i would definitely include the following; (not in the order of importance).
1. You HAVE to be thick-skinned enough to ask again and again, even when you're rejected. you're the client's advocate, if you stop trying, they may stop too.
2. This is linked to the previous one. You CANNOT be crippled by rejection. i said crippled by, not fear rejection. i am sure all of us fear rejection, to a greater or lesser degree. but as a social worker, you definitely cannot let that fear of rejection stop you from helping your clients.
3. they may not want your help, but do you watch by and do nothing, when you see something is wrong? You NEED to have a sense of justice (da bao bu ping) or at least a conscience to know what is right and what is wrong. it is better to have tried and failed, than not to try and not have failed.
4. Don't be too quick to reach for the tissue box when you see your client cry. this act is sending to the client the message that you cannot bear to see him/her cry, and you want them to stop the tears. so hold the tissue first, let them cry.
5. Non-verbal actions are important, but also match it with their verbal. cos non-verbal may be defense mechanisms which are subconscious, and not the same as what you would interpret it as.
6. Genuine concern can be felt (by the clients). they are not dumb la..
7. You have feelings and emotions too. you can feel emo/tired/restless/distracted/angry/irritated. social workers have bad (hair) days too! it is not helpful to deny those feelings or hide it in front of the clients. but a honest confession helps them to know you're human too, and helps them to connect with you in a more meangingful way.
yup, that's all i have now, still compiling my notes as i continue my journey as a social worker. 1 and a half years of work has taught me more things than what i've listed. but these are the most recent lessons i learnt since taking on casework. I still cannot say i like to do casework, but at least now i find myself disliking it less and less. And thats cos i see the potential and possibility of it in making a difference to the lives i meet.
if i were to give a one liner to my profession, it would be;
"Social workers meet lives to make a difference(s)."
Serene, 25, Christian
a sinner saved by God's grace.
a beloved child of God.
a social worker (youth).
a daughter.
a sister to 2 younger siblings.
Your Love
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." -1 John 4:10
Loves n Adores
*God; the Father, Son Jesus and Holy Spirit
*Family; Tan
*Church; Grace Assembly of God
*My close friends
*My cell group; AHH (After His Heart)
*Youths
*Missions
*Children
*Good food, Chocolates and Ice-cream!
