As a perinatal social worker, you provide social care to individuals and babies experiencing challenges before, during, and after pregnancy, including through the first year of a baby’s life. Your responsibilities mostly include helping families who experience high-risk pregnancies, premature or sick newborns, family conflicts, legal issues, parents with mental health needs, and families in poverty. Your duties also include helping parents manage the psychosocial conditions they experience during pregnancy and after birth. You need a bachelor’s degree in social work to enter the field, but some employers list a master’s degree among the minimum qualifications. Communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills are essential.