The Beginner's Guide to Social Work e-book

Social work is a profession centered on supporting individuals, families and communities as they navigate challenges and build toward greater well-being. Social workers serve in a wide range of settings and often work at the intersection of direct support, community resources and systems-level change. If you’re new to the field and wondering what social work is, what social workers do, and how to take the first step, the Beginner’s Guide to Social Work offers a helpful starting point.

In our e-book, you will find:

• An overview of social work values and core skills needed to be a social worker
• Answers to your questions, such as “what is social work?” and “who do social workers help?”
• Reflection prompts to help you decide whether to become a social worker, including a short self-assessment

At the UB School of Social Work, students build the foundational skills needed for effective, ethical practice while gaining an understanding of the social, economic and structural factors that shape well-being. Through accredited degree programs, experiential learning and a focus on trauma-informed and human rights-based practice, UB prepares future social workers to serve individuals, families and communities and to create meaningful change at the systems level.