social worker meaning: definition, quotations

social worker

noun

A person, usually employed by the state, that supports the welfare of individuals or groups, especially those that are socially disadvantaged.

I had a visit from my social worker last week.
These are but a few instances of the benefits conferred by him as a social worker; but until these can be fully recorded, let us bear in mind as no small part of the debt we owe to the truly noble man[…]1887 January 14, “To the Editor of 'The Times'”, in The Times (Letters section), number 31969, London: News UK, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 6:

3 more examples

Mr. J. W. Martin of London, England, will deliver a series of lectures in St. Louls this week. Mr. Martin is a member of the famous Fabian Society of London, and an educator and social worker of note in his own country.1899 March 5, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, volume 50, number 202, St. Louis, Missouri, →OCLC, Mr. Martin of London Here: He Will Deliver a Series of Lectures on Social Subjects, page 24:
Professor Virchow, as chairman of the commemoration committee, opened the proceedings in a speech in which he recalled the services which Herr Schulze had rendered Germany as a social worker and as a politician.1899 August 5, “Germany”, in The Times (Latest Intelligence section), number 35900, London: News UK, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 5:
There canʼt have been many social workers at that troubled time who heard an expression of gratitude.2005, Jennifer Worth, Shadows of the Workhouse, Weidenfeld & Nicholson (2009), page 274: