WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A SOCIAL WORKER…? S
ocial work is a job like no other; difficult to define, and difficult to explain.
As we reveal the launch of The Pride of Social Work Awards next year, we asked our global community of social workers what they thought was the best thing about being a social worker. Hundreds agreed that the people and families at the heart of each case were their reason for giving their best. “Honestly. Just being a part of someone’s process to a better life for themselves,” said Amanda Mulhern, a social worker from Pennsylvania. “Truly humbling and makes my day. Wouldn’t change my profession for the world. #socialworksarechangemakers”
Pamela Robertson, of Scotland, said: “Just everything! The journey with people, in their most humble moments, I’m privileged!” while Keely Johnson, of Manchester, agreed: “Seeing people take back control of their lives.” Nia Lauren, of Hertfordshire, shared a touching moment: “I visited a family today with a mother who is deaf, so I hired an agency interpreter to assist with our face-to-face meeting (I was formulating a safety plan with the mum) “After our visit came to an end, and we had left the property, the interpreter told me that she needed to tell me two things - I have a gift, I am a natural communicator, and secondly I am a one in a million social worker...absolutely made my day to be honest.”
And Nia wasn’t the only one to share a special moment that made the job utterly worthwhile. “I am still a student but last week the mother in a family I have been working with thanked me for my heart,” said Ra Ra, who’s based in the south west of England, while Shyla Archuletta, of New Mexico, recalled: “One of my clients invited me to school to watch his presentation and turns out it was ‘bring your hero to school’ day, and I was the hero.” Deanna Smith said: “I had my client tell me I’m the only person who “really gets him.” Just listening and validating during their vulnerable moments.” Christy Rood, of Nevada, said: “Seeing progress people make in their lives.
