Social workers will face challenging situations with their clients. “By adjusting one’s speaking style to the situation, a social worker can be effective in any setting, from a home visit with clients to a courtroom or legislative hall.” “Good verbal communication takes active listening one step further,” Doyle wrote. Adjusting communication might also involve using more actionable language and directives to provide motivation and encourage a client to take action toward a goal. This might include softening one’s tone to mirror that of their client, so that he or she feels more comfortable. Social workers must also be able to adjust their outward communication depending on the needs of their clients. This makes communication skills critical, including both verbal and written communication. In addition to actively listening to clients, social workers must properly express their thoughts, response, and analysis to clients and the members of their support networks. Robust communication skills: Verbal and written Using these skills can help social workers discern what clients are saying ― as well as what they may not be communicating verbally, but with their body language. Someone with their arms crossed tightly over their chest, for example, may be signaling that they are closed off and not yet ready to open up and share. It’s not just about hearing what clients say, but also giving them attention as they speak and remembering and understanding their words.Īs The Balance contributor and career expert Alison Doyle pointed out, active listening also includes noticing and understanding clients’ body language, and the messages they are sending. This makes active listening an incredibly important skill in social work. Much of social workers’ professional time is spent listening to their clients’ concerns and identifying the issues clients need help with. Top social work skillsĭuring the often difficult situations professionals encounter with their clients, certain key skills help social workers be successful in their roles: It is the job of social workers to help their clients through these difficult times with coping methods and strategies. These professionals can meet with individuals who have just experienced the loss of a close friend or relative, unexpected unemployment, or those who are in the midst of divorce or relationship problems. Social workers are exposed to a range of very serious situations, depending upon what each client may be experiencing at that point in their lives. Social work professionals will meet with individual clients, couples, or families to help them identify and work toward resolving the problems or changes that impact their lives. Often, social workers will meet with clients in an office setting, whether in a specific social work office, school, or health care facility. Reacting to and helping resolve crises like violence, abuse, mental health issues, or other types of emergencies.Assisting clients in adjusting to life’s changes and challenges, including situations like the loss of a job or loved one, divorce, or illness.Identifying and analyzing the needs of their clients, including these clients’ strengths, their existing support network, and their current goals.Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers engage in activities including: What do social workers do?īefore we delve into the skills and characteristics that social workers should develop, it’s important to understand the duties and responsibilities that come with this role.Īs outlined by the U.S. These social work skills help ensure that professionals adequately listen to and understand the concerns of their clients, communicate with them, and map the best strategies toward improvement.īuilding these characteristics and competencies can make all the difference in social workers’ careers, and their success with clients. However, it can take a particular set of soft skills to relate to people on a personal level. This passion drives social workers to encourage improvement in their clients’ lives. Most people who choose to pursue a degree like the Master of Social Work and work in the social work field have a passion for helping people. Online Professional Certificate in Nursing Leadership.Online Introduction to Product Management Certificate.Online Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).Online Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP).Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Program.Online Master of Science in Nursing Overview.Online Master of Science in Product Management.Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Online.Health Policy and Management Concentration.Online Master of Public Health Overview.
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