By Cynthia Ortiz – Staff Writer
March is National Social Work Month, meaning that social work in itself is highlighted and given the appreciation it often lacks. Being a social worker is one of the most challenging jobs one can have. They not only care for and help suffering children, they support struggling families and even address some aspects of social justice; such as domestic violence cases and helping the homeless.
Carson High School psychiatric social worker (P.S.W), Ms. Gonzalez, shed some light on the social worker profession, and how positions may vary. “I’m a school based social worker, but there are also social workers who work in DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services), with children who have suffered from abuse or neglect, or they can work in hospital settings too, with both children and adults,” said Ms. Gonzalez.
School based social workers often deal with students who are in need of help, whether that be a breakup, school induced stress, or something much deeper than that. Really, social workers are the ones who speak out for those who don’t have a voice.
Academies of Education and Empowerment P.S.W, Ms. Aldana, said “I’ve met a lot of people [who battle mental illness] as a P.S.W here on campus. Part of the reason I chose this profession was because it was around me and I wanted to learn how to help others.” Currently, P.S.W Ms. Gonzalez alongside others, are organizing and conducting a campus-wide donation drive for commercially and sexually exploited children. Donations have been extended to up until April 11; so any unused hygiene products, socks, and blankets can be dropped off at room C25 for victims of human trafficking. And let the countless contributions social workers make, and continue to make to society, be recognized.
Comments