The Requirements of a Social Worker
Possibly the most important attribute social workers can bring to their professional practice is a mental approach, habits of mind that allow for cool judgments tempered with caring attitudes.
As social workers’ clients are invariably from less fortunate sections of society perhaps the primary requirement is empathy. Never to be confused with sympathy, empathy is the ability to imagine how another person thinks and feels and often gives an inkling into that person's behavior. Empathy, rather than sympathy, helps understanding without patronizing.
Current theories of human behavior based on studies of D.N.A. are still inconclusive, merely adding a newer dimension to the old nature nurture debate. Most people still agree that environment and upbringing can, and does, have at least some impact on a person’s behavior. Being able to imagine what those earlier influences were like will certainly help practitioners to understand current behavior, and may well indicate how a person is likely to respond to different social work interventions.
A working knowledge of the law, as it relates to a chosen field, is essential. For example child social workers must be aware of the legal implications of care proceedings, and how, and when, to instigate them should they prove necessary.
Social workers who can’t differentiate between an opinion and a solid fact are positively dangerous, especially when opinions are disguised in impenetrable jargon. It is perfectly alright, in a social report to say that little Johnny seems to be a popular member of his class; it humanizes Johnny and makes him stand out in a document that may well change his life. It is better to add the fact that his teacher has observed that Johnny is always part of a lively group during recess, and that he is often invited to his classmate’s homes. Not only does this child stand out as an individual, there is solid evidence that can be used in any decisions regarding his future.
Impartiality is crucial. All evidence should be collected, from as many sources as possible, and all of it presented, even though some of it may be conflicting. Any conclusions drawn from this information can then be evaluated in a balanced fashion.
Finally, the ability to write in plain, clear English is vital. Reports will be read by judges, lawyers and other professionals as well as clients themselves and their families. All parties need to understand what is being said. As social workers are often required to give evidence in court there will be less chance of embarrassment if the documentation adds clarity to the case.
It can be seen that social workers need to achieve a certain amount of personal detachment in their professional duties. The ability to see things through their clients’ eyes, to gather unbiased information and to present it plainly goes a long way towards achieving fair, and successful, outcomes for clients; and that same detachment is the best safeguard against the ever-present danger facing all social workers; burnout.
