Celebrating Social Work Month

 
 
 
 

March is Social Work Month, a time when we celebrate the incredible social workers who dedicate their careers to helping others. At Boys & Girls Aid, we’re proud to have several licensed and certified social workers on staff. Here’s what a couple of them had to say about the work they do. 

 
 
 

Dara, MSW

Director of Infant Adoption Services

Years in social work: 41

“Social Workers are no different from our clients; we are all human beings doing the best we can, learning along the way, and needing support for those times that are tough. Everyone in this world, including social workers, has made some really bad decisions, gotten into trouble, had unhealthy habits, gone through trauma, and has had relationships that are broken. Remember, human beings are resilient, resourceful, and always changing. Embrace the unknown, be curious about everything, and listen with your heart.” 



Sarah, MSW

Director of Adoption & Youth Permanency Services

Years in social work: 23

“What I love about being a social worker is the ability to connect with people on an individual level who need help and support, while also making changes on a larger scope toward social justice.” 

 

Boys & Girls Aid encourages and supports employees who choose to pursue higher education, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. One such example is Karl. 

Karl, RBSW (currently earning his MSW)

Foster Care Adoption Clinician

“Boys & Girls Aid is an agency that values ongoing education for its staff members at every level. So, it makes sense that several individuals, including my supervisor, have been consistently understanding as I continue to earn my MSW. I have been offered a certain amount of flexibility so I can complete both my work and school tasks, I am often invited to share what I might be learning at any given time, and I have received support and advice in obtaining a field placement.”   

 
 
 

Please join us this month in celebrating all the social workers who strive to help the people in our communities every day. Here are a few ideas of ways you can thank a social worker: 

  • Write a thank you note to a social worker who’s had an impact on your life 

  • Volunteer at a social services organization like Boys & Girls Aid 

  • Make a donation to Boys & Girls Aid to support our social workers’ efforts in creating lifelong connections for children, teens, and young adults. 

How to Become a Social Worker 

Not everyone who works in social services is a social worker. In Oregon, you must either complete your Master of Social Work (MSW) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), pass relevant exams, and pass a background check to be a social worker. Social work licenses are renewed every year, and renewal requires continuing education credits, to ensure that social workers are always up to date on best practices in the field. 

Social workers are guided every day by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. This code of ethics outlines a set of ethical principles including service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. It also examines standards and responsibilities that all social workers have to their clients, to their colleagues, in practice settings, as professionals, to the social work profession, and to the broader society. 

 

To learn more about the work Boys & Girls Aid does, visit boysandgirlsaid.org. 

 
 
 
 
 
Beth Reiners