Table of ContentsGenerational ImpactProfessional ImpactGlobal ImpactThe field of social work, you will find, is graciously underappreciated in almost every developed country in the world. It's difficult, emotional, low-paying work, and those who do it work with some of the most damaged people you'll ever meet, whether physically, mentally, or socially. Yet very few positions are considered as rewarding as social work. The satisfaction of making a difference in everyone's lives by helping people access resources and improve themselves is often enough to get you through the toughest times in this line of work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay This is precisely what Jane Addams, the recognized “founder” of the occupation, sought throughout her life. Although she came from a wealthy family of respectable politicians, Jane dreamed of going to college and becoming a doctor. As eight of nine children growing up in a motherless household, Jane looked to her father to be her role model throughout her childhood and young adulthood. This attachment to his father (who was a friend of Abraham Lincoln and had a reputation for doing what was right, no matter the cost) ultimately shaped his conscience. Despite her ambition to attend the prestigious Smith College in Northampton, at the time Jane's father had her placed at Rockford Female Seminary, insisting that although he wanted her to be educated, women had their place at home. Another problem was his already deteriorating health. Jane was diagnosed at a young age with a congenital spinal defect, a condition that made walking and basic physical movements very difficult. This forced her to frequently miss classes throughout high school, despite her love of learning. This, along with his traditional views, led him to refuse to send his daughter to any type of university. This disagreement caused young Jane to postpone her university studies until after her father's death. Eventually, Jane found medical school far too taxing on her physical and mental health and, after undergoing major back surgery, decided to spend a few years traveling abroad. with a few close friends and his mother-in-law. It would seem that this trip was the one that finally set Jane's path in stone. During her travels, Jane gained some glimpses of life outside her own. What she saw was both heartbreaking and infuriating: the treatment of the working class and employees awakened her dormant mental compass. Copying the Toynbee Hall settlement house in London, Addams returned to the United States with a vision: to build a similar structure that would help low-income, high-income families and immigrant workers access resources that would improve their lives. This project came to fruition in the form of The Hull House. Here, Addams formed an army of like-minded people to help the poverty-stricken working class of Chicago. In its heyday, the Hull House had a daycare, a gymnasium, a food bank-style kitchen, and several classrooms that were used to provide college courses for those who worked and lived there. Additionally, the Hull House also provided young social workers with training and experience. Generational impact Jane's incredibly altruistic lifestyle did not end with her death in 1935. In fact, it had a lasting effect. 'training. Thosewho knew Jane spread her reputation until she was known throughout the world as a Samaritan and a heroine. Her friends and employees at Hull House continued to expand the domain she had created even further, without even knowing what they were accomplishing. They only knew that, more than anything, they wanted to carry on Addams' legacy and continue to help others in any way they could. This profession has had a profound impact on every generation since its inception, enabling children of immigrants and low-income families to rise out of poverty through the use of resources provided by social workers. A good example of such services exists through the Head Start program. Head Start is an early education program designed to give children from low-income families a boost in their education and better prepare them for their future. Hundreds of diverse families apply for this program, but only a handful are selected to participate. This is where the social worker's task begins. He or she is responsible for helping each family (the family, not the individual child; Jumpstart is designed to help the families of its program participants, not just the children directly involved) achieve their financial and educational goals . The social worker connects them with others who can help them achieve these goals and accompanies them every step of the way, offering advice and a sort of "guiding light", no matter how difficult the situation. where the family is located. in. The work of these dedicated people does not stop with families and young children, however. On the contrary, a large number of adolescents and young adults turn to social workers to help them resolve the problems of their daily lives, especially if they had a difficult childhood. For many, the social worker (who in many of these circumstances might take on the role of case manager) is a responsible adult outside of the field. That said, social workers are generally not limited to a particular age group, although some choose to specialize. in a particular area. Jane Addams certainly didn't - and that's probably why she was able to continue serving for so long. Indeed, some believe that high burnout rates can be offset by simply changing the population they work with. For example, a social worker who found working with adolescents extremely taxing might find the same level of satisfaction in a nursing home or family counseling center. The level of diversity offered in this role is truly unlike any other, which is why one might find it an attractive career. Another part of its uniqueness (and perhaps just as appealing) is the ability to create your own schedule based on your needs. on your lifestyle. Full-time social workers may have a busy schedule: driving here and there, providing resources to their clients, or answering their phone calls. On the other hand, many part-time social workers only work 4 days a week, designing their schedule around less emotionally demanding work or simply spending time with family and friends. It should be noted, however, that this job is not for the faint of heart or those motivated by monetary income. Social workers typically receive around forty thousand dollars a year, which is nowhere near enough to support a family. Others,.