One job that is often not seen in line with typical health and medical careers is that of a social worker. However, social workers do play a role in helping people who have serious illnesses, disabilities, and substance abuse. They also assist families who have inadequate housing and those who are in serious domestic conflicts especially those with child or spousal abuse. The practice of clinical social work includes:mental health therapy by observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, intervention, and treatment to modify behavior through applying generally recognized professional social work principles, methods, and procedures in order to prevent, treat, or eliminate mental or emotional illness or dysfunction. Social workers also play an important role in caring for the elderly. In senior centers, hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes, they conduct case management and also policy analysis.
