Illinois Social work EDU Contributing Writer

Illinois has long been considered a little slice of every other part of America. For politicians and business executives, asking if it will play in Peoria is shorthand for whether or not something will have broad appeal around the entire country. With heavy industry, rural farming communities, a strong immigrant population, every kind of religion, […]

What Does a School Social Worker Do? School social workers play a vital role in supporting students, families, and school staff. From managing trauma to guiding educational outcomes, they provide critical services in diverse school environments. Their responsibilities range from counseling and crisis intervention to IEP development, staff training, and family support.   School social

Hospice and palliative care social workers support patients and their families during some of the most trying situations of their lives. Also called health care social workers, medical social workers, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), hospice and palliative social workers follow the ethical standards set by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for

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