8 Tips for Field Social Workers
I never wanted to be a CSW.….. But it happened.
I was in a dead-end position and knew that in order to progress I needed to move in a different direction. Don’t get me wrong, Social Workers are noble positions but growing up, I saw how hard my social worker worked and I didn’t want that life. However, deep down inside I knew that I would be a good fit for the challenge.
I ignored the negative thoughts and naysayers and am happy to say I trusted that gut feeling. It was the best decision I’ve made in my career as I’ve grown personally and professionally, pushing myself to limits I’ve never thought I could reach or even existed for that matter.
Now, this job is not for everyone. I can’t advise anyone to make or not make the plunge but if you do, here are some helpful tips that will be very beneficial while you work in this capacity.
#1 - Trust your Gut
Many times CSW’s will be in intense situations or get different stories from various people, family members, professionals/ service providers so it will be difficult to weed out the BS. Yes, service providers are people too and will at times be unethical but trust your gut. There have been times I didn’t listen to my gut and regretted it, I just thank God those times were not fatal.
#2 - Never get too comfortable
You will build a bond with some clients because for the most part, our clients are really great people. They will cling to you and find you to be a confidant if you're great at what you do. But not only will they throw you under the bus if they need to but it can also cloud your judgement and decision making when it comes to that family. Do your best to stay neutral and remember you're in their homes for a reason and its not to be their friend.
#3 - Use a calendar to stay organized and on top of your game
As a CSW you have endless tasks to complete and several deadlines to meet. To avoid dropping the ball or getting written up, write your visits down, write down court hearings and court orders needed to follow-up on, school meetings to attend, and service provider meetings, etc. This will help you stay organized and help tremendously with the next tip.
#4 - Complete your contacts in between or right after a visit while the contact is still fresh
There have been many times I procrastinated on completing contacts and was so far behind or I lost my original notes and could not remember what was said and done during that visit. I know my fellow CSW’s struggle with this currently so avoid this by giving yourself 10-15 minutes after a visit to enter a contact into your notes on your county issued cell phone, then emailing it to yourself. Once you get back to the office, all you need to do is cut and paste. If you don’t have time in between visits, set aside 30 minutes after you complete all your visits and do as many contacts as you can. Even if you completed 50% of your contacts for the day, the next day won’t be as hard to finish the other half.
#5 - Follow-up on everything you agreed to
Completing your contacts after a visit also keeps what you agreed to do and follow up on at the forefront of your mind. You will have a bunch of requests not only from your families but also service providers and these request are usually essential to the families well being. Families and service providers also respect you more when you do what you say you're going to do. So when your completing your contacts make a side note or to do list of tasks to complete and then follow-up.
#6 - If you don’t feel safe, request help.
There were many times, I was in a not so savory part of Los Angeles late at night with no back up or support when should have. In situations with parents high on methamphetamine or with severe mental health issues. I’ve been in situations where I’ve been attacked by children or threatened. It goes down in the field so speak up for yourself because your safety is priority, especially during Covid.
# 7 - Put your concerns in writing
If it ain’t in writing, it ain’t happen. Write down and email what you need, what your lacking and ideas on how you can do your work better if these needs are met.
#8 - Read your MOU and policies that pertain to your function
Know your rights because if your company can take advantage of you, they probably will so set your boundaries early and know what their expectations are of you. If you want to know more about this topic, let me know below and what specifically you would like to know.
