The key to succeeding in this role is the ability to stay calm and empathise with clients when they are upset. You should also be aware of others’ reactions and understand why they react as they do.

Social Worker Responsibilities:

• Assisting clients in receiving services by telephone and in person.
• Getting clients involved in beneficial activities.
• Assessing clients and gathering relevant information.
• Offering information and supporting clients and their families.
• Contacting and making referrals to other agencies and services.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
• Participating in training, supervision, and meetings.
• Watch for signs of child abuse.
• Provide crisis intervention.

Social Worker Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in psychology, social work or related field.
• Experience working with clients that are affected by issues including neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, mental health and parental substance abuse.
• Ability to give full attention to what social service clients are saying, understand the points being made, ask questions and not interrupt inappropriately.
• Awareness of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Ability to judge the relative costs and benefits of potential social service and health care actions and choose the most appropriate one.
• Comfortable using a computer for various tasks.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to stay calm and empathise with clients when they are upset.
• Licensed clinical social worker.
• Able to develop a treatment plan.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention.
• Valid driver license.

Social workers have key responsibilities on a day-to-day basis due to the nature of their work. These responsibilities are varied and overlap in many social worker roles. They include:

• Interviewing individuals and families.
• Understanding the needs of the service user.
• Spending time with the service user.
• Recommending the best course of action for an individual and/or family.
• Liaising with other social workers, officials and local government.
• Report writing.
• Keeping up to date with changing legislation.
• Giving evidence in court.
• Planning activities.
• Helping in crises.
• Strengthening local knowledge and community ties.
• Spotting new and changing needs of the social user.
• Providing information and support to clients.