Social Work: More than a Job
Social work is a not just a job. It’s a calling. If you ask a social worker how they came to choose work in their current position they may tell you, “I didn’t choose it, it chose me.”
Regardless of the path they started off on, or the one they’ve found themselves on, one thing is certain…they put in some hard work to get there.
Foster care social workers serve families and kids going through stressful, difficult situations that can be heartbreaking for everyone involved. Kids in foster care need someone who can protect and support them, putting their needs first. And foster parents need the support, training, and guidance of a dedicated social worker.
A social worker is a special kind of person. They possess the character traits and values of a superhero, helping others in their times of distress. Here are some of the qualities we admire and appreciate about our social workers:
Patience
Social work requires great patience, both with difficult people and frustrating systems. People in crisis struggle to make right choices, which can further complicate an already troubled situation.
Change takes time, and setbacks are often part of the process. Therefore a patient social worker can help bring calm into chaos.
The foster system isn’t perfect. But a good social worker can smooth out the bumps of navigating through the system.
Empathy
A social worker is someone who can understand and identify with the suffering of others. They are caring, offering compassion to those in crisis.
When social workers put themselves in another person’s shoes and feel what they feel, they demonstrate empathy. The person in crisis then feels understood. This creates the trust that brings people together and produces better outcomes.
Objectivity
A social worker can’t rely on empathy alone. They must also be able to see the big picture, recognizing what’s best for the child.
When working within a field of intense emotional drama, the social worker cannot allow their own emotions to sway them from following the required steps. Measuring facts and following set guidelines is essential for avoiding disruptions. Objectivity can keep everyone balanced and focused on the goals under challenging situations.
Intuition
Social workers are great listeners with an ability to read between the lines. An understanding of body language and a keen eye for recognizing behavior patterns are valuable skills.
In a situation where everyone believes their own version of the story, someone must be able to discern the truth. For the sake of the child, the social worker mustn’t allow themselves to be manipulated by self-serving individuals. Strong intuition combines well with objectivity, bringing wisdom to each case.
Flexibility
Many social workers are on-call, especially in foster care. Being available 24/7 means odd hours, surprise tasks, and a lot of driving. Things change in an instant, and a social worker will need to act quickly.
Working in a highly regulated field requires structure, but the reality is that life is messy when working with people where substance abuse, mental illness, and instability are a way of life. Social workers must stay on their toes and roll with the flow.
Resilience
Social workers experience first hand some of the hardest circumstances people go through. Because they are empathetic, the suffering of others can affect them deeply. When a case doesn’t end the way they hoped, they must bounce back and carry on.
There’s a saying that goes, “Hurt people hurt people.” A person in crisis will often lash out at those they perceive to be causing them harm, and social workers are convenient targets. A resilient social worker understands that it’s not about them, and remains steadfast through the hard times.
Organized
Paperwork, forms, and files are an inevitable part of the job. So are busy schedules. An organized social worker keeps better records, resulting in a more successful outcome for all concerned.
By staying organized, any special needs of the child can be identified sooner, and services can be arranged. Staying on top of what’s happening in the foster home also assures the safety and wellbeing of the entire family unit and avoids unnecessary disruption.
At a personal level, an organized social worker is less likely to experience burnout and will create space in their schedule for self-care. They know the value of work/life balance and find a way to fit all the pieces together.
Thank a Social Worker
If you know and love a social worker like we do, take the time to let them know how much you appreciate them. At Avant-Garde, we’re proud to have the best of the best.
If you’re thinking of becoming a foster parent or social worker, call our office to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your journey.
Article written by Cindy White Horvath. She can be reached at cindy@avgffa.org
