This article aims to elucidate the theoretical and practical aspects of social work as a specific guarantor of social security in a contemporary state. Through a critical analysis of the normative definitions of ‘social work,’ the author identifies essential characteristics that distinguish social work as a crucial factor enabling social security within the state. Firstly, social work is a professional activity conducted by social workers, who are required to adhere to certain standards. As professionals impacting the state’s social security, social workers must: demonstrate altruism and maintain professional boundaries with clients, as well as work-life balance in their professional pursuits; possess self-care skills; have the ability to establish, sustain, rehabilitate, and enhance social communications; and exhibit robust resilience (patience). Secondly, social work is an occupational activity governed by existing legal norms, thus holding legal significance. Thirdly, social work is a purposeful occupational activity, as it is directed towards promoting social solidarity and ensuring a dignified life for individuals, in alignment with the concept of human social security. Fourthly, social work is a profession founded on an axiological basis, requiring adherence to specific standards for its organization and execution, in line with the principles of social work. The authors place particular emphasis on the necessity to develop and endorse a Code of Ethics for Social Workers in Ukraine. This Code of Ethics ought to serve as a guarantor of the integrity and virtue of social workers, providing normative certainty for their formal duties, establishing a normative foundation for their social responsibility, and forming the basis of social work’s characteristics. Considering these factors, clients and society can form clear expectations regarding their interactions with social workers and the nature of social work in general.