing a more journalistic piece. Created for newspapers and other forms of mass media, the AP style emphasizes consistency, clarity, accuracy, and brevity. Since it’s not academic, there aren’t concrete rules for citing particular types of texts, but generally the style calls for the citation of a source directly before or after a quote, often using the words “said” or “stated.”

“If the manner of a man’s dying seems arbitrary, his morality is inescapable,” said Anderson.

The Best Writing Style for Social Work Majors

Social work combines many academic disciplines, but typically, social work courses call for assignments to be formatted in APA style, though this may vary between schools, programs, and individual professors. Your faculty will likely indicate which format they prefer in the course syllabus, but it never hurts to ask. Always be sure to follow formatting instructions exactly, as professors may penalize you for disregarding specific formatting requests.

Common Writing Mistakes Students Make

Active vs. passive voice.

One of the most common mistakes among developing writers is the use of passive voice, which makes sentences wordier, less immediate, and less clear. In the active voice, the sentence’s subject performs the action. Using passive voice, the subject receives the action. Passive construction occurs everywhere in writing, but there are easy strategies to help you locate it and convert your sentences to active voice.

Certain keywords and phrases, such as “by,” “was,” and “it was” often indicate the use of the passive voice. When revising your writing, look for these words and determine if they form part of a passive sentence. For example, if you notice the word “by” connected to the subject of the sentence, see if you can alter the construction so the subject occurs closer to the beginning of the sentence.

Punctuation

Improper comma usage often leads to confusion in writing. One of the most common errors is the comma splice, which occurs when a writer connects two independent clauses using only a comma. For example: “I don’t like accounting class, it’s too difficult.” Both “I don’t like accounting class” and “it’s too difficult” are independent clauses, meaning they can stand as separate sentences. To link these clauses correctly, a comma isn’t enough; you can often correct a comma splice by either creating two separate sentences, using a semicolon to link the two clauses together, or using a coordinating conjunction like “because.”

Incorrect semicolon and colon usage also causes problems for many writers. While they function similarly, these two punctuation marks serve different purposes. A semicolon links two separate, but related, thoughts: “I’m glad I’m going to Europe; I really need a vacation.” A colon typically sets off a list or an example: “I always bring three things on vacation: my camera, my suitcase, and my sunglasses.”

Grammar mistakes hinder writers of all skill levels. In an abstract sense, grammar forms the entire structure of a language and its usage, but in practice, many simple rules exist to help you keep track of and avoid common mistakes. For example, many writers struggle with the use of there, their, and they’re, but the differences in the words are quite pronounced. There indicates a location. Their is the possessive form of they. Finally, they’re is a contraction of “they” and “are.”

Another common grammatical mistake hinges on the confusion between its and it’s. The word its is a possessive that indicates ownership. On the other hand, it’s is a contraction of “it” and “is.”

Writing Resources for Social Work Students

Purdue OWL : Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab offers support for all types of writing, with a wealth of instructional material that covers general writing strategies and the specific facets of academic writing.
WiSP : Writing in Social Work Practice seeks to examine the role of writing in the field of social work, with the goal of improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness in social work writing practices.
Foundation Center : Grant writing plays a major role in social work, and the Foundation Center offers resources to connect social workers with philanthropic organizations and improve grant writing skills.
Grammar Girl : Casual and conversational, Grammar Girl offers general writing tips for all types of writers. Most articles highlight common writing mistakes and offer strategies for recognizing and fixing them.
Council on Foundations : Another major resource for grant writers, the Council on Foundations offers online learning and mentorship services that help social workers develop their grant writing and public policy knowledge.

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Social Worker’s Personal and Professional Ethics Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
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The profession of social work is a difficult and delicate one. Social workers have their own beliefs and values and these often differ from those of their clients. In order to have an organized system of doing social work, there is a code of ethics that governs how clients are treated to avoid chaos and to ensure that all parties involved get their rights. Some of the core values that guide the social workers are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, integrity, importance of human relationships, and competence (NASW 1).

In social work, we learn that we should always leave our personal views behind and embrace professional ones. For example, as a social worker, I am expected to respect client’s right to self-determination. Every client has a goal in life and as a social worker, one should strive to identify that goal and help the client to achieve it. There are times when this proves to be difficult especially with regard to religion. My personal values on religion and how it is followed may conflict with professional work values or ethical standards.

Following the code of ethics means that I do not agree with abortion, homosexuality or certain religious activities. I have to let go of my personal opinions and view the client objectively. It is disturbing when I come across a client who desperately need medical attention but cannot accept treatment due to religious beliefs. There are times when would like to help but find it difficult to cross that religious barrier. This conflict may prevent me from seeing clearly and trying to find alternative solutions.

My personal values are that religion cannot be followed blindly. Any religion that allows my clients to remain on hallucinogens, fast for days while suffering bad health or avoid hospital is wrong. It does not mean that my values are the ‘right’ values and they may come in conflict with the values that I should adhere to.

To me, any religion that preaches poverty as a way of life is wrong. I fail to understand why some religious groups would encourage poverty as penance or as a gateway to another realm. It is difficult to deal with such clients because they may not understand that their actions are costing other people their tax money in social work. I may not be in a position to make them understand that for their own wellbeing and that of their families, they have to drop this religion. This is a personal view and I cannot judge them based on their religion.

With time I have come to learn that we all have different personal values and what makes us good or bad social workers is what we do with them. The best social worker is one who is aware of their values. They put them aside and focus wholly on the client. The secret also lies in knowing when to apply these personal values whenever necessary. When uncertain, or conflicted, it is always advisable to consult senior colleagues who have a lot of experience and are always willing to help.

There are people all over the world who are vulnerable, oppressed, discriminated against and living in abject poverty. These are the people who need social workers the most. The aim of social work is to enhance their wellbeing and to empower them to stand on their own two feet. This is done by identifying the contributing factors to their predicament. They may be environmental, emotional, and may be rooted deeply in their past. The social worker identifies the root cause, eliminates it and puts the person back into society through the established programs and agencies.

Some people say the best things are free. When I am talking to a client, I think to myself, “What can I give that is free yet ethically acceptable?” One of my personal values is my belief in the strength of human relationships. The vulnerable probably have no one to protect them. The oppressed have nowhere to run. They need someone to listen to them. If clients have no one to talk to, they may sink deeper into despair. I actively listen to my clients so that I can understand where they are coming from and to decide on the next cause of action. When a vulnerable, oppressed and poor person lays out their situation to a sympathetic person, healing begins.

The path to recovery may also begin with a touch. We are taught that social workers should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is the possibility of psychological harm to the client. I know the importance of touch and whenever I touch a client, I am always governed by appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries. This technique is employed as a healing system and claims to be useful for reducing pain and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and stimulating the body’s natural healing process (Bruno 1). Touch where children are concerned is especially important. It makes them feel loved and accepted by society. It brings them up to be good citizen which is important not just for them, but for the whole society.

As a social worker, I understand that strong human relationships are the driving forces for change. It’s my personal value that if I can get a client to partner with someone that is important to them, then I will be one step closer to our goal. I seek to strengthen relationships between family members, social organizations where the client may have an interest. I find out what causes division between my client and the people that are in his or her life. Some are judgment calls as the people in their lives may be dragging them down.

Human relationships are strengthened by understanding. To strengthen relationships with clients, I find that it helps to see their living conditions. It helps to visit the place where they call home, to see what they eat, where they sleep and how they interact with their neighbours. For those who sleep out on the street, it helps to feel their cold and misery. I believe that this brings a deeper understanding. It puts a human element in our talks with the clients as we strive to find a solution to such dire circumstances.

The mark of a good social worker is in his or her ability to enhance personal values that do not conflict with professional values. This gives them an edge over others who do not hold the same personal values. It makes it easier and more fulfilling to help clients and to make the society a much better place. Whenever I find a personal value that might facilitate a commitment to and implementation of one professional social work or ethical standard, I hold onto it and build it up to make me a better and more productive professional social worker.

Works Cited

Bruno, Leonard C. Therapeutic Touch , 1999. Web.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers , 2008. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2021, April 9). Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-workers-personal-and-professional-ethics/

"Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics." IvyPanda , 9 Apr. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/social-workers-personal-and-professional-ethics/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics'. 9 April.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics." April 9, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-workers-personal-and-professional-ethics/.

1. IvyPanda . "Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics." April 9, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-workers-personal-and-professional-ethics/.

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IvyPanda . "Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics." April 9, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-workers-personal-and-professional-ethics/.

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Writing a social work essay: four steps to success

Writing a social work essay: four steps to success by liz davies, senior lecturer, children and families social work, london metropolitan university..

by Liz Davies, senior lecturer, children and families social work, London Metropolitan University . Make your argument clear from the beginning Students often launch straight into the essay topic without introducing their approach to the essay. It is really important for the marker to understand the student’s rationale in responding to the essay title and to be guided as to how the student intends to address the question. Students often begin an essay with long definitions or historical information without relating these to the essay title. Equally important is a conclusion which relates back to the aims set out in the introduction and demonstrates a progression in thinking achieved through the process of writing the essay. Identify references clearly The marker must be able to identify exactly the source of a reference. Students often include a website without stating the exact webpage. A marker cannot locate a reference on complex websites such as the Department for Education without the detail of the exact page being provided. Similarly, quotations must include the page number so that the marker can find the exact source material. This is particularly important because of the extent of plagiarism and the need for academics to check exactly where the student has gained the information from. Also, students probably do not realise that as lecturers we often like to check a reference for our own interest to develop our knowledge of the subject. Use professional, not colloquial, language Students often use language which is colloquial and as they would speak rather than more professional language – for example, “I got a case of…” rather than “I was allocated the case of…”. Or “I did an interview” rather than “I conducted an interview”. It is important to recognise the distinction between how to communicate verbally and how to write a coherent and professional essay. Provide evidence that you understand social work principles Students often list principles of social work practice without evidencing their understanding of them. For example, they state that social workers must be anti-oppressive and non-judgemental but often give no evidence that they understand the concept or know how to apply it in practice. Lists of principles and standards should be avoided. The marker needs to know that the student has made sense of these concepts and can demonstrate their application. Do you have questions about essays? Get advice from fellow students on CareSpace . Keep up to date with the latest developments in social care Sign up to our daily and weekly emails .

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Social Work — Social Work: Career Goals and Mission

Social Work: Career Goals and Mission

Categories: Job Social Work

About this sample

Words: 953 |

Published: Feb 12, 2019

Words: 953 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Six core values of social work to achieve career goals, works cited:.

Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Simon and Schuster.
Bloom, H. (1995). Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books.
Girard, R. (2008). A Theatre of Envy: William Shakespeare. The New York Times.
Greenblatt, S. (2018). Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics. WW Norton & Company.
Hawkins, R. (1974). Iago as predator. College Literature, 1(2), 104-113.
Knights, L. C. (2005). Explorations. Cambridge University Press.
Kolin, P. C. (Ed.). (2001). Othello: new critical essays. Routledge.
Lavender, A. (2002). Understanding Shakespeare's Othello: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents. Greenwood Publishing Group.
Mack, M. (2014). Othello: A Norton Critical Edition. WW Norton & Company.
Vanita, R. (2018). Love's Rite: Same-Sex Marriage in India and the West. Springer.

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The Complexity of Social Class and Marriage in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

This essay about Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” examines the novel’s intricate exploration of social class, marriage, and individual agency within early 19th-century England. Central to the story is Elizabeth Bennet, whose wit and moral strength challenge societal expectations and personal prejudices. The essay discusses how Elizabeth’s relationship with Mr. Darcy evolves from misunderstanding to mutual respect and love, highlighting Darcy’s transformation from pride to humility. It also touches on secondary characters like Charlotte Lucas and Lydia Bennet, illustrating various societal attitudes toward marriage. Austen’s use of irony and satire underscores her critique of the rigid social structures of her time, making the novel both a social commentary and a human story of growth.

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Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” remains a seminal work in English literature, notable for its rich exploration of social class, marriage, and individual agency within the restrictive societal norms of early 19th-century England. The novel’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its nuanced characters, sharp social commentary, and the witty, ironic prose that has captivated readers for generations.

Set in the rural backdrop of Hertfordshire, “Pride and Prejudice” revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet.

Elizabeth’s journey is central to the narrative, as she navigates the complex social expectations and personal prejudices that influence her relationships and decisions. At the heart of the novel is the evolving relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy and seemingly aloof gentleman whose initial pride and perceived arrogance mask a deeper, more honorable character.

One of the novel’s primary themes is the rigid class hierarchy of the time. Austen deftly critiques the social structures that prioritize wealth and birthright over personal merit and integrity. The Bennet family, with its modest means and lack of male heir, represents the precarious position of the landed gentry who are not wealthy enough to secure advantageous marriages for their daughters without dowries. This financial vulnerability underscores the urgency of Mrs. Bennet’s quest to marry off her daughters, particularly given the entailment that threatens their home’s inheritance.

Elizabeth Bennet emerges as a distinctive heroine due to her wit, intelligence, and moral fortitude. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Elizabeth refuses to compromise her principles for the sake of financial security. Her rejection of Mr. Collins, a clergyman and the Bennet family’s heir, is particularly telling. Despite his proposal offering a practical solution to the family’s financial woes, Elizabeth cannot bring herself to marry a man she neither loves nor respects. This decision underscores her belief in the importance of personal happiness and mutual respect in marriage, a radical notion for the era.

Mr. Darcy’s transformation is another critical aspect of the narrative. Initially introduced as a character of great wealth and pride, Darcy’s apparent disdain for Elizabeth and her family sets up a dynamic of misunderstanding and prejudice. However, as the story progresses, Darcy’s true character is revealed through his actions, particularly his intervention in the scandal involving Elizabeth’s youngest sister, Lydia. This act of generosity, motivated by his love for Elizabeth, challenges the initial perceptions and prejudices held by both Elizabeth and the reader. Darcy’s growth from a figure of pride to one of humility and self-awareness parallels Elizabeth’s own journey of self-discovery and challenges to her biases.

Austen also uses secondary characters to illustrate various societal attitudes toward marriage and social mobility. Charlotte Lucas’s pragmatic acceptance of Mr. Collins’ proposal, despite his absurdity, highlights the limited options available to women. In contrast, Lydia Bennet’s reckless elopement with the unscrupulous Mr. Wickham serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of youthful impulsivity and the societal repercussions of impropriety.

“Pride and Prejudice” is also notable for its rich interplay of irony and satire. Austen’s keen observations about the follies and vanities of her characters are delivered with a light, humorous touch that belies the serious social critique underlying the narrative. The opening line, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” immediately sets the tone for this satirical examination of marriage and social expectations.

In conclusion, “Pride and Prejudice” remains a timeless exploration of the interplay between social class, marriage, and individual agency. Through the lens of Elizabeth Bennet’s journey and the evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy, Austen critiques the rigid societal norms of her time while championing the values of integrity, intelligence, and mutual respect. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with readers across generations, offering both a sharp social commentary and a compelling, human story of growth and self-discovery.

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Towards better social protection for more workers in Latin America

Latin America and the Caribbean
Economy and society

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Informality is a long-standing structural challenge of Latin American labour markets, as almost half of people in the region live in a household that depends solely on informal employment. Informal workers are often insufficiently covered by social protection policies, for which the eligibility is often tied to formal-sector employment. The need to reform social protection systems across Latin America to make them more effective and fiscally sustainable has become more salient after the COVID pandemic. This paper argues that a basic set of social protection benefits available to all workers, whether they work in the formal or the informal sector, should and can be put in place, although it would require the ability to raise additional tax revenues. Moreover, the incentives for formal job creation would be strengthened if its principal source of financing for such basic social protection were shifted towards general tax revenues, as opposed to social security contributions, which tend to increase the cost of formal job creation. Reforming social protection systems will not be easy, but these reforms can provide the basis for both stronger and more inclusive growth in Latin America.

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Government Response to the Petition of Brian Webb: Align Weekly Earnings to Eight Hours of the Minimum Wage Before Reducing Benefits

01 July 2024.

This paper seeks approval of the proposed Government response to the petition of Brian Webb, entitled “Align Weekly Earnings to Eight Hours of the Minimum Wage Before Reducing Benefits.”

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Senate, FTC cracking down on pharma patent shenanigans

By Dick Durbin and Lina M. Khan July 2, 2024

An open drawer labeled "PATENTS" filled with paper files — first opinion coverage from STAT

W hy do Americans pay so much more for common medications than people in other countries? Why does an inhaler that costs $7 in France cost almost $500 in the United States? These are just a few of the questions the Senate Judiciary Committee looked to answer in a recent hearing . The common answer? Dominant corporations use a variety of patent-related strategies to protect their power, maximize their profits, and squash their competition.

Americans are facing an affordability crisis at the hands of corporate titans. One in three people cannot afford the medications their doctors prescribe. These medications don’t have to be so expensive, but all too often pharmaceutical companies use illegal tactics to block competition that could lower prices and encourage innovation.

In one scheme recently exposed by the Federal Trade Commission, pharmaceutical companies improperly listed patents on a federal registry to gum up the works and delay generic competition, enabling them to continue charging sky-high prices for medicines people need.

Here is how it works: The Food and Drug Administration keeps a list of patents associated with approved drugs, known as the Orange Book . When a patent is listed in the Orange Book, the drug’s manufacturer can delay approval of a generic competitor for 30 months. That means the FDA isn’t allowed to approve any cheaper alternatives for 2 1/2 years.

Companies automatically get this 30-month freeze on generic competition without any analysis to determine if the listed patent was properly granted, covers the generic product, or even belongs in the Orange Book in the first place. Some companies have taken advantage of the system, overloading the list with improper, trivial patents — such as patents for dose counters, inhaler caps, or other device components, rather than drug ingredients themselves — to box out competitors and keep prices inflated.

Pharmaceutical companies have gotten away with tactics like these for far too long, boosting profits at the expense of people’s lives and pocketbooks. This cannot continue. President Biden, along with Congress and the FTC, have made it a priority to change this.

The Inflation Reduction Act , signed into law in 2022, made history by capping the price of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries at just $35 a month, an average savings of more than $300 per year for this necessary medication.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is building on that progress and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable. This Congress, the committee has advanced five bipartisan bills to lower prescription drug prices — taking on a range of practices from anticompetitive pay-for-delay agreements and sham citizen petitions to patent thickets and product hops. One of us (D.D.), who chairs the committee, has previously introduced bipartisan legislation to narrow the scope of the 30-month freeze on generic competition, to combat pharma’s gamesmanship with excessive secondary patents.

The FTC, which one of us (L.M.K.) leads, is using all of its tools to ensure that pharmaceutical companies cannot use illegal tactics to inflate the price of essential medical products like asthma inhalers. In November 2023, the FTC challenged more than 100 improper listings, leading several companies to delist their patents, paving the way for cheaper generics.

Related: After months of warnings, FTC opens investigation into Teva over ‘improper’ patents

In response, three of the top four asthma inhaler manufacturers announced they will cap out-of-pocket costs for their products so that most Americans will have to pay only $35 for an inhaler. This is a major win for the millions of Americans with asthma who rely on inhalers to breathe.

But the FTC didn’t stop there. In April, it put more pharmaceutical companies on notice, challenging more than 300 additional bogus patent listings, including some for weight loss and type 2 diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Victoza. Earlier this month, a federal judge sided with the FTC and ordered a large pharmaceutical company to delist unlawful patent listings on inhalers.

Intellectual property laws should encourage innovation, not shield dominant players from competition. Challenging junk patent listings is only part of the solution. Congress is working to enact legislation to promote fair competition and lower out-of-pocket costs for essential medicines.

When your doctor prescribes a medication, your first thought should be “When can I pick this up?” not “Will I be able to afford this?” No American should pay inflated prices because of illegal business practices. Congress, the FTC, and the president will continue to protect Americans from the high cost of lifesaving drugs.

Dick Durbin is the senior United States Senator from Illinois, the Senate Majority Whip, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and sits on the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees. Lina M. Khan is the chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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Related: After months of warnings, FTC opens investigation into Teva over ‘improper’ patents

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