5. Self-Awareness
Social workers routinely receive feedback on their performance from clients, supervisors and other sources, but there is no substitute for self-__________. Being able to evaluate one’s own performance and work toward improving it (while also taking valid criticism and praise into account) is an invaluable skill.
6. Organization
Social workers are often required to deal with busy schedules, heavy caseloads and gratuitous paperwork. Successfully ___________ and prioritizing the logistical aspects of the job can help you maximize the amount of time you’ll have on your schedule to provide meaningful services to your clients.
7. Coordination
The ability to coordinate communication and action among multiple parties is a vital part of a social worker’s role in connecting clients with services.
8. Persuasion
Whether it’s to help a client change ___________, motivate a healthcare worker to provide service or justify coverage of expenses to an insurance provider, the ability to influence, coax or invite others to take action is invaluable to any social worker.
9. Cooperation
Just as often as gentle persuasion might solve a problem, active cooperation can provide an alternative (and sometimes more efficient) route to a mutually satisfying solution. Being able to negotiate, _____________ and work well with others is essential to the coordination of efforts required in social work.
10. Relaxation and De-compression
Social work is a deeply rewarding profession, but it can also be an incredibly ___________one. In order to remain engaged and effective at work, it’s imperative to take advantage of your personal time by __________ on and tending to your own needs. Leaving your work at the office and enjoying yourself is as important for your own well-being as it is for that of your clients.