Economic Development

Social workers in community development roles often engage in economic development

activities.

 

Where might a social worker work who is interested in economic development?

• Economic development councils, departments, corporations
• Government or politics
• Extension services
• Banking, financial institutions
• Foundations
• Micro-enterprise development programs
• Redevelopment corporations
• Housing organizations

 What might the job title be?

• Director of economic development
• Project manager/officer/Project associate
• Project administrator
• Executive officer
• Community development specialist
• Director of special projects

 What are some of the job functions of a social worker in economic development?

• Prepare economic development plans for and market underinvested neighborhoods
• Recruit business and industry, address tourism, and work on retention of business and industry
• Oversee preparation of abandoned sites: clear titles, deal with environmental issues
• Promote and provide technical assistance on micro enterprise
• Advocate and facilitate home ownership and insurance coverage
• Teaching economic and business skills including money management
• Staff public/private partnerships, facilitate groups
• Write grants
• Manage public relations

 Social workers in economic development should possess skills in:

• Evaluation of community assets and barriers to improvement including formal and informal systems
• Management and finance relative to land use, home ownership, small business development, banking, and loans
• Consensus-building with community coalitions, grassroots groups, public/private collaborations
• Counseling, consultation, and technical assistance
• Group facilitation and training/Leadership development
• Policy development that integrates social and economic development efforts
• Communication, information, and referral/Media relations.