A Day in the Life of a Social Worker in Chicago

A social worker helping a client access resources.

June 11, 2024

Morning Routine

Your day as a social worker begins with the ring of your alarm. After a hot shower and a nice breakfast, you head out the door, ready to embrace the day’s challenges. During your commute, you take in the fast-paced energy of Chicago, which prepares you for the challenge of making a difference in the lives of the people in the communities you serve.

Morning Meeting: Case Reviews and Planning

The first order of business is the morning meeting, where you and your colleagues review ongoing cases and develop action plans. This collaboration helps your team create effective strategies and fosters a sense of shared purpose. During these discussions, the knowledge gained from your education at St. Augustine College truly shines, as you’re able to apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios.

Home Visits and Client Meetings

A significant part of a day in the life of a social worker involves home visits and client meetings. Today, you visit a family in the south side of Chicago that you’ve been working with for several months to help them navigate their housing issues and access community resources such as food assistance programs, healthcare services, and educational support for their children. The goal of each visit is to assess their progress and address any new challenges. These visits are important for understanding the environments your clients live in and providing the personalized support they need.

Lunch Break: Reflect and Recharge

After a busy morning, it’s time to grab a quick lunch. This is your moment to recharge and reflect on the impact you’re making on the people you work with. The blend of classroom knowledge and field experience from St. Augustine College equips you with the skills and empathy needed to handle these intense situations effectively. Understanding the 5 Major Goals of Social Workers can help you stay focused on your mission and maintain your drive to support your clients.

Afternoon: Community Outreach and Advocacy

The afternoon is dedicated to community outreach and advocacy. You attend a local community meeting in Pilsen to discuss new mental health initiatives that are aimed at improving services for underserved areas. Engaging with community leaders and other partners is an essential part of what social workers do on a daily basis, as it helps bridge gaps in services and support systems.

Paperwork and Case Documentation

Back at the office, you spend the last hours of your day on paperwork and case documentation. Although not the most glamorous part of the job, it is essential for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records helps ensure that each client’s progress is tracked and that they receive the support they need. 

End of the Day: Self-Care and Reflection

As the workday winds down, you finish up your documentation and head home. Once home, you spend the evening having dinner, catching up on a favorite TV show, or reading a good book. Practicing self-care is essential in this profession to ensure you’re ready to provide the best support for your clients tomorrow.

Your Career in Social Work Begins Here

Are you inspired to pursue a career in social work? St. Augustine College offers a Bachelor of Social Work program that blends academic knowledge with practical field experience, preparing you for the different challenges of a day in the life of a social worker. Our programs are designed to empower students to make a meaningful impact in their community. Contact us today to learn how you can start your journey toward a rewarding career in social work!