What core value emphasizes the importance of helping people in need and addressing social problems in social work?

The core value that emphasizes the importance of helping people in need and addressing social problems in social work is service. This core value underlines the profession's obligation to assist individuals who are experiencing difficulties, whether due to personal circumstances, social injustice, or systemic issues. It positions social workers as advocates for social change, aiming to improve overall well-being and eliminate barriers that clients may face.

Service also involves a direct commitment to the community and society at large, highlighting the responsibility social workers have to address and respond to the needs of individuals and groups in various contexts. By promoting this core value, social work as a profession seeks to uplift those who are vulnerable and marginalized, reinforcing the idea that social work is fundamentally about providing care and support to those who require assistance.

In this context, the other options—competence, dignity and worth of the person, and importance of human relationships—while vital elements of social work practice, focus on different aspects of the profession. Competence relates to the skills and qualifications of social workers, dignity and worth of the person underscores the respect and value owed to every individual, and the importance of human relationships highlights the significance of connections in client interactions. However, the service aspect specifically targets the proactive role of helping individuals and addressing