There are so many potential career paths in social work, it can be challenging to answer the question: what does a social worker do? Many social workers provide clinical and case management services directly to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Social workers serve clients dealing with a range of challenges including poverty, physical and mental health issues, addiction, and family problems. Social workers provide clinical services, such as therapy or counseling, and connect people to resources in the community to help them overcome challenges.