An Introduction to Social Work

A little about me... Originally wanted to be a Physiotherapist! This fell through! Got a job as a carer with Medway Council – worked in all fields from children to elderly. Worked as a carer for 3 years. Sponsored to do Social Work degree by Medway Council. My second year placement was with an Adults long term team – similar to my role now. My third year placement was with the children and families duty team – where all new referrals about children first come into Social Services. Qualified in December Now working in the Intake Team as a qualified Social Worker (with Sam!).

Why I wanted to be a Social Worker. Always had an interest in working with people; A natural interest in human behaviour and how different dynamics impact on situations; I wanted to feel like I made a difference to individuals and family; I enjoyed my caring role and wanted to develop this further.

What do you think Social Work is?

Overview of Social Work Social workers work within a legislative framework and government policy. Must adhere to HCPC code of conduct for Social Workers. Must be registered with the HCPC as a registered Social Worker in order to practice and call yourself a Social Worker. Social workers form relationships with people and assist them to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems. Social work encourages creative ways of working to resolve the challenges vulnerable people face and aims to promote empowerment, enabling people to take action to improve their lives.

Overview of Social Work cont… The profession works with people in a variety of different ways appropriate to individual circumstances, to help them achieve independence and exercise their human and civil rights. Work holistically with people and families in complex situations. Often there are no clear, or right or wrong answers. Social work involves engaging not only with clients themselves but their families and friends as well as working closely with other organisations including the police, local authority departments, schools and the probation service. Recognition of value judgements and the ability to understand conflicts of interest are essential skills which social workers must possess to achieve the best possible results for people.

What do Social Workers do? Empower people; Encourage positive risk taking; Work with people and families to reach shared goals; Advocating; Helping disadvantaged people to improve their health and wellbeing; Knowing when to intervene to provide safe alternatives to care – children and adults;

What skills and qualities do you think a Social Worker needs?

COMMUNICATION Communication is one of the most important skills of a good Social Worker. Active Listening.

OBSERVATION In addition to receiving and processing verbal information, a social worker must be sensitive to Body language, social cues, implications and cultural patterns of behaviour. While some clients may clearly state their needs and work toward solutions in a focused manner, many others will find it more challenging to express themselves verbally, requiring a perceptive social worker to “read between the lines” in order to interpret the thoughts and feelings being held within.

SELF AWARENESS Reflection on your own thoughts, feelings, experiences. How is this affecting the decisions and interactions between you and the people you are working with? For example – how would you feel working with alcoholics? Convicted criminals? Domestic abuse situations?

CRITICAL THINKING Being able to ask questions; Not making assumptions; Asking yourself how your own thoughts / feelings / experiences are affecting your conclusions. Drawing from knowledge, research and medical diagnosis.

EMPATHY

RISK ASSESSMENT This is a very big part of social work. Social Work is about assessing circumstances, dynamics and risks. Social Work promote positive risk taking as opposed to health who try to eliminate risk. Empowering people.

Core values of Social Work 1.Engagement- the social worker must first engage the client in early meetings to promote a collaborative relationship. 2.Assessment- data must be gathered that will guide and direct a plan of action to help the client 3.Planning- negotiate and formulate an action plan 4.Implementation- promote resource acquisition and enhance role performance 5.Monitoring/Evaluation- on-going documentation through short-term goal attainment of extent to which client is following through 6.Supportive Counseling- affirming, challenging, encouraging, informing, and exploring options 7.Graduated Disengagement- Seeking to replace the social worker with a naturally occurring resource

What areas do Social Workers work in? Once a qualified Social Worker, you can choose which area you would like to specialise in. Elderly; Physical Disabilities; Learning disabilities; Children and families; Mental Health; Adoption; Hospital; Schools; Prisons. There are many different areas you can choose to work in.

Adult Social Care – my current role as a Social Worker. Referrals for anyone in the community aged 18+ who do not have a current Social Worker. Anyone can refer into Social Care. Triage the referral – telephone consultation to gather more information. Assessments. PREVENTION – Occupational Therapy involvement to keep an individual empowered to remain independent and reduce the need for a care package; ENABLEMENT – Working with other professionals to enable someone to maintain their independence.

Why become a Social Worker? Many people go into Social Work to “make a difference” Work with individuals and families to improve their lives. Social Work can be emotionally demanding. Need to be organised and manage a caseload. Emotionally rewarding job.

Routes into Social Work Social workers are trained and qualified with a degree in social work, or a master’s degree in social work. People who want to undertake the social work degree need to show that they have an understanding of social work and will need some experience of social work or social care prior to studying. This experience can be achieved through paid work, voluntary work, work placements or life experience. Some people may for example have been a carer to a friend or relative which has given them an insight into social work. To become a qualified Social Worker, you must complete the 3 year Social Work degree at a University – here you will learn the relevant legislation. As a rule of thumb in England you will need minimum 5 GCSE’s grade A* to C, including English and Maths, and 2 A-levels. (Minimum 240 UCAS points).

And to finish... A few final thoughts...