How to Remain Strong in Providing Social Worker Services.
New social workers are usually wide-eyed and full of vigor when they finally get a chance to serve the community. The belief is that if their intentions are pure and they put love in their service then the world will change for the better. Even though this is true to some extent, it does not always hold and that is why many new social workers are at risk of mental health issues due to unmet expectations.
Providers of social services need to understand the belief that everyone who comes to their door looking for help will get satisfied is a fantasy which needs to be dropped before going any further. It is also true that they will meet a breed of people who are never grateful for anything in their life no matter what other people do to help the situation.
These service providers should be taught personal issues of the clients they will work with are likely to have an impact on their lives too. These professionals are encouraged to enroll into therapy and also record their thoughts and feelings periodically so that they can note danger signs and seek help in good time. This is not usually a job with regular working hours because clients get into trouble any time of the day or night and you will have to go see them. There is no shame in knowing your limits and asking someone else to take over when you cannot continue.
Just like in a lot of fields, there are those clients who require social services but tolerating their habits is not easy to the average human being. As much as such people will get on your nerves, you will have to serve them one way or the other and that is why having coping strategies is highly recommended. Just like it is impossible to like every client you deal with, it is also impossible that all of your clients will like you. As long you have not hurt anyone, this is not a reason to beat yourself up about it.
A leave of absence is very important no matter how good or dedicated you are at the job. Not following such a schedule will make you very tired by mid-year which can contribute to a foul mood not to mention burnout. Besides performing other chores you keep pending for such a time, ensure you create time to reflect on your job, the failures and achievement you have made. Note areas you need to work on as well as make new resolutions. Being a social worker has a lot of benefits but do not hurt yourself trying to make the life of another person better.
