Not everyone is cut out for a career in social services. However, for the right individuals, this field can offer emotional satisfaction and a wide range of career opportunities. In the world of social work, employees use a shared set of values combined with government standards and regulations. Depending on the position, social services professionals will build on findings and information from cognitive science, clinical psychology, the medical field, education, public policy, law enforcement, and criminal justice.
Social services careers also offer an exceptional degree of flexibility. Unlike many other fields, experience in social work is often a valuable stepping stone to a wide range of careers. Because social services focus on human interaction and social problem solving, they provide practical experience for future jobs in other fields.
Even people without prior experience may find that entry-level positions offer them the opportunity to build a rewarding career. But that doesn’t mean social services are simple. Social work requires an open mind and a caring attitude at every level. Here are a few of the strategies our employees use to help our clients live their best lives.
Don’t Generalize
Generalizations are a way for humans to navigate through the world efficiently. For example, we may learn that we work well with one type of person. Or we may find that we have much in common with people from a particular culture or background. These types of generalizations are usually based on personal experience and help the average person navigate through life without having to start fresh with each situation.
However, most of these generalizations are not helpful in social work. When we work with our clients, we must meet each person without prejudices. Each individual is different. Even if they seem to be similar to other clients, we never assume that they will interact or react in the same ways.
Letting go of generalizations is difficult. It requires each of us to work harder, observe more closely, and take more time to really learn how each client is unique. But this approach helps us serve them more effectively and prevents us from employing the wrong treatment.
Don’t Cling to One Version of a Fulfilling Life
Most of us have some parts of our lives that we consider essential to our happiness. Home, families, pets, experiences, and jobs are often part of one’s definition of a fulfilling life. But each client at Community Integrated Service comes to us with limitations. Sometimes these limitations are minor, but often they are significant. For some people, these limitations would seem to preclude a fulfilling life.
That’s why our team keeps an open mind when developing each client’s version of a fulfilling life. For some of them, it’s as simple as having a friend and being around kind people. Others want or need more. Everyone has their own definition and expectations.
Every CIS team member must come to the situation with an open mind. We must all continually re-evaluate the meaning of a happy life. By focusing on each client’s needs and setting aside our own definitions or expectations, we are much better equipped to help them grow and thrive.
Be Reliable. Trust Isn’t Possible Without It.
Anyone in social services must build trust. First, they must build trust with their employer, but they must also build trust with co-workers and especially with clients. But it isn’t possible without reliability and consistency.
Reliability is at the foundation of every meaningful relationship. Our team must create routines, schedules, and plans. Inconsistent, unreliable, erratic, or unpredictable behavior is unacceptable. Each employee must be committed to following through.
While unreliable employees are inconvenient to an employer, they can be psychologically damaging to a client. Our clients with developmental disabilities are often unable to rationalize or understand inconsistency. It makes them feel unsettled and even unsafe. That’s why every one of our employees must be dependable and reliable.
Be Patient. It Takes Time to Trust.
Many social workers and direct support professionals are surprised to discover that it can take weeks, even months, for their clients to trust them. Even when the employee is patient, kind, consistent, and caring, some clients will continue to push them away.
As a social services professional, this is one of the most complex parts of the job. We reach out to help again and again but are ignored, rebuffed, or even pushed away.
Working with developmentally disabled people is demanding. Combined with a history of behavioral and medical issues, it becomes even more challenging. That’s why it’s so important to keep working with your team, adjusting care plans, and staying optimistic. Kindness, consistency, and caring will eventually help the client to trust the employee.
Don’t Give Up
Sometimes, even when it seems that we’re doing everything right, we don’t see progress with a client. Perhaps they have suffered extraordinary challenges or are emerging from exceptionally painful situations. In some cases, we begin to wonder if progress is even possible.
The hard truth is that progress isn’t guaranteed. But that’s no reason to give up. As social service providers and caregivers, we must keep trying. When we are charged with helping clients, we must continue to observe and record behavior. Over time, these observations will help us adjust our care plans to provide the best life possible. We don’t stop trying.
Ways to Get Started in Social Work
Some people go to college to get a social work degree. Others come to the field from psychology or medicine. But many people begin as direct support professionals or DSPs. Training as a DSP provides a relatively fast way to begin gaining experience in caregiving. At CIS, DSPs can be hired without experience in the field. We spend weeks in training and ensure that each new hire meets agency and state requirements. Some client needs require additional training and certification, which CIS will support and pay for if required.
This means that people of all ages can start a career in social services without investing in years of education. Instead, CIS offers paid training. We also promote from within, which is another way we help our employees grow in their careers.
If you’re interested in starting a social services career, visit our career page and see if any of our listings are right for you.