Social work is an academic field of study and a profession with many specialties. Therefore, in searching for a definition, you will find many different explanations. At SUNY Fredonia, you will study to become a generalist social worker through the curriculum outlined in this Handbook. You will define generalist social workers as problem solvers who work with others to understand, prevent, alleviate, and/or eliminate problems they encounter in our complex, multidimensional, interrelated, and interactive world. Social workers investigate and determine whether problems occur within an individual (their own personal difficulty); as a product of environmental stresses; and as the result of the interaction between the person and their environment. Although social work interventions tend to be targeted at a particular system such as with an individual, group or community, generalist social workers perform simultaneous, multi-level interventions with people and their environments in order to find solutions to problems.

Through your course work, you will learn about people as individuals and as members of groups such as families, organizations, communities and societies. In doing this you will acquire a broad range of knowledge on topics such as political science, sociology, psychology, biology, etc.. This knowledge is necessary to understand and be open to the unique nature of people and their situations. You will become more skilled at assessing the nature and causes of human problems. You will become social scientists, able to critically evaluate your own actions and the outcomes of your interventions. You will become mature critical thinkers who exercise respect and good judgment in your work with others. You will come to appreciate the complexity of the world and the need to always be a life-long learner.

Finally, you will become a professional social worker. Many people use the National Association of Social Worker's (1983) definition to describe professional social work. The National Association of Social Work (NASW) is the profession's main membership body. They say:

Is this the profession you are stating you want to join? NASW sets the standards for professional social work practice. In 1997, they updated the Code of Ethics which you will learn in your class work. You will be expected to apply the Code to your own behavior as well as to your practice and analysis of social work. You can find the Code in your textbooks and on the WEB at http://www.naswdc.org. An abbreviated version of its major principles is printed below. Please read it carefully. This is the foundation of the profession. Are you willing to accept the challenge?

written by the National Association of Social Workers

Social Work is based on humanitarian, democratic ideals. Professional social workers are dedicated to service for the welfare of mankind; to the disciplined use of a recognized body of knowledge about human beings and interactions’ and to the marshaling of human resources to promote the well-being of all without discrimination.

Social work practice is a public trust that requires of its practitioners integrity, compassion, belief in the dignity and worth of human beings, respect for individual differences, a commitment to service, and a dedication to truth. It requires mastery of a body of knowledge and skill gained through professional education and experiences. It requires also recognition of the limitations of present knowledge and skill and of services we are not equipped to give. The end sought is the performance of a service with integrity and competence.

Each member of the profession carries responsibility to maintain and improve social work service; constantly to examine, use and increase the knowledge upon which practice and social policy are based; and to develop further the philosophy and skills of the profession.

This Code of Ethics embodies certain standards of behavior for the social worker in his professional relationships with those he serves, with his colleagues, with his employing agency, with other professionals, and with the community. In abiding by the code, the social worker views his obligation in as wide a context as the situation requires, takes all of the principles into consideration and chooses a course of action consistent with the code’s spirit and intent.

by the National Association of Social Workers

As a member of the National Association of Social Workers, I commit myself to conduct my professional relationships in accord with the code and subscribe to the following statement:

I regard as my primary obligation the welfare of the individual or group served, which includes action for improving social conditions.

I will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, age, sex, or national ancestry, and in my job capacity will work to prevent and eliminate social discrimination in rendering services, work assignments, and in employment practices.

I give precedence to my professional responsibility over my personal interests.

I hold myself responsible for the quality and extent of the services I perform.

I respect the privacy of the people I serve.

I use in a responsible manner information gained in professional relationships.

I treat with respect, the findings, views, and actions of colleagues, and use appropriate channels to express judgment on these matters.

I practice social work within the recognized knowledge and competence of the profession.

I recognize my professional responsibility to add my ideas and findings to the body of social work knowledge and practice.

I accept responsibility to help protect the community against unethical practice by any individuals or organizations engaged in social welfare activities.

I stand ready to give appropriate professional service in public emergencies.

I distinguish clearly in public, between my statements and actions as an individual and as a representative of an organization.

I support the principle that professional practice requires professional education

I accept responsibility for working toward the creation and maintenance of condition within agencies which enable social workers to conduct themselves in keeping with this code.

I will contribute my knowledge, skills, and support to programs of human welfare.

Applications to join the National Association of Social Workers are available from the Program Director. Students are highly encouraged to join NASW. Student rates are low and you will receive the NASW News and the journal, Social Work. In addition, you will learn about events being sponsored locally through the WNY Chapter.