The role of a social worker in contemporary society has become indispensable. The role of social workers have moved from a point of necessity and have now become a burgeoning field of employment in various parts of society. Becoming a social worker helps communities and clients cope effectively with changes which take place near them while at the same time they adapt to reality. I have always been motivated by the role that social workers take in society, involving conducting research on public policy as well as resolving problems for families and individuals. The research paper will address two major motivations that influenced my decision to become a social worker as highlighted by Corey & Corey and also highlight the characteristics that best describe my professional growth and development.
Social work is a career that involves becoming socially active, welcoming new faces from time to time and influencing society through change. One of my primary motivations of becoming a social worker is the need to care for others and taking an unbiased standpoint. Social workers understand the environment and work setting where they are involved. As a natural helper, I always dreamt of helping individuals especially with their relationships and those with problems such as addiction. My main goal as a social worker has been to turn the lives of other people especially those who are troubled. This involves working in both rural and urban areas without the limitation of the social status of my clients. As highlighted by Corey & Corey (2015), social workers are mostly found in schools, police departments, hospitals, nursing homes and any other place involving social interaction. My motivation as a social worker is to see that all people are comfortable in their natural environment regardless of the challenges which are common in the day to day life experiences
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Secondly, my other primary motivation as a social worker is to create an impact in the lives of others and being an instrument of change. Social workers impact a significant influence and create a positive influence on daily existence. This helps in deriving satisfaction and empowering individuals to become elements of the wanted change in society. The contemporary society is filled with vices and social ills which negatively influence the current and future generations. Therefore, impacting the desirable change in society ensures that all people move in the same direction of positivity. For instance, in the rural areas, the literacy levels are low while the crime rate is high.
As a social worker, one initiates a change and creates opportunities which will impact a desirable change such as a reduction in crime levels. This can be achieved by mass education on how to make a livelihood for the unemployed individuals or even preaching peace. Thus, as a social worker, one has to make collaborations with state and federal organizations which will help to solve the existing problems within a given locality (Spector & Kitsuse, 2017). Notably, social workers are not motivated by money but are rather driven by their passion to see their societies performing socially well.
The remaining eight typical needs
In relation to the other eight needs, I felt motivated by the need for self-help. My motivation as a social worker begun by first refraining myself from a situation that may compromise my humanity. I, therefore, equipped myself with the skills and experience that will make me a better person in life and help those around me. However, I did not like the aspect of being needed. Change is a gradual process and I always dreamt of being a valuable person who can take the need of others at any instance. Not only when am needed, but also in good times.
Social workers should not be motivated by money and hence I did not consider the financial aspects. My passion for realizing a change was my main motivation and hence made an effort to impacting society rather than benefiting from the monetary aspects. In some cases, such as homeless individuals, I find myself sharing my personal resources to help those in need. Being a social worker is not associated with a level of prestige or status.
Social workers are seen as instruments of change and thus such individuals are mainly concerned with problems that people face in society. In addition, most people believe that social workers have the capacity to provide the right answers or give others advice. When taking for instance individuals suffering from addiction, a social worker will provide solutions on how to overcome the condition or how to kills the addiction problems (Corey & Corey, 2015). From the social interactions with my clients within my career path, some people have shared theirs believes that social workers are comparable to “walking dictionaries” since they offer valid solutions most problems faced by the society. However, incorporating these solutions in the lives of most clients is a major concern that requires professionalism and an optimal level of skills.
The above needs may create problems for social workers who do not realize their values and needs in society. As highlighted by Spector & Kitsuse, (2017), the danger of being a social worker is such as becoming aware of one’s setting or environment while interacting with people who need your help. For instance, social workers who are mostly motivated by the financial gains and proceeds from their work may feel discouraged since the salaries they receive is way less than the type of work they take. A social worker may work with any community or client regardless of the environment. More to that, social workers who are not properly trained and licensed may find themselves in crossroads as they may be convicted for conspiracy or interference with the privacy of others. In other cases, it is necessary to share one’s problems with other people, hence social workers also need help from other people.
Characteristics that best fit me
From the written text of the “Characteristics of an ideal helper,” I believe that the honest assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses helps one to be cognizant of their potential and limits. One can learn their strengths and weaknesses by creating a picture of who they are and what corresponds to the picture that they come up with. In addition, one may inquire from their peers. Some of my strengths as a social worker include good communication skills, high level of responsibility, problem-solving abilities and my creative personality (Corey & Corey, 2015). I would not like to share my weaknesses as a social worker since I they are not vital for the job but I use them to improve my personality to become a better person in the course of time. However, some traits such as being overfriendly to clients and impatience are natural and since I have a partner who helps me in my routine duties, she helps me whenever I go wrong.
Secondly, I look after my physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, which have helped me to carry out my responsibilities effectively. By taking care of my life, I take the responsibility of my clients with an equal measure. I ensure I eat healthily, take physical exercise, go for religious devotions among other activities in my daily schedule. I believe that being mandated with taking care of the lives of others begins with personal satisfaction. Therefore, in case I am confronted with any challenge, I have people whom I can approach or share with.
I feel that the above characteristics are essential for any social worker. I believe that realizing my strengths and weaknesses has been one of the paths of self-discovery. This helps my personality as a social worker by demonstrating my personal disposition characterized by tolerant proceeds. By working on my well being as a social worker, it creates my desire to help and serve the society. I consider this as a skill that implies sensitivity to the needs of others, their problems and other issues affecting them. This helps me to accept even the biggest human problems and use my personality work with people who require my help without any discrimination. More to that, this improves my skills and abilities as a social worker by giving a warm welcome to the lonely, disillusioned and those who are suffering.
References
Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (2015). Becoming a helper . Cengage Learning.
Spector, M., & Kitsuse, J. I. (2017). Constructing social problems . Routledge.
