On March 18, 2024, Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation to highlight Social Work Month during the month of March. Social Work Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the vital services social workers provide in an array of sectors including schools; hospitals; at the federal, state, and local levels in government; corporations, social service agencies; veterans’ centers; and many other places throughout our communities. Nebraska social workers enter their profession because they have a strong desire to empower individuals, families, and communities across our great state.
“Social workers are an important component in many fields and their work strengthens Nebraskan families and communities across our great state,” said Dr. Alyssa Bish, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. “Social workers are a vital part of our communities because they help people overcome challenges and connect them with resources to reach their full potential.”
Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are approximately 708,000 professional social workers in the United States and that number is expected to grow by 64,000 by 2031. DHHS strives to continue 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 2024 theme for National Social Work Month is Empowering Social Workers. Being a social worker can be a tough job. DHHS encourages Nebraskans to support and empower all individuals in the social work profession. Our collective support will allow social workers to continue to elevate and empower community members by giving them the ability to solve problems, cope with personal roadblocks, and acquire the resources they need to succeed.
DHHS celebrates our social workers on the frontlines and highlights the importance of their lifesaving and life-changing work. They positively affect the lives of countless Nebraskans each and every day. Nebraskan social workers strengthen our communities by ensuring the well-being and basic needs of all people are met, especially those who are most vulnerable.