Social Work

[The Introvert]

Hi everyone, I recently started working on my first qualification which is an Honors Social Work Degree. The thing is it wasn't my first preference, I preferred Law instead but fell short of the requirements. I however like the whole idea of what social work is all about but I would like to hear from some who really understands what its like to be a social worker. I'm especially interested in knowing about work prospects particularly on the American continent or in the United Kingdom because I intend to leave the country I'm living in for those places. Its like I'm working on a dream I never dreamt of and I need information of what it is....any social workers in here or anyone with input help.

[meta.morphate]

Social work is usually helping people who are particularly vulnerable in any given society, due to systematic oppression coming from many different avenues, to deal with whatever symptoms/hardships they're having in a more positive way that is going to facilitate growth, and eventually, "normalization" - but as defined by the client, usually (unless it's a court mandated situation, where there is a specific outcome - like say that someone gets their kids taken away by the department of children/families, they're going to have to follow a specific service plan to get their kids back, and they can choose not to, or to do some other thing, but they won't get back custody of their kids). In other areas of social work, like working with adults who have severe mental illness or substance abuse issues, the clients have more determination in what their life should look like, ideally, and aside from handling legal issues, it's up to them what they want to work on and what help they need. Social work is satisfying but also extremely frustrating, but since it's working with people, and there is no shortage of people in the world, you'll find something to do no matter where you are at. It's good to think about what types of populations you want to work with. You're interested in the law, so maybe you'll want to work with people who have legal troubles, like in a juvenile residential facility, or a substance abuse treatment center. Do you like kids, or do you prefer adults or transitional age? Is there any certain area of human behavior that just fascinates you? For me, it's mental illness, so I work with adults who suffer/live with severe mental health problems. There are other people who don't like that, and prefer working with children, doing early intervention or peer mentoring or whatever. There's an endless number of things you can do, just go where your interests lead you.

[truthtripper]

I'm not a social worker, but my aunt was one. It's useful having a social work degree, as it shows that you have good people skills which is attractive to any employer. It can lead you into many different fields of work. My aunt was interested in working with emotionally disturbed children, so also completed a teaching degree to work in specialised schools.

 

Developing self-awareness is an important aspect of becoming a social worker. My aunt said she had to attend many classes which involved group activities similar to drama/acting exercises. She didn't expect this, but did enjoy it.

[truthtripper]

I'm not a social worker, but my aunt was one. It's useful having a social work degree, as it shows that you have good people skills which is attractive to any employer. It can lead you into many different fields of work. My aunt was interested in working with emotionally disturbed children, so also completed a teaching degree to work in specialised schools.

 

Developing self-awareness is an important aspect of becoming a social worker. My aunt said she had to attend many classes which involved group activities similar to drama/acting exercises. She didn't expect this, but did enjoy it.

 

One aspect about my aunt that bothers me, is that she is always in social worker mode, ie-she can't have a conversation with anyone without being the listener, the supporter, the one who gives advice. It's impossible to be friends with her as she holds herself in this superior position, everyone else has problems while she supposedly doesn't. I don't know if this attitude is common among social workers in general or if it's just her ism.

[The Introvert]

Do you like kids, or do you prefer adults or transitional age? Is there any certain area of human behavior that just fascinates you? For me, it's mental illness, so I work with adults who suffer/live with severe mental health problems. There are other people who don't like that, and prefer working with children, doing early intervention or peer mentoring or whatever

 

I think I'm interested in working with children.

Edited April 8, 2017 by The Introvert
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[The Introvert]

Thank you guys I really appreciate your contributions...I really fel like I want to be a professional helper.