4 answers
Faith
Student
Coalport, PA
2
Questions
Asked
1113 views
What's some important things I need to know about being a Social Case Worker that people don't tell you ?
#work #social #social-work
Login to comment
4 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Faith,
I am not a case worker, but, have helped many of them look for new jobs!
I can't speak for the whole country, or, even every agency here in Texas. Here, Social Services are low priority in the budget, and, tend to be under-funded.This means that case workers have more cases than they should, and it is difficult/impossible to give each one the attention it deserves. There is a lot of "burnout."
Someone else mentioned about taking your work home with you. It is important for you to learn to "compartmentalize" - keep work at work and home at home. Google it for a better explanation.
Another thing about casework is that it often tends to be focused on completing the documentation and generating statistics. Lots of paperwork!
There is a lot behind the scenes where a private contractor is trying to keep a contract with a state agency, for example. If they lose the contract, then the new company will need lots of employees in a hurry, so, you may go to work for the new contractor. If you work for a gov't agency, there is always the chance they will decide to start using contractors rather than state employees.
I think there is the potential for a lot of personal reward in such a job, but I think the public does not appreciate these employees for the great work that they do!
I am not a case worker, but, have helped many of them look for new jobs!
I can't speak for the whole country, or, even every agency here in Texas. Here, Social Services are low priority in the budget, and, tend to be under-funded.This means that case workers have more cases than they should, and it is difficult/impossible to give each one the attention it deserves. There is a lot of "burnout."
Someone else mentioned about taking your work home with you. It is important for you to learn to "compartmentalize" - keep work at work and home at home. Google it for a better explanation.
Another thing about casework is that it often tends to be focused on completing the documentation and generating statistics. Lots of paperwork!
There is a lot behind the scenes where a private contractor is trying to keep a contract with a state agency, for example. If they lose the contract, then the new company will need lots of employees in a hurry, so, you may go to work for the new contractor. If you work for a gov't agency, there is always the chance they will decide to start using contractors rather than state employees.
I think there is the potential for a lot of personal reward in such a job, but I think the public does not appreciate these employees for the great work that they do!
Christy Tran
Family Navigator
3
Answers
Fountain Valley, California
Updated
Christy’s Answer
It’s important to find your own style of case management. Everyone has a specific type of way to manage and assist people. This will be very helpful when you have to deal with difficult clients. Being consistent with all different clients will help you ground your work and be firm on any guideline requirements or decisions you have made for them.
Also, transparency is key. Of course, always take this with a grain of salt as there are information you cannot share to clients. However, being transparent enough will help you stay consistent in your services and also give clients realistic goals.
To add, if there are any trainings available to you, always go to them! In social services there’s always some type of event or training that will always be helpful. Networking is also quite important in this field to.
Burnout in this field is real, so always try to have planned activities on your off time and do not take work home! This advise will always be given out and I am mentioning this because it’s THAT important to practice self care.
Lastly, working in social services does not mean you’re stuck to working for the government. There are so many opportunities in this field that also include working in non-profits and shelters. I highly recommend volunteering or interning at different non-profits to also get the feel of what type of supportive services you would like to do. This field can include everything from legal aid to housing programs for families, vets, disabled, and individuals. Sometimes other non-profit organizations also have a better work environment for case workers and more funding for clients.
These are some things I wish I knew, before I got into this field.
Also, transparency is key. Of course, always take this with a grain of salt as there are information you cannot share to clients. However, being transparent enough will help you stay consistent in your services and also give clients realistic goals.
To add, if there are any trainings available to you, always go to them! In social services there’s always some type of event or training that will always be helpful. Networking is also quite important in this field to.
Burnout in this field is real, so always try to have planned activities on your off time and do not take work home! This advise will always be given out and I am mentioning this because it’s THAT important to practice self care.
Lastly, working in social services does not mean you’re stuck to working for the government. There are so many opportunities in this field that also include working in non-profits and shelters. I highly recommend volunteering or interning at different non-profits to also get the feel of what type of supportive services you would like to do. This field can include everything from legal aid to housing programs for families, vets, disabled, and individuals. Sometimes other non-profit organizations also have a better work environment for case workers and more funding for clients.
These are some things I wish I knew, before I got into this field.
Megan Rowe
School Counselor
14
Answers
Hartford, Wisconsin
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Understanding that you can be put in very dangerous situations and you won’t always have someone with you. So just be mindful and aware of your surroundings..if there is any uneasiness get the police involved to help you.
Also you will see some horrible things..awful homes..kids that look very rough. It’s not easy.
Also you will see some horrible things..awful homes..kids that look very rough. It’s not easy.
Angelica Thomas
Service Rep
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Angelica’s Answer
Social Work can be a fulfilling career and it takes a special person to work in that field. I'm not in that field but have friends that work in that profession. It's a lot of work and try not get overwhelmed with the casework. It's a lot of paperwork and sometime red-tape that will get you off track with dealing with your clients. That's what so important and needed. I think that's what can be some can get sidetracked with the balancing their work and also self-care. If you have a heart to do this important work you will have empathy for your clients. You must allow time to release any interaction that may be troubling and pulling at heart strings. So, keep in mind to keep your health to help others.