2 answers
sharon
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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why is it hard to become a social worker ?
because many people find it hard to be a social worker and deal with the children who need help. and why is that?
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2 answers
Ashish Gupta
Manager in the field of ESG
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Ashish’s Answer
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for asking such an important question.
Why is it hard to be a social worker? All the professions are both complex and easy in their own ways. Many factors determine this factor, and it varies from person to person. While I say this, it is important to understand that in 'social work/ social service' we deal with real people unlike in some other professions where we work mostly with machines. It is always complex to work with people and more so when you are reaching out to your stakeholders with an objective to make a difference in their lives.
Few aspects that I will highlight here are not only applicable while working with children but are also applicable as we work with diverse set of beneficiaries/ stakeholders.
1) Observe- As a social worker enters the community or the intervention area, they need to be observant about everything both the hard and soft aspects, right from where the school is located, population of the town, composition of the population, male female ratio in the class, and infrastructure. Also, it is important to decipher both said and unsaid communication. For example: While talking to students in a group, observing children who are speaking and the ones who are quiet, drawing an analysis if gender, social status etc. has a role to play regarding the existing dynamics or confidence of the child. All these aspects help the social worker to understand the issues (surfaced and underlying).
2)Non-judgmental- Be aware that you are non-judgmental and allow people to speak
3) Patience- It is important to not jump to the solution immediately. You do not have a magic wand with you, even if you believe so. Let people share. There is absolutely no hurry, don't skip the process.
4) Empathy- Look from their perspective, be in their shoes.
5) No false promises- Do not act as a salesperson
6) Open to learn- Community or children have so much knowledge and always be open towards new ideas
7) Say no, if you do not know or are unsure- Do not give wrong information if you do not know. You are no Google so be truthful. While you can always tell them that you will come back to them with or will answer after checking or consulting
8) Maintain work relationships and know when to disassociate when you are not at work
9) Give a personal touch- Try to remember names of the children/ community people and ask their well-being when you meet them.
Always remember, you can work effectively only if the children/ community trusts you and they allow you to operate. Even if you have a plan to make a difference in their lives, it will be useless until they are not on-boarded. We need their support to operate, execute and perform.
I hope my answer has been able to address some of the doubts that you may have while it could raise new ones. Keep exploring and I wish you all the very best, Sharon.
Thank you for asking such an important question.
Why is it hard to be a social worker? All the professions are both complex and easy in their own ways. Many factors determine this factor, and it varies from person to person. While I say this, it is important to understand that in 'social work/ social service' we deal with real people unlike in some other professions where we work mostly with machines. It is always complex to work with people and more so when you are reaching out to your stakeholders with an objective to make a difference in their lives.
Few aspects that I will highlight here are not only applicable while working with children but are also applicable as we work with diverse set of beneficiaries/ stakeholders.
1) Observe- As a social worker enters the community or the intervention area, they need to be observant about everything both the hard and soft aspects, right from where the school is located, population of the town, composition of the population, male female ratio in the class, and infrastructure. Also, it is important to decipher both said and unsaid communication. For example: While talking to students in a group, observing children who are speaking and the ones who are quiet, drawing an analysis if gender, social status etc. has a role to play regarding the existing dynamics or confidence of the child. All these aspects help the social worker to understand the issues (surfaced and underlying).
2)Non-judgmental- Be aware that you are non-judgmental and allow people to speak
3) Patience- It is important to not jump to the solution immediately. You do not have a magic wand with you, even if you believe so. Let people share. There is absolutely no hurry, don't skip the process.
4) Empathy- Look from their perspective, be in their shoes.
5) No false promises- Do not act as a salesperson
6) Open to learn- Community or children have so much knowledge and always be open towards new ideas
7) Say no, if you do not know or are unsure- Do not give wrong information if you do not know. You are no Google so be truthful. While you can always tell them that you will come back to them with or will answer after checking or consulting
8) Maintain work relationships and know when to disassociate when you are not at work
9) Give a personal touch- Try to remember names of the children/ community people and ask their well-being when you meet them.
Always remember, you can work effectively only if the children/ community trusts you and they allow you to operate. Even if you have a plan to make a difference in their lives, it will be useless until they are not on-boarded. We need their support to operate, execute and perform.
I hope my answer has been able to address some of the doubts that you may have while it could raise new ones. Keep exploring and I wish you all the very best, Sharon.
Amit Mittal
Officer at Citibank
96
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hi Sharon,
Becoming a social worker, especially one who deals with children, can indeed be challenging for several reasons:
Emotional Stress: Social workers often deal with sensitive issues such as abuse, substance use, and severe health issues. This can lead to emotional stress and burnout.
Difficult Interactions: The interpersonal interactions and communications social workers have with their clients can be challenging, especially since the clients are usually in some sort of stressful situation.
Empathy and Compassion: Finding empathy and compassion for all clients in all situations can be difficult, both emotionally and logically. Yet without understanding a client’s experience, the ability to help that client is severely limited.
Knowledge of Resources: Social workers must be very knowledgeable about each of the resources and programs available to help their clients. They must understand the parameters of what benefits the program does and doesn’t provide, as well as its eligibility requirements, limitations, and availability of services.
Funding Services for Children: One of the biggest struggles for social workers in the field is funding services for children. Collaboration between agencies can allow for pooled resources to better support children.
Educational Background and Certification: Because child welfare work is so sensitive, social workers need to be equipped with a solid educational background, as well as proper certification and state licenses.
These challenges make the profession demanding but also rewarding for those who are passionate about helping others. It’s important to note that these challenges vary depending on the specific field of social work and the population being served.
Becoming a social worker, especially one who deals with children, can indeed be challenging for several reasons:
Emotional Stress: Social workers often deal with sensitive issues such as abuse, substance use, and severe health issues. This can lead to emotional stress and burnout.
Difficult Interactions: The interpersonal interactions and communications social workers have with their clients can be challenging, especially since the clients are usually in some sort of stressful situation.
Empathy and Compassion: Finding empathy and compassion for all clients in all situations can be difficult, both emotionally and logically. Yet without understanding a client’s experience, the ability to help that client is severely limited.
Knowledge of Resources: Social workers must be very knowledgeable about each of the resources and programs available to help their clients. They must understand the parameters of what benefits the program does and doesn’t provide, as well as its eligibility requirements, limitations, and availability of services.
Funding Services for Children: One of the biggest struggles for social workers in the field is funding services for children. Collaboration between agencies can allow for pooled resources to better support children.
Educational Background and Certification: Because child welfare work is so sensitive, social workers need to be equipped with a solid educational background, as well as proper certification and state licenses.
These challenges make the profession demanding but also rewarding for those who are passionate about helping others. It’s important to note that these challenges vary depending on the specific field of social work and the population being served.