Abstract:
 Ever since the 19th century, occupational social work in the United States has witnessed origin, decline, reoccurrence and development, and new changes in recent years. The author analyzes each stage of the development and related topics of occupational social work and thinks that it will offer enlightenment and reference for China from four aspects. First, occupational social work has an advantage in dealing with the labor problems, so our country should attach importance to the development of the field; second, the government should strengthen and improve the labor legislation to create favorable institutional environment for the development of occupational social work in China; third, the promotion of occupational social work should be based on the trade union; fourth, professional education in occupational social work should be strengthened to improve the ability of practitioners.

Key words: occupational social work, welfare secretary, employee assistance programs