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grisett
Student
Pelham Manor, NY
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Is it hard to be a social worker
16 helpful kind #social-worker #social-work
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8 answers
Lonnie Thomas II
Filmmaker
6
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Lonnie’s Answer
Hello!
There are areas of the job that are difficult. When you need to talk to people who need emotional support, feed those who are hungry, or being supportive to children who are abused physically, mentally, or emotionally. Even though there are hard times, the job is worth it. The joy you will receive helping others is unmatched. Especially when you see or feel their appreciation for you just being there. Big or small, its a feeling you that you won't want to give up.
Good Luck!
There are areas of the job that are difficult. When you need to talk to people who need emotional support, feed those who are hungry, or being supportive to children who are abused physically, mentally, or emotionally. Even though there are hard times, the job is worth it. The joy you will receive helping others is unmatched. Especially when you see or feel their appreciation for you just being there. Big or small, its a feeling you that you won't want to give up.
Good Luck!
Kelsey CATC III, MSW
Master of Social Work and Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California
4
Answers
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Social worker can be challenging at times. Transference happens unexpectedly. Nonetheless, social work is a rewarding field!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Grisett,
What Does It Take to Be a Social Worker?
The journey of a social worker is filled with challenges and triumphs. The level of difficulty varies based on individual characteristics, the working environment, and the demographics of the people they serve. Here's an in-depth look at the intricacies and gratifications of a social worker's role.
Obstacles:
Emotional Strain: Social workers frequently interact with vulnerable groups and delicate matters, which can lead to emotional fatigue. Balancing empathy with self-care is crucial to prevent burnout.
Workload: Social workers often juggle numerous cases at once, which can be daunting. Effective time management and task prioritization are key to succeeding in this profession.
Institutional Hurdles: Social workers sometimes face administrative roadblocks, like insufficient funding and resources, that can impede their ability to deliver top-notch services to their clients.
Complexity of Problems: Social workers deal with a broad spectrum of intricate issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, and poverty. Keeping abreast of best practices and evidence-based solutions is vital for effective support.
Client Resistance: Some clients may resist change or not adhere to suggested treatment plans, posing a challenge for social workers to reach the desired results.
Advantages:
Impact: Social workers can make a positive difference in their clients' lives by offering support, advocacy, and resources. This sense of purpose can be profoundly rewarding.
Career Development: The social work sector presents countless opportunities for ongoing learning and career advancement, enabling workers to broaden their skills and knowledge.
Teamwork: Social workers frequently team up with other professionals, like psychologists, educators, and medical experts, to formulate comprehensive and effective support plans for clients.
Career Diversity: Social workers can choose to specialize in various fields, such as child welfare, mental health, or substance abuse, offering a wide array of career choices and growth opportunities.
Personal Development: Social work can stimulate personal development by fostering empathy, compassion, and resilience.
In summary, the role of a social worker can be demanding due to emotional strain, heavy workload, institutional hurdles, complexity of problems, and client resistance. However, the benefits of making an impact, career development, teamwork, career diversity, and personal development make it a rewarding and significant profession.
Reliable Reference Titles:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - NASW offers resources, advocacy, and career advancement opportunities for social workers. Their website provides a glimpse into the profession's challenges and rewards.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - CSWE accredits social work education programs in the United States. Their website provides information on the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful social worker.
American Psychological Association (APA) - APA is a prominent organization in the psychology field, offering resources and research on mental health and related issues. Their website provides insights into the complexities of social work and the significance of evidence-based practices.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
What Does It Take to Be a Social Worker?
The journey of a social worker is filled with challenges and triumphs. The level of difficulty varies based on individual characteristics, the working environment, and the demographics of the people they serve. Here's an in-depth look at the intricacies and gratifications of a social worker's role.
Obstacles:
Emotional Strain: Social workers frequently interact with vulnerable groups and delicate matters, which can lead to emotional fatigue. Balancing empathy with self-care is crucial to prevent burnout.
Workload: Social workers often juggle numerous cases at once, which can be daunting. Effective time management and task prioritization are key to succeeding in this profession.
Institutional Hurdles: Social workers sometimes face administrative roadblocks, like insufficient funding and resources, that can impede their ability to deliver top-notch services to their clients.
Complexity of Problems: Social workers deal with a broad spectrum of intricate issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, and poverty. Keeping abreast of best practices and evidence-based solutions is vital for effective support.
Client Resistance: Some clients may resist change or not adhere to suggested treatment plans, posing a challenge for social workers to reach the desired results.
Advantages:
Impact: Social workers can make a positive difference in their clients' lives by offering support, advocacy, and resources. This sense of purpose can be profoundly rewarding.
Career Development: The social work sector presents countless opportunities for ongoing learning and career advancement, enabling workers to broaden their skills and knowledge.
Teamwork: Social workers frequently team up with other professionals, like psychologists, educators, and medical experts, to formulate comprehensive and effective support plans for clients.
Career Diversity: Social workers can choose to specialize in various fields, such as child welfare, mental health, or substance abuse, offering a wide array of career choices and growth opportunities.
Personal Development: Social work can stimulate personal development by fostering empathy, compassion, and resilience.
In summary, the role of a social worker can be demanding due to emotional strain, heavy workload, institutional hurdles, complexity of problems, and client resistance. However, the benefits of making an impact, career development, teamwork, career diversity, and personal development make it a rewarding and significant profession.
Reliable Reference Titles:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - NASW offers resources, advocacy, and career advancement opportunities for social workers. Their website provides a glimpse into the profession's challenges and rewards.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - CSWE accredits social work education programs in the United States. Their website provides information on the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful social worker.
American Psychological Association (APA) - APA is a prominent organization in the psychology field, offering resources and research on mental health and related issues. Their website provides insights into the complexities of social work and the significance of evidence-based practices.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Bill Simonson CIC AFIS
Underwriting - Property & Casualty Insurance
24
Answers
Palm Coast, Florida
Updated
Bill’s Answer
My sister in law is a social worker. It takes a special person to deal with the day to day things they see and deal with. You are typically involved with families when a loved one is at or nearing the end of their life and the emotions and sadness that surrounds that. While you can compartmentalize as much as possible, it's still a tough job, but one that is definitely a help to the families.
Good luck and wish you the best...the world needs strong social workers.
Good luck and wish you the best...the world needs strong social workers.
Donna Jeans
Self published author
3
Answers
England, AR
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Social workers can work with all types of people usually have a caseload can work with Adults with mental health problems working in hospitals or visiting vulnerable people in their own homes.
Can be opportunities to work with elderly or families, Disabilities. People at risk.
There can be opportunities to progress to further study or even teach at Higher education level or University.
Can be opportunities to work with elderly or families, Disabilities. People at risk.
There can be opportunities to progress to further study or even teach at Higher education level or University.
Brayden Reiland
119
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
I think social workers are some of the best most caring people because in their line of work they have to deal with some really hard events. Typically social workers work individuals, families, etc in order to help them meet the basic needs of life. Social workers work to help people get back other feet in hard times and help families try to return back to normal after tragic events. I applaud people who do social work.
Hopefully that helps!
I think social workers are some of the best most caring people because in their line of work they have to deal with some really hard events. Typically social workers work individuals, families, etc in order to help them meet the basic needs of life. Social workers work to help people get back other feet in hard times and help families try to return back to normal after tragic events. I applaud people who do social work.
Hopefully that helps!
Kristina Wilson
LMSW
5
Answers
Metamora, Michigan
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
The school part was not difficult. However, managing how you respond to the profession once you're in it is a different story, and I see a lot of people who seem headed for burnout because of taking on others' emotions and situations and, of course, it quickly then becomes too much. To me, the most important part of being a helping profession like social work is taking care of yourself and maintaining objectivity during your work. It is possible to have understanding and compassion for someone's situation without necessarily "feeling bad" for them. I feel we are not meant to take on others' burdens; rather, we stand next to them, support and encourage as they figure out what the next best step should be. Without challenge, there is no change, and I'll always remember learning this from my first job: the goal is that you should never be working harder than your client is.
Donna Jeans
Self published author
3
Answers
England, AR
Updated
Donna’s Answer
In the United Kingdom you can study to be a Social worker by training at a university the route is usually a degree course a three year course.
The courses are mostly degree level and covers subjects in Social care, Social Sciences, Counselling,
Law and policy and practical placements in Social care setting and management in third year.
The courses are at an academic level of study it has changed from the Diploma level in Social work it used to be a two year course but was phased out and replaced by university study.
If that sounds intensive there are other options to work with people in a caring role.
There are courses in Health and social care to consider that can be taken at Certificate or Diploma level and can lead to opportunity in the Social care sector or NHS. Training to be a nurse or other professional practitioner there is training in other areas Occupational therapy or even an apprentice entry into your chosen career with an employer who pays you as you train and learn
These can be studied at colleges of further education or Online Internet to help with volunteering or access to work or Higher education.
A support worker role can also gain experience on the job in areas of mental health or elderly care home worker
Or Healthcare assistant in Doctors surgery or help in hospitals
to lead to Social care work or nursing
It is useful to get careers advice from a Professional advisor.
Or disability advisor if required.
A good general education is required Asking for English communication skills sometimes Maths or Science is asked for but not always essential
Volunteering is also a very good route into employment and helps others.
There are endless possibilities to consider so please don't worry.
What is important is that helping others in a rewarding way is useful
and in everyday situations with friends and family can help develop skills and support networks.
There are lots of ways to promote your self there is Counselling or teaching roles if you like working with adults or young people or children.
Or Careers adviser this is a Diploma course usually required can be studied at University level.
Or even helping people with disabilities or Art or music therapy.
There may be assistant roles supporting a trained Professional
to think about if a University route is not possible.
I have worked and studied in different Social Care roles and teaching.
I am now a self published author.
The courses are mostly degree level and covers subjects in Social care, Social Sciences, Counselling,
Law and policy and practical placements in Social care setting and management in third year.
The courses are at an academic level of study it has changed from the Diploma level in Social work it used to be a two year course but was phased out and replaced by university study.
If that sounds intensive there are other options to work with people in a caring role.
There are courses in Health and social care to consider that can be taken at Certificate or Diploma level and can lead to opportunity in the Social care sector or NHS. Training to be a nurse or other professional practitioner there is training in other areas Occupational therapy or even an apprentice entry into your chosen career with an employer who pays you as you train and learn
These can be studied at colleges of further education or Online Internet to help with volunteering or access to work or Higher education.
A support worker role can also gain experience on the job in areas of mental health or elderly care home worker
Or Healthcare assistant in Doctors surgery or help in hospitals
to lead to Social care work or nursing
It is useful to get careers advice from a Professional advisor.
Or disability advisor if required.
A good general education is required Asking for English communication skills sometimes Maths or Science is asked for but not always essential
Volunteering is also a very good route into employment and helps others.
There are endless possibilities to consider so please don't worry.
What is important is that helping others in a rewarding way is useful
and in everyday situations with friends and family can help develop skills and support networks.
There are lots of ways to promote your self there is Counselling or teaching roles if you like working with adults or young people or children.
Or Careers adviser this is a Diploma course usually required can be studied at University level.
Or even helping people with disabilities or Art or music therapy.
There may be assistant roles supporting a trained Professional
to think about if a University route is not possible.
I have worked and studied in different Social Care roles and teaching.
I am now a self published author.