In 2018, 650,000 Americans are licensed social workers. Over the next decade that number is expected to explode and lead the workforce as the fastest growing profession. Every March social workers all across the globe and recognized and thanked for the tiring and laborious work they accomplish each day. In the 1800’s social work was viewed as a hobby rather than a societal need. Many monumental people such as Mary Ellen Richmond, Mother Theresa, and Jeanette Rankin spurred a global discussion regarding social work. The profession has become more respected, eventually becoming the greatest source of mental health information and services.

Though the field of social work is recognized more than ever, it is still vastly underappreciated. The largest employers of social workers are hospitals and schools. However, this line of work is hardly ever depicted on television or in movies at those institutions. Social workers are commonly depicted only in negative scenes of these productions, such as removing a child from a home. The life and case load of a social worker is much grander and expansive than portrayed. With many lows that accompany the career, there are many highs. Often time social workers accompany individuals, families, and communities in their hardest hours. In those dark times, social works have a unique opportunity to be a beacon of hope.

The National Association of Social Workers has given the theme of “leaders, advocates, champions” to this year’s month of appreciation. The slogan accurately captures the mentality of a social worker. Leading the push for everyone’s inalienable rights, advocating for the dreams and values of those they represent, and championing enormous victories in uncharted and underfunded territories. Clients demand and expect a plethora of skills from social workers, they must be a jack of all trades. Naturally, social workers become experts of financial and time management, minimizing risk, unearthing underlying issues, and crafting and adjusting treatment plans.

The need for social work never stops. Workers in this field have the longest service hours, documented or not. Regularly, the stress of the work place does not stay at the office. Social workers are some of the most empathetic and attentive people, genuine devotion is installed in each case that crosses their desk.

The six pillars of social work are service, social justice, human relationships and respect, integrity, and competence. The case managers, admissions staff, and call center representatives at Seabrook possess all of those qualities and actively demonstrate them each day. This month we would like to acknowledge and thank them for everything that they do for each person who comes in contact with Seabrook. They are the first team you encounter on the phone, your companion throughout your stay in our programs, and assist you in transitioning to your next steps in recovery. In the field of addiction recovery, the work does not start and end with the patient. Our teams work hand-in-hand with family members to assure everyone feels confident and supported. Without them we would not be the long standing treatment facility we are, with the success rates that we have. Thank you.