Category: Social Work

Serving Others: A Guide to the BSW Job Market

Social work is about assisting those in need. Everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life and to have someone willing to fight for them. Social workers do that, and their service takes many forms. The job market for service-centered jobs is large and varied, and sometimes all it takes to start this career is a… Read more »

The Difference Between Micro, Macro and Mezzo Social Work

There are several ways to divide the social work profession. The good news is these skilled practitioners are in high demand across all areas of practice. For instance, medical social workers have a projected growth rate of 20 percent by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is about three times the… Read more »

How to Become a CASA Volunteer

Children who are in the court or social service systems due to neglect or abuse are vulnerable, and they often lack reliable adult advocacy. For the past 40 years, however, volunteers have been stepping up to help protect and guide these at-risk youths during their proceedings. In 1977, Seattle juvenile court judge David Soukup found… Read more »

Which Social Work Job is Right for You?

Are you considering a career in social work but are unsure which job would be right for you? You’re not alone. Social work takes many forms, from individual coaching to changing policies that impact entire communities, and that can make deciding on a position daunting. Our quiz will help you figure out which social work… Read more »

Urban Poverty in Chicago

Urban poverty in Chicago is often linked to lack of educational opportunity, poorer health outcomes, income inequality and other factors. Along with other professionals, social workers are focused on helping people in affected communities receive the support they need. Don Phelps, a professor of social work at Aurora University, discussed urban poverty and how it… Read more »

How to Become a Medical Social Worker

A medical social worker provides frontline services to patients with a wide range of conditions spanning the entire health care continuum, according to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This professional works in hospitals and other medical care facilities in clinical and leadership roles. Various types of medical social workers are needed. A report… Read more »

A Modern History of Social Workers

History of Social Work Timeline Becoming a Social Worker Reach your career goals in social work with a degree from Chicagoland’s only CSWE-accredited online programs. Choose from an online Bachelor of Social Work or an online Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Each degree program takes place in a flexible and convenient online format…. Read more »

The Rise of Single Parent Households: Effects, Risks and Available Assistance

The percentage of children under the age of 18 in the United States living in single parent households increased to 35 percent in 2014, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. In some locations, the number is greater. Chicago has joined cities such as Fresno, Indianapolis and Tucson where approximately half of children live in… Read more »

Changing Hearts, Changing Lives: How 5 Social Initiatives in Chicago Are Making a Difference

  Home to 9.5 million people, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and is internationally recognized for its contributions to finance, transportation, commerce, and culture. In the 2014 Global Cities Index, Chicago earned its fourth-consecutive top 10 ranking for its impact on business, information exchange, cultural experience, and political dialogue. But despite… Read more »