DHHS Recognizes March As Social Work Month In Nebraska

By Garret Swanson

March is Social Work Month and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) would like to thank social workers across the state for the work they do for Nebraskans. Social Work Month is a time to inform the public and stakeholders about the services social workers provide in an array of sectors including hospitals, mental health centers, schools, social service agencies, community centers, and other areas. Nebraskans become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others and make our State a better place to live for all.?

Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are almost 720,000 professional social workers in the United States and that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2030. It is critically important DHHS continues to grow the social work profession to maintain quality services and programs for Nebraskans. To do this DHHS offers tuition reimbursement, great benefits, and world-class training to individuals interested in becoming social workers.?

“The National Association of Social Workers set the theme for this year's Social Work Month as?The Time is Right for Social?Work, a theme that I believe strongly underlines the importance of developing the next generation of social workers. Social workers are employed in many fields and strengthen our state every day," said Children and Family Services Director Stephanie Beasley. “Growing the next generation of social workers is critical to the wellbeing of Nebraskans. I am excited about the future of social work in Nebraska thanks to the opportunities being developed by the Department as well as private partners."?

Throughout March, DHHS is holding events, highlighting the successes of its social workers, and educating the public in the important role social workers play in Nebraska. Nebraskans interested in the field of social work can visit?https://socialworklicensure.org/articles/become-a-social-worker/??to learn more about entering this important field.