A welfare worker is someone who works with disadvantaged members of society to help them access social services which could be beneficial. Also known as social workers, welfare workers can be found working in a wide variety of settings, from government agencies which set policy, to offices which provide direct interventions to people in need. The salary for this type of work tends to be on the lower end of the scale, with people choosing to work in this field because they want to make a difference in the lives of others.
In order to be employed as a welfare worker, someone must have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, at a bare minimum. In many areas, people are expected to have advanced degrees, with a Master of Social Work (MSW) being especially useful. Job candidates may also be required to take the civil service examination, since social work is usually a government position, and job experience may be considered as an additional qualification.
Some welfare workers provide counseling services to members of the public. They help people in need navigate the social services system so that they know which programs they qualify for, and how to apply for them. Other welfare workers may be assigned to work with particular people in need. A child welfare worker, for example, monitors low-income children, assessing their home environment and determining what type of assistance they might need. The welfare worker may also determine when a child needs to be removed from an environment and placed in protective custody.
Members of the social services community can also interface with members of the general community, and work with private organizations which support social services and provide assistance to disadvantaged people. They may also act as policy consultants, offering recommendations to civic leaders and legislators. Welfare workers also act as advocates, helping their clients deal with situations which may be challenging, such as negotiating a reduction in a hospital bill, or finding a place to live in a region where landlords are notorious for discriminating against the beneficiaries of social services.
Welfare workers are extremely knowledgeable about the social service programs available in their areas, and they are often required to attend continuing education courses to ensure that they keep up with the latest information in the field. They tend to work in office environments, and they must be skilled at networking with other people in the social services field to assist their clients. A good welfare worker is compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable, and he or she has a service-oriented personal ethic.