Careers in Community and Social Service

International Federation of Social Workers defines social work as a profession promoting “…social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.”  If you wish to see a social change, you need to be a part of it.

If your heart bleeds seeing a child dying of hunger or if you are moved by the hapless condition of homeless individuals, then a career in the community social service industry would be the right one for you. You will be flooded with career options if you have an urge to work with health, income, or emotional troubles of people. Social work is about helping people, whether through goods and services or by bringing about a social change.

Community and social service offers array of career choices. You can promote wellness by being a health educator, help people overcome social, personal and economic issues by being a rehabilitation counselor or a marriage counselor. Social workers are individuals with ability to listen patiently and empathize with clients and determined individuals who are ready to bring about a change irrespective of any difficulty that they face in their path.

Careers in Social Work in India

In India, the social sector is gradually developing and though there are no basic qualifications required, it is desired to have a degree in social work or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). It includes education in disciplines like anthropology, sociology, psychology, government, economics and philosophy. A Masters in Social Work (MSW) offers more opportunities to students. In India, professional social workers can be found in direct practice in administrative, management and policy planning positions in various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as well as in government ministries. 

There are number of internationals organisations in India who are in constant need of professionals in various fields. Industrial and commercial units too are looking to hire social workers. Some of the areas where social workers are employed are:


  • Addiction / Substance Abuse 
  • Child Welfare 
  • Clinical / Mental Health 
  • Correctional Institutions/ Prisons
  • Child Protection Services 
  • Counseling & Therapy 
  • Consultancy Services 
  • Community Development 
  • Elderly Care 
  • Environment 
  • Family Welfare and Planning 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Industrial Development 


Click below for the list of careers under Community and Social Services


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