The Ten Essential Traits of Successful Social Workers
| 1) Empathetic | 6) Objective |
|---|---|
| 2) Patient | 7) Persistent |
| 3) Dependable | 8) Flexible |
| 4) Organized | 9) Resilient |
| 5) Perceptive | 10) Driven |
The role of a social worker can be defined as someone who provides protection, support and assistance to individuals, families and children who are vulnerable, in need or are enduring a crises.
Ernest Greenwood (1957), the most prominent proponent of this approach (Abbott, 1995; Hall, 1994), pointed out five critical attributes: (i) a systematic body of knowledge; (ii) professional authority recognised by its clientele; (iii) community sanction; (iv) a regulatory code of ethics; and (v) a professional culture
Social workers are responsible for helping individuals, families, and groups of people to cope with problems they’re facing to improve their patients’ lives. One aspect of this is teaching skills and developing mechanisms for patients to rely on to better their lives and experiences.
Patient, caring, empathic people are able to take the time to get the communication right. In order to keep up with their caseloads, social workers have to be organised. If you are someone who tackles problems head on, you are likely to succeed as a social worker. One sure way to do this is by keeping accurate records.
ALTHOUGH SOCIAL WORK involves a great deal more than interviewing, social workers spend more time conducting interviews than any other single activity. It is the most important and most frequently used social work skill.
These are the Seven principles of social worker:
- Principles of Acceptance.
- Principle of Individualization.
- Principle of Communications.
- Principle of Confidentiality.
- Principle of Self Determination.
- Principle of Non-judgmental Attitude.
- Principle of Controlled Emotional Involvement.
Caring – This aspect of personality is particularly important, they must have a genuine compassion and caring for those around them. This includes people who may be a little difficult or challenging to community with effectively, there should be a basic caring nature in every social psychiatric social worker.
David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.