Uplift. Defend. Transform: County Recognizes Employees During ‘Social Work Month’
March is National Social Work Month, an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of social workers across Mecklenburg County. The theme for 2026 is "Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform,” focusing on strengthening individuals, families, and communities while advancing social justice.
Hundreds of social workers hold positions across Mecklenburg County departments and are dedicated to helping individuals and families in the community through service delivery, research, education and advocacy. They are on the frontlines, strengthening families and the community through a safety net of services, collaborations and hope.
Social workers:
- Ensure the safety and stability of children and families.
- Assist veterans in accessing their well-deserved benefits.
- Ensure residents have enough nutritious food to eat.
- Offer financial assistance to homes with limited income and resources.
- Provide care, support, transportation, medical assistance and more for adults of all ages.
- Aid domestic violence victims in getting the help they need.
- Support the homeless in finding permanent housing.
- And much more.
"Social workers are the quiet architects of hope — standing beside individuals and families in their darkest moments, helping them rebuild and reclaim dignity,” said Dr. Kimm Campbell, deputy county manager for Health and Human Services. “Social work is a profound vocation. I know from my experience in the foster care system that our social workers are dedicated to advocacy and fairness, and work to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors receive essential support and resources. They start every day determined to serve the community and empower residents in need to change their lives for the better."
Video: Social Workers Serve with Passion and Excellence
“I became a social worker because I have a strong desire to help people, and I truly believe that access to the right support and resources can change lives,” said Lavette McClean of Mecklenburg County’s Kinship program.
“We work with the most vulnerable population — individuals who often fall through the cracks, said DeShawn Spears, Department of Criminal Justice Service. “They don't have a lot of resources or support in the community, and they look to us as that support. That’s why it’s important to think outside the box when problem solving, really be creative, and find those resources.”
View photos of Mecklenburg County social workers being recognized during Social Work Month 2025.
“I’ve always felt comfortable working with individuals who may have the greater challenges in life,” said Jessie Williams of MeckWorks, which addresses residents’ upward mobility and economic stability.
Become a Social Worker: Mecklenburg County welcomes candidates from across educational backgrounds who can offer a wide variety of experiences and are comfortable working across cultures. For someone whose passion is helping people and families succeed and feel supported, there is no better place to work than Mecklenburg County. Employees can customize their careers to align with their passions. Explore social work and eligibility careers available in Mecklenburg County.
Social workers are everywhere, and they are in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work profession is projected to grow 7% between now and 2033 — faster than the average for all occupations. By then, more than 836,000 social workers will be employed in the United States. Social workers undergo years of schooling and training, gaining the expertise needed to support communities and individuals. They excel at meeting people where they are and provide compassionate guidance and help, and it is likely a social worker will at some time assist most residents of Mecklenburg County.