Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (4%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 9 (39%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 13 (57%)

• Maintain case history records and prepare reports.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Refer clients to community resources for services, such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Counsel students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical impairment indicate a need for assistance, diagnosing students' problems and arranging for needed services.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct social research.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Serve on policy-making committees, assist in community development, and assist client groups by lobbying for solutions to problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Administer welfare programs.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Determine clients' eligibility for financial assistance.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems, such as truancy and misbehavior, and to implement solutions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as child care, homemaker service, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, or parenting classes to prevent more serious problems from developing.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Place children in foster or adoptive homes, institutions, or medical treatment centers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Recommend temporary foster care and advise foster or adoptive parents.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Evaluate personal characteristics and home conditions of foster home or adoption applicants.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Supervise other social workers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Lead group counseling sessions that provide support in such areas as grief, stress, or chemical dependency.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Work in child and adolescent residential institutions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task