Social Work is an in-demand 21st century career

Many young people today want careers that will empower them to make a positive difference in the world. A wide range of socio-economic and political issues including social justice issues, as well as the climate change related crises are top-of-mind on a daily basis, compelling millennial and Gen Z generations to want to roll up their sleeves and work to bring about change. Such occurrences shine a spotlight on careers in the Social Sciences fields where there are opportunities to improve the well-being of targeted groups such as vulnerable individuals, families and communities. Amongst the brightest of these is Social Work which holds much promise to bring about a more stable, just, healthy and resilient world for all.

The Value of Social Work Education and Practice in a Changing World is the topic of an upcoming webinar hosted by Sacap (The South African College of Applied Psychology). The one and a half-hour virtual event will be held from 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, 20 January 2022, and registration is free.

From its origins in the industrialised countries of the 19th century, Social Work has developed substantially from giving a helping hand to the poor into a full-blown science-based developmental profession. Today’s Social Work practitioners fulfil roles across government, non-government, private sector and academic environments and there are a wide range of leadership opportunities available, including in the policy-making arena.

Dr Poppy Masinga, Sacap’s head of Social Work and Community Development faculty
 says, “As an applied science, Social Work education is a particularly rewarding study path. Social workers are trained to become agile, critical thinkers who can design and implement diverse, context relevant and transformative interventions.” Masinga will be joined on the webinar panel by Sacap’s international visiting scholar, Rahim Thawer, a social worker by training and a leading activist in Canada’s LGBTQ+ community. Thawer will share his motivations in choosing social work as a profession and the value of working in alignment with the principles of anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice. Thawer says: “Many social workers are drawn to the profession by an urge to empower and support others who face similar challenges that they themselves have overcome. It is therefore, an intensely purpose-driven career choice.” Both presenters will relate their personal stories of the fulfilment they find in a profession dedicated to enhancement of others’ safety, social functioning and well-being.

Sacap offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree which places special focus on environmental justice in line with Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the National Development Plan 2030. Graduates can further their studies through SACAP’s Master of Social Science in Community Mental Health Promotion post-graduate programme. Both higher education programmes aim to develop highly effective, work-ready practitioners and change-making leaders for careers both in South African and global contexts.

For young people who have not yet decided on their tertiary studies and their parents, as well as Social Sciences under-graduates contemplating further studies, the webinar will provide insights and context about Social Work as a dynamic, relevant, and highly sought-after profession with a wide range of career path choices.

Sacap webinar: Exploring the value of social work education and practice
Date: Thursday, 20 January 2022

Time: 6pm – 7.30pm

Venue: Online
Discover what Social Work has to offer as an education, and as a career. Join the conversation with veteran social work educator, Dr Poppy Masinga and Sacap’s international visiting scholar, Rahim Thawer. Free registration here.