How to become a child social worker in california

Your Guide to Becoming a Social Worker in California

If you’re considering social work, you’ve likely already determined that you have what it takes. You’re empathetic, organized and a good communicator. But how exactly can you turn those skills into a career in the Golden State?

Perhaps you’ve heard about the rigorous process for earning a California social work license. While it may seem like a lot at first — education, tests and applications — these requirements are designed to prepare you for the work ahead. The rigor is what ensures you’re qualified to provide first-rate support to those who need it most.

But before jumping in, you need to understand how to become a social worker in California. Depending on where you are in your educational journey, the path toward a practitioner title could vary. Start familiarizing yourself with the process now.

5 Steps to becoming a social worker in California

While not every position requires you to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), obtaining this credential may significantly increase your job opportunities. We’ll cover all the necessary education, exams and practical experience you need to obtain your California social work license.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

First things first, you will need to complete your undergraduate education. If you haven’t yet earned a degree, your best option is to earn a bachelor’s in social work. This education helps provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of communication, social structure and community impact.

Earning this degree can qualify you for unlicensed positions. A few examples of these positions include case managers, child welfare social workers and residential counselors. But if you want to provide psychotherapy and other clinical interventions, you’ll need to advance your education further.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you can still pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW). In fact, social work is a great option for career changers who can utilize a variety of skills and benefit from their diverse experiences.

2. Obtain your MSW

In a social work master’s program, you will explore an array of topics and have the chance to focus on those that interest you most. To meet social work licensure requirements in California, you’ll need to cover several foundational concepts during your graduate studies. They include:

Human sexuality
Spouse/partner abuse
Child abuse assessment/reporting
Aging and long-term care
Chemical dependency and alcoholism
California law and ethics

In some cases, if you apply with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree in social work, you can even accelerate your time to graduation by entering an advanced standing program. At UMass Global, for example, you may waive up to 30 foundational credits and complete the program in as little as a year.

In addition to classwork, you’ll also complete a practicum based on your area of interest. This is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and act as a practicing social worker under the supervision of a seasoned professional. Advanced standing students can expect to complete at least 600 hours in the field, while students in a traditional track will need closer to 1,000 hours.

3. Gain professional experience as an associate social worker (ASW)

If you want to become an LCSW, you must first apply to become an ASW through the Board of Behavioral Services. This is a temporary title that will allow you to work as a clinical social worker under the supervision of a licensed professional.

A California social work license requires at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience over the course of two years in several areas, including:

Clinical psychosocial diagnosis
Assessment
Treatment
Individual or group psychotherapy
Client-centered advocacy
Consultation

Those two years will help you become fully prepared to fill a much-needed role. California is eager to gain more qualified social workers. One study revealed a substantial shortage of behavioral health workers — including LCSWs — partially due to a large group of soon-to-retire social workers.

As a result, the former governor signed a bill that expedites the initial licensure process. In the past, it took several weeks to get the necessary ASW registration number you need to start working. Now, you can typically earn post-graduate experience through a paying employer before receiving that number.

4. Take your exams and apply for licensure

After completing the necessary supervised hours as an ASW, you’ll then be required to pass two exams. The first is the California Law and Ethics exam. If you are applying from out of state, you will first need to take a 12-hour course on this material.

You’ll also need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. It contains 170 multiple choice questions, 150 of which count toward your score, in the following four categories:

Human development, diversity and behavior in the environment
Assessment and intervention planning
Intervention processes and techniques for use across systems
Professional relationships, values and ethics

To help you get a sense of what you’ll need to know, take a look at a sample question provided by the examination board. After passing both exams, your background check and paying your fees, you can apply for your California social work license. Once you attain the LCSW designation, you are ready to launch your career as a social worker.

5. Decide where you want to work

As an LCSW, you have a lot of employment options. LCSWs are needed in hospitals, mental health and substance abuse treatment centers, private practices and government agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

Master’s-qualified social workers are in high demand. We used real-time job analysis software to examine more than 12,000 California social work job postings from the last year and found that 73 percent of those listings required a minimum of a master’s degree.*

How to evaluate California MSW programs

Once you understand the process of becoming a social worker in California, you’ll need to begin researching education options. There are many factors to keep in mind when evaluating social work programs, including:

Accreditation
Flexible learning options
A well-rounded curriculum
Experienced faculty
Price of tuition

When it comes to MSW programs in California, there are many to choose from. One of the most important factors to consider when making a decision is the return on investment. It is wise to be cost-conscious to ensure your program of choice doesn’t break the bank.

To help get you started in your research, consult the graphic below to compare the modality and cost of the top MSW programs in California.

Serve your community as a social worker

Now that you understand how to become a social worker in California, you can see that these compassionate professionals are highly trained and well equipped for the challenges that come with this impactful career. If you’re ready to join their ranks, UMass Global is committed to supporting you on your way to earning a California social work license.

If you need to complete your undergraduate education, learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, learn more about the Master of Social Work at UMass Global.

How to Become a Social Worker in California

California has more social workers than any other state in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with social workers in environments like schools, healthcare and independent practices. If you want to help disadvantaged communities and individuals who need social resources to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, you might be curious how to become a social worker in California.

In this career guide, learn about education and license requirements, social worker salaries and social worker schools in California. Discover some of the common steps to becoming a social worker in California if you’re interested in this meaningful career.

Wondering how to become a social worker in California? The steps required include getting a social work education, gaining work experience in the field and becoming licensed in California, according to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

1.

Earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work.

To become a licensed social worker in California, you must have earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited school of social work; this includes associate clinical social worker (ACSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) requirements.

2. Complete additional required coursework.

In addition to an MSW, future social workers in California must ensure that they also have proof of completion for the following courses:

3. Complete post-graduate field hours.

Before you begin accruing post-graduate hours, you must register as an ACSW. While an MSW program will require field work experience to graduate, California requires 3,000 total supervised social work hours over a minimum of 104 weeks in order to become licensed as a clinical social worker. A minimum 2,000 hours overall must be in clinical experience, including a minimum of 750 hours performing in-person group or individual psychotherapy. A maximum 1,000 hours must be in non-clinical experience, in settings like client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, research and workshops.

4. Apply for licensure.

You’ll need to pass a criminal background check, take and pass the California Law & Ethics exam, and take and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical exam. There are also various fees to pay and applications to fill out throughout the licensure process.

If you want, you can pursue additional certifications and continued education once you’ve become a California social worker.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

The two social work licenses offered in California require a Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school. Learn more about MSW programs in California. There are several other types of MSW programs available:

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 12 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

University of Southern California

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW@USC is the online Master of Social Work from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The Advanced Standing track can be completed in as little as 1 year. USC offers virtual and in-person field education, and students focus on adults, youth or social change.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

Baylor University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Complete the Master of Social Work online program at Baylor University in as few as 12 months. Serve populations in Texas and around the world while ethically integrating faith and social work practice. No GRE required.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) in California

Before becoming an LCSW in California, you must be registered as an ACSW.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California

To become an LCSW in California, social workers must meet certain requirements. These include:

Learn more about how to become an LCSW.

The average social worker salary in California depends on your role and work environment.

Information on the above social work salaries in California was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates California as of April 2021.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

There are social work scholarships in California and grants available to aspiring social work students to cover school costs, such as tuition and supplies. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other financial aid options available. Some California scholarships we have found for social workers include:

Social work organizations in California give students the ability to connect with other social work students, network with social workers and get more involved in the local social work community. The following are some California social work organizations:

Does California have social work reciprocity?

No, there is no social work license reciprocity in California or endorsement licensure. Social workers who have a current out-of-state license must submit a California LCSW application, pass the California Law and Ethics Examination, have an MSW that is accredited by the CSWE and complete California-specific coursework.

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in California?

The social work CE requirements in California for LCSW (PDF, 235 KB) are 36 hours before each two-year renewal period, according to the BBS. Newly licensed individuals must complete only 18 hours of continued education before their first renewal. All licensees are required to complete at least six hours of CE in Law and Ethics for every renewal. LCSWs must also complete seven hours of CE in HIV/AIDS.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in California?

You can search for your social work license verification in California by visiting the California Department of Consumer Affairs license search.

Information on this page was last retrieved in April 2021

International social work training experience

In 1951, the United Nations adopted a special resolution stating that "social work should in principle be recognized as a professional activity carried out by persons who have received vocational training and have attended an official course in the theory and practice of social work in an appropriate educational institution. "

Currently, all forms of social work training can be divided into university and non-university. Within this division, there are many differences across countries that range from upper secondary to several levels of higher education. University programs in this area exist in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Sweden and Finland. There are differences in the duration of training of social specialists in national educational systems. In a number of other countries, an integrative approach to training is used, where social work training is in the nature of a supplement to training in other academic disciplines or is "tied" to the practice of social work. nine0009

Non-university forms of education are widespread in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Training programs in these countries are designed for three to four years. The graduate receives a diploma of a social worker, corresponding to the qualification of secondary specialized vocational training. <…>

The competition for social work training places is high, however, about 70% of all trainees are women.

In a number of countries, a kind of qualification has been introduced for engaging in social activities, confirmed by a qualification certificate. Most social workers must have a diploma of higher education in the profile "social worker" or "teacher". Training in social work involves mastering a course of theoretical training and passing industrial practice, followed by attestation in a profession called "state recognition", which in the future allows you to apply for a job. <…>

In a number of European countries, the USA, Canada, social work as a professional activity includes a service of personal assistance to people, intermediary functions between clients, the state apparatus, and legislation.

In the UK, the learning model is focused on individual family social work, which implies a special style of learning, direct contact "teacher-student".

In Germany, in conditions of orientation to work in social offices and services, training is carried out in large groups of students with the leading role of the teacher. nine0009

Common to all models is the technology for designing training programs, which includes marketing (studying orders for training), developing programs depending on a specific request for an employee's qualification, type of social institution and terms of education.

The national specificity of the training of social workers finds its expression in various typologies of training programs, which include:

“enriched programs” for the training of social workers;
accelerated individual programs, providing the opportunity to move towards the assimilation of more complex programs.

US social universities are characterized by the widespread use of a flexible curriculum through the study of a large number of elective subjects. So, in senior courses, the volume of chosen disciplines can be 2/3 of the total volume. As a rule, with a few exceptions, universities do not draw up ready-made curricula. Each student, in accordance with the training scheme adopted at the educational institution, under the guidance of a teacher, forms his own individual plan, which must be approved. This approach allows taking into account the abilities and interests of each student, as well as the nature of the activity that he intends to engage in in the future. The widespread use of flexible curricula makes it possible to achieve greater differentiation in the training of specialists in terms of their functional orientation in social work. The presence of flexible curricula allows you to quickly update the content of education without increasing the total volume of compulsory classroom classes, to develop students' responsibility for the quality of the knowledge they receive. nine0009

Students can attend lectures in all specialties. The right to choose educational cycles, the availability of obtaining any information in the learning process give prospects for obtaining a high quality education by future social workers.

In addition to the core courses, students can attend special seminars and work individually with their supervisors. This allows students to:

systematize and link together the knowledge gained in different courses; nine0030
correlate the acquired knowledge with the chosen professional direction;
realize yourself as a future professional;
master a wide range of practical work methods.

Traditionally in the US, curricula in accordance with the recommendations of the Council for the Training of Social Workers provide for the "vertical integration" of courses, when introductory training programs work to develop its specialized part. At the same time, a deep and detailed "binding" of the content of training to a specific area of social work is envisaged. nine0009

The North American model of teaching social work has a significant impact on the curricula of many countries, the main task of which is to prepare graduates for practical work with various populations and types of clients. The curriculum for the training of social workers includes at least five basic courses, such as:

human behavior and its social environment;
social security policy and services; nine0030
social work practice;
quantitative and qualitative methods in the study of social problems;
field workshop.

Compulsory practical training for junior students up to 400 hours, for senior students - up to 900 hours of study time. Practical classes can be carried out both in the form of direct supervision (mentoring) in social agencies, and a tutor (advisory) option for organizing practical classes. nine0009

Foreign training plans are the most important regulatory documents that regulate the selection of the content of education and the conditions for self-determination of students in a particular area of social work. A comparative analysis of foreign curricula in the field of social work shows their great applied orientation and orientation towards the formation, first of all, of practical skills and abilities of future specialists. Curricula have a three-component structure and include a cycle of general education disciplines, courses of major and minor specialization, elective disciplines and electives. Humanitarian cycles make up at least 20% of the entire study time and are focused on the formation of the moral qualities of the individual, "bringing to life creative, independent, responsible thinking and a taste for intellectual achievements." nine0009

Despite the differences in approaches to teaching social work in different countries, curricula include such common elements as practical training, sociological and psychological (in particular, behavioral) concepts of human behavior and the social environment, information on social policy, social security in country and methods of social work. <…>

An important aspect of the training of social workers is the need to improve their qualifications, which is associated with a constant change and complication of the knowledge system necessary for a competent social worker. Therefore, a system of continuous education of social workers is widely practiced throughout the world, operating through a network of various courses, on-the-job training, and independent professional training. Statistics show that around 75% of social workers in the world go on to study after receiving formal education. Significant funds are allocated for this. <…>

Currently, there is a need to unify the standards for the training of social workers. For this purpose, the International Association of Schools of Social Work was created, which includes representatives from 68 countries.

The main activity of the Association is the organization of international forums to study the problems of education in the field of social work. The International Congress of the Association is held every two years, at the same time that international conferences on social work are convened. Its materials are published. One of the activities of the association is the publication of the World Handbook of Social Work Education (since 1984), which contains information about all the major schools of social work in the countries that are members of this Association. In the 1970s The International Association began to develop regional social work training programs. As a result, the Association for Social Work Education in Asia and the Pacific was formed, and since 1980 the European Regional Group for Social Work Education has been operating. The purpose of these organizations is to combine local and world experience, to develop uniform training standards. nine0009

In 2003, at the European meeting of the Association of Social Workers and Educators, unified approaches to educational levels were developed:

the first level - “certificate of competence”;
second level - "certificate";
third level - "diploma certifying the successful completion of a short training course";
fourth level - "diploma certifying the successful completion of an intermediate training course"; nine0030
fifth level - "a diploma certifying the successful completion of a university training course. "

It has been generally accepted that the third level includes professional practice and involves 1-3 years of study. This level does not provide theoretical training and is associated with practice. Mostly performance.

The fourth level of qualification implies 3-4 years of training in a higher educational institution; the fifth level focuses on obtaining a scientific degree. The introduction of bachelor's and master's programs into national educational systems has enabled many countries to improve their position in the international education market. nine0009

In foreign experience, the training of specialists for the macro-level of social work is carried out in the magistracy or in the framework of other "advanced" educational programs aimed, among other things, at the scientific theoretical, research training of students. This level of education corresponds to the certificate of the highest category in the table of ranks of social specialists.

Doctoral programs usually aim to produce scientists and educators who can contribute to the advancement of social work knowledge. At the same time, doctoral programs prepare students for the subspecialty they choose, such as caring for the elderly with developmental problems. <…>

The idea of internationalization of social work education is taking hold in all countries of the European Community. This was reflected in the fact that, in addition to the establishment of bilateral cooperation, European departments began to be created. European centers, European courses, as well as partner organizations and bureaus for organizing cooperation and exchange of teachers and students between member countries of the European Community. Thus, in the UK, professional qualifications are certified by a diploma of a social worker, adopted by the EU Central Council for the Education and Training of Social Workers. This diploma is obtained after two years of study. It corresponds to the minimum qualification sufficient to conduct practical social work. If students complete three years of study, they also receive a post-qualification certificate, which is equivalent to a bachelor's degree. In the case of a four-year study, students receive an advanced level diploma - the approximate equivalent of a master's degree. Obtaining such a certificate requires a high level of theoretical knowledge and usually includes writing a dissertation as an attestation work. <…>

Graduates of foreign educational institutions of the social profile receive training that gives them the opportunity to work in various institutions and hold posts related to both direct practice and administrative. This includes practical work in social agencies, in health care, in the conduct of both public and private industrial organizations, work in kindergartens and schools, work in family and marriage counseling, participation in school reforms, work in prisons, correctional institutions, with immigrants. , with the homeless, working with the mentally retarded, drug addicts, emotionally unbalanced, counseling and planning state, local and voluntary organizations, administering social agencies. nine0009

In foreign experience, the functions of social services are performed by personnel who do not have specialized education. University graduates are more involved in issues of social expertise, social design and planning, individual counseling and therapy. To perform these types of social work, a specialist must have extensive knowledge in the field of psychology, sociology, medicine, pedagogy, management, economics, politics, law, etc.

Pre-vocational and pre-vocational training have been applied since 1965 at the suggestion of UNESCO and the International Labor Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Its goal was to help students of the secondary education system make an informed choice of their future profession. This is especially important in social work, since the content of this profession is connected with the vital motives of the individual. Abroad, the formation of the student contingent is carried out by specialized state career guidance services, which pay attention, first of all, to the individual and psychological characteristics of the individual. nine0009

With the help of tests, the suitability for training of each potential student is determined based on various characteristics, including general preparedness for studying at a university, character traits, health status, personal values, etc.

The main source of replenishment of professional personnel for the social sphere is the volunteer movement - "the forge of practice and mercy."

Platonova N.M. Theory and methodology of social work: a textbook for students. avg. prof. textbook institutions / N.M. Platonova, G.F. Nesterov. - M .: Publishing Center "Academy", 2010. - S. 118 - 129.

Education in social work: current state and prospects: materials of congresses of schools of social work / Ed. L. P. Bocharov. – M.: ASOPiR. 1997 - 283 p.

I am a social worker: Experience in New York, the problem of burnout and helping the LGBT community

- Gulya, how did you become a social worker?

Studying at Columbia University, where all students were immediately immersed in practice, greatly influenced my development as a social worker. nine0009

I confess that until I entered this university in 2014, I had a poor idea of what it means to be a social worker. One of the main reasons is that in Kazakhstan this profession is not prestigious and popular. Yes, young people enter social work, but most often they make such a choice only because they did not get another grant. I asked KazNU students about this once. Most of them do not think that social work is cool and prestigious. This is a very difficult type of work and in order to do it daily, you must love it very much. nine0009

In our country, social workers are most often involved in the delivery of medicines and food to the elderly. This mechanical type of work does not require deep intellectual knowledge. In the USA, on the contrary, you are taught to turn on your brain every time you come into contact with vulnerable segments of the population, the sick and the elderly.

During my studies and practice at one of the largest clinics in New York, I realized how far behind we are. Over the course of a year, I worked closely with patients who had undergone complex heart surgeries. The social worker stays with patients during the entire treatment, provides psychological support, helps after a person is discharged or defined as a disabled person. For many, becoming disabled is a big trauma. Not everyone can psychologically survive this. Adapting to a new life and a new me is not so easy. In such situations, we are needed. nine0009

This job requires a lot of patience, endurance, empathy and compassion. In addition to these qualities, the social worker must be a strong expert in caring for people and understand the legal issues related to the status of the wards.

- Can you tell us more about the functions of a social worker in the US?

Yes, if in Kazakhstan a social worker still has a more auxiliary role, then in Western countries it is multi-level. The first level is related to the study of legislation, conducting research, promoting reforms in healthcare and education, and raising public awareness of pressing social problems. nine0009

For example, I currently work at Columbia University's Center for Global Health. Our research team is currently implementing three major projects. We micro-finance sex workers, teaching them how to cut or manicure so they can get other jobs. Another project is related to people who have been diagnosed with HIV.

The second direction is the implementation of all kinds of standards and the implementation of development programs funded by international organizations, non-governmental or government agencies. Such work also requires a lot of effort, because the social worker needs to manage or control many processes, correctly allocate budgetary flows, write reports and evaluate the work done. nine0009

The last level is clinical or directive. Here the social worker interacts directly with people. Because of this, we are often confused with psychologists or nurses. There are a lot of similarities and social workers should be well versed in medicine. In general, a social worker should be a very versatile person and, to a certain extent, also be a sociologist who works very closely and studies social problems. Because of this, it is very important for us to work with the most vulnerable segments of the population, who are in great need of protection and assistance. nine0009

The more difficult the socio-economic situation in the country, the more it needs social workers.

- Can you give a couple of examples of working with vulnerable layers?

If you are a single mother, then you feel a lot of pressure and censure from our society. We have a lot of divorces and, for example, the issue of timely payment of alimony is quite acute. A large number of children today grow up in families with one parent. Providing advice and assistance to such parents is part of the functions of a social worker. The ability to talk to other people's children is also a very important skill. nine0009

Another striking example is suicide. Kazakhstan leads in the number of suicides among adults and minors. If we had a strong training school for social workers, then we could save many of them by morally supporting them in difficult moments of life, in moments of depression or problems with family or work.

Alcoholism is also an equally important problem. So many families are facing this life-destroying phenomenon. Social workers should work with addicted people, helping them get the right treatment and not return to drinking after rehabilitation. nine0009

There are many such problems in other areas as well. It must be understood that social workers are not “supermen” who are able to solve all issues single-handedly once and for all. Much depends on the political will and resources of the government. As long as the initiative does not come from the highest offices, nothing fundamentally will change on the ground. It is very important not to hush up the problems, but to speak them out publicly and raise the awareness of citizens.

An example is Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who talks all the time about the importance of the mental health of the population. A lot of social actions and projects aimed at supporting the homeless, people with disabilities, migrants and the elderly are held in America and England. nine0009

- Since you have touched on the topic of addiction, how do you feel about the fact that we have started to provide methadone substitution therapy?

This is the right move. Social work involves developing solutions on how to reduce the risks to society from people requiring drug addiction treatment. Instead of such a person going around and robbing other citizens in order to buy drugs with this money, the state can provide him with a dose of methadone. Such a decision may allow this person to get a job and not feel "not needed". nine0009

Working in my profession, I realized that people cannot be forced to do something, the desire for change must come from them.

The role of the social worker is precisely to help other people arouse in themselves a strong desire to change.

When life is difficult for you, a social worker helps you overcome some of the difficulties. It performs the function of "crutches" that a person experiencing problems will use until recovery. It is necessary to identify such people in time to help him get back on his feet faster and find the strength to fight and live again. nine0009

- Do social workers help members of the LGBT community?

I worked for some time in one of the largest LGBT centers in the world, located in New York. Due to the fact that I speak Russian, I had to work with gays and transgender people from post-Soviet countries, in particular from Russia and Ukraine. They flew to the United States on a tourist visa, and then asked for asylum, noting that they were treated very badly in their countries. All of them are very smart and advanced guys who were engaged in science or were first-class professionals in various fields. nine0009

These guys could do a lot of good for their country, but we're only concerned about who sleeps with whom.

In Almaty, we are also conducting a research project related to the well-being of MSM (men who have sex with men). A man may self-identify as straight, but sometimes have sex with men. Or he may end up in a closed group among men: in prison or in the army. Unfortunately, there is very often sex without consent. nine0009

Through our research, it is important for us to learn and study what psychological problems our men face, what kind of income they have, what kind of relationships in the family, what kind of sexual behavior and whether they abuse alcohol or drugs. We also conduct rapid HIV testing.

I would also like to note that doctors in Kazakhstan have formed a negative attitude towards LGBT people and HIV-infected people. Doctors often ask completely incorrect questions and injure people. In the 21st century, HIV is a controlled disease, like diabetes, with which one can live a long and happy life. In the case of a decrease in viral load, people diagnosed with HIV can have perfectly healthy children. nine0009

On the other hand, we must understand that our doctors did not have the appropriate training to work with vulnerable populations. This is why social work is so important.

- Experiencing all this together with the wards, how can a social worker not go into depression himself? After all, such work can lead to rapid burnout and fatigue.

We discussed this very often at the university. We've been specially trained on how to take care of ourselves too, given how much stress social workers experience while on the job. We were taught that a burned out person does great harm to himself, his family and clients.