Illinois Social work EDU Contributing Writer

Across Illinois, social work professionals collaborate with community advocates, legislators, and the judicial system to offer positive change for people with mental health illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Qualified professionals with the requisite compassion and expertise are necessary for effectively serving this specialized clientele. Illinois by the Numbers From 2017 to 2019, an annual average of […]

Becoming a social worker means answering some deep, personal questions. What kind of social work seems the most fulfilling? What population do you want to serve? Will you become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or an equity-making policy advocate? But no matter what your answers to those questions are, you’ll soon have to face

Skilled providers are in high demand at 501(c)(3) organizations throughout Illinois. Mission-driven nonprofits need qualified social work professionals to help clients through complex life obstacles, including unstable living situations, mental health problems, and health care needs that people in Illinois face every day. What Does a Nonprofit Social Worker Do? Licensed social workers often take

If you are devoted to equity among all people, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, age, or disability, you’ll find a multitude of career opportunities with state and local government agencies in Illinois. Social workers in the Prairie State protect the health and well-being of their communities and create positive legislative and

Illinois’s health care system relies on its social workers to improve patient outcomes, lower medical costs, and cultivate healthy communities. State legislation signed in 2021 commits Illinois to fund and develop health resources through information obtained by the Healthy Illinois Survey. Since the growing burden on health care infrastructure due to COVID-19, healthcare social workers

As a profession, social work is deeply rooted in social justice, equity, and human rights. Social workers specializing in racial and social justice particularly address LGTBQ+ rights, equity of Disabled individuals, and empowering marginalized groups. Intersectionality is the foundation of this specialty of social work. Race, class, age, gender, physical ability, and sexual orientation must

The Prairie State is home to 12.5 million people, roughly 2.7 million of whom are 18 years of age or younger. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 11.9% of Illinoisans live in poverty, a little over 14% of the state’s population is foreign born, and 40% of its citizens are people of color. This

According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, an estimated 10,431 people in Illinois experienced homelessness in 2020. Further data collected from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sheds light on who is experiencing homelessness across the Prairie State: 3,436 homeless individuals are in families with children 671 unaccompanied youth are reportedly homeless 736

Financial social work is a specialization that crosses into all areas of social work. Financial literacy is a key driver of overall financial well-being, and Illinoisans from every demographic and cultural background can benefit from the knowledge of a financial social work professional. According to Social Work Today, an industry trade publication for social work

Illinois treats its seniors with respect and dignity. Social workers who specialize in aging and gerontology issues in the state have a strong network of support and resources to bolster their practice. If you’re a gerontology social worker in the state, you’ll find career opportunities with nonprofit, private, and public agencies and a local government