Are you considering a career in care? A Social Worker is both rewarding and challenging.
Before you apply for work as a social worker. The following information highlights skills you should possess or should acquire before you start.
Personality Traits of a Social Worker
Caring requires Patience, Empathy, and Professionalism at all times. In no particular order, we’ve identified some of the key personality traits of a social worker.
Empathy
Sensitivity towards the feelings of others helps to create a positive impact.
Empathy is an enormous concept. Renowned psychologists Daniel Goleman and Paul Ekman have identified three components of empathy:
- Cognitive
- Emotional
- Compassionate
Taking time to listen and understand as best you can without casting judgment aids the building of trust and allows social workers to support more productively.
Good Communication
Good communication skills are essential.
To deal effectively with people, it’s no surprise that those working in the care sector requires exceptional people skills. It’s estimated to take about 7 seconds to form a first impression.
Having solid communication skills go a long way. Building trust and having a positive impact is the goal.
Verbal Communication
The two central verbal communication skills are listening skills and interview skills. How these are applied directly impacts the outcome of any face-to-face meetings. Maintaining the right approach is key to a positive result. Be calm, measured, kind, and patient at all times, being ready to adapt as needed to any given situation.
Non-Verbal Communications
The influence of non-verbal communication is not a new concept in this profession. There are two dimensions of non-verbal communication: Decoding or sensitivity and Encoding or expressiveness.
Non-verbal Decoding
Refers to understanding the emotions carried through another’s non-verbal signs. Take notice of facial expressions and body movements.
Non-verbal Encoding
The capacity to express feelings through non-verbal signals; you can gather much knowledge of non-verbal communication by using observation skills. According to professionals, there are five thousand hand gestures and one thousand body postures that exist.
Active Listening
Listening is the most utilised form of communication. Active listening is about being present emotionally, psychologically, and socially, not just physically. The social worker conveys total interest and understanding of a patient; Using skills such as paraphrasing, thoughtful questioning, open and closed questioning.
Positive Projection
Your presentation goes a long way towards gaining trust. Your tone, manner, eye contact, and body posture are all analysed by those you help. Understanding positive body language is an influential part of your social care toolkit.
Patience (is a Virtue)
When providing social care, those in need require nothing less than your patience.
Your job is to take time to listen, advise and support to the best of your ability. Patience is key.
Clear your mind and approach each situation calmly and patiently.
To improve your level of patience, explore the commercial world and mindfulness as many high-level executives have to deal with high levels of stress.
Caring in Nature
If you weren’t caring by nature, a career in social care isn’t for you. This sector requires the saints among us to rise to the challenges others face.
If you are a strong character with a desire to help others, the rewards are endless. Helping someone in need, and being responsible for having a positive impact on their life, is the ultimate goal.
Structured and Organised
Maintaining case studies and records, adhering to policy, and navigating the correct procedures are essential as a social worker.
Having good organisational skills will improve your productivity, reduce your stress levels and ensure you meet your workload in a productive and supportive manner.