Hopkins started his career as a social worker.   In 1931, Roosevelt appointed Hopkins to head the NY Temporary Relief Agency; a job he acccomplished with zeal.  Between 1933 and 1938 Hopkins administered some of the largest New Deal programs.  In 1938, Hopkins developed stomach cancer.  After that point, Hopkins became a special assistant to Roosevelt, living in the White House.  Hopkins attended all the major WWII conferences and traveled extensively for Roosevelt, despite his illness.