Social Worker
Philanthropy with a mission!
It is unknown to many, a majority of the young tribe of social workers does not do ‘voluntary’ or ‘honorarium’ work anymore, but in fact are paid and salaried professionals today. While social goals and political activism may be the main motive behind entering the sphere, better career prospects, greater scope for specialists, more opportunities in urban areas and promising professional’s growth, are major factors attracting youngsters here. Social workers today address a host of new and old lifestyles and social problems that have come to the fore front today. These range from unemployment, coping with life threatening diseases like cancer and aids, disability, drug addiction, domestic violence and abuse. In their capacities they often have to wear many hats at once, from that of a confident counselor, advisor, therapists, educator, and administrator to manager and care taker.
Qualities
The sphere is one in which problems arise out of cause that are never superficial but very deep. Rectifying these needs time and hence it is importance for the social worker to have the inherent desire o assist a person in difficult circumstances. For this he/she needs to be patient, calm, cool in crises, polite, compassionate but not emotional, courageous, intelligent, sensitive to other’s needs and feelings, physically , convincing, truth worthy and committed. He/she should have an interest in helping people. Have a sound academic background, thorough understanding of issues in hand, clear thinking, quick decision making ability, great communication skills and good organizing, leadership and liaising skills.
Qualification and training
It is necessary to qualify oneself suitably in the field before entering bachelor’s degree in social work or BSW after class XII, followed by a master’s degree or MSW in the subject is vital for good job prospects. These programs increase a candidate’s knowledge about the sphere its code of ethics, practice and necessary credentials. Those interested in taking up teaching and research assignments can further pursue Doctoral or PhD degrees in subjects they want to specialize in.
Job profile and career prospects
Social workers are generally found aiding individuals, families or groups. Some social workers use time or groups. Some social workers use time to their advantage and with credibility and work experience, build a good contact base, funding partners, credible record of work and a strong reputation to establish their own counseling centre or NGO’s later. There are others in part and full time employment, stationed at central/state and local government departments of family and social welfare, non-governmental organizations, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, substances abuse treatment and rehabilitation centre and personnel relations department in factories. Many later also join politics or venture in to writing and making documentary films. Their work responsibilities sometimes also include carrying out each, being involved in planning out and developing policy, meeting clients, organizing awareness campaigns, arranging funding, promoting and publishing their work using media and provide social services in varied spheres, thus in the course of all these activities they usually addresses issues like bride burning, dowry, adoption by children’s couples, finding fosters home for orphans, single parenthood, drug abuse, child abuse, sensitization towards women and elderly couples, employees assistance, domestic violence and living with that assistances, domestic violence and living with disease like cancer and AIDS that often spell the death knell in one’s life.
Pros and cons
The best aspect about the sphere is that social workers are often locked upon a good Samaritans or angels by people they assist. The joy of successfully a person in needs is exalting. The field today also offers better job options and higher salaries with national and international agencies mushrooming in the country. The scope to travel, interact with a motley crowd of interact with a motley crowd of people and work on diverse projects that have practical social and political that have practical, social and political implications can be exciting. However, the field is having its own drawbacks. Among these are aspects that it can be an emotionally draining, physically strenuous and personally frustrating that may pose problems are understaffing in agencies, existence of corruption and chances of politicization of issues.
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