Superheroes In Social Work

It never ceases to amaze me what all social workers can do. I believe that we are all superheroes in our own ways. I loved hearing that they really do make a difference in peoples lives and it is not all about the paperwork. Even though many of them said they spent around eighty to ninety percent of their time doing paperwork they had countless stories of all of the actual contact they had with clients. I had women tell me one time that being a social worker was the worst thing she ever did because all she did was paperwork. She told me that she never had real contact with clients. I am glad to hear that not all social workers are in situations that they believe all they are accomplishing is paperwork. Some of the stories these

Francis told a story about a time when she went to a house that was very dirty. Jackie used competency number 6 when helping these clients. She engaged with the individuals and their families. Jackie used her interpersonal skills to effectively help the clients. She said as a social worker sometimes you have to teach your clients things that seem like common knowledge to most. She had to teach this family how to clean. She said she helped them clean up the house and that the family was very grateful. When I thought of social workers going into homes I just assumed that they would do an interview, make observations, file a report, then leave. The fact that Jackie went into the home got down on her hands and knees and helped the clients scrub the floor is something very admirable. That is such a simple yet fantastic way to build rapport with a client. It excites me to know that simple things like cleaning can mean so

This client called Jackie is desperate need of help. She had run away in hopes of having a better life and making a living for herself. This client realized very quickly that what she was hoping for was not going to happen. Jackie had to use competency number 7 which is to assess the individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Jackie had to select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of the client. Jackie bought a plane ticket and flew to the other state to pick her up and bring her home. This client could have become a victim of human trafficking if she was not comfortable enough to call her social worker. This was very relieving for me to hear. I’ve heard people talk about how no one likes their social workers. The kids don't want us and the parents think we are just trying to take their kids away. I am glad this client realized that we really are just trying to