Emotional Stress In Social Work

Social work professions need to understand the importance of how individuals interact both with other people and their environment, to have an understanding how individuals are affected by these interactions (Rogers, p. 2). According to Rogers (2016), “Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development (p. 2). Their work with clients begins with assessments to evaluations of intervention and is based in and supports of the core value system of the profession.

When dealing with stress as a social worker working in a nursing home setting can be difficult and challenging at times because of stressors such as high caseloads, low pay, and not enough time to get things done, and not enough staff to help. In addition, in the text it states, “observe how social workers in your agency deal with challenges such as high caseloads, potentially modest salaries, unmotivated and difficult clients, funding cuts, and the stress of dealing with deeply emotional and painful situations on a daily basis” (Garthwait, 2014, p.205). When looking at all the things mentioned almost all of them apply in a nursing home setting because clients and families can be difficult, funding

That is why I believe that anyone that wants to be a social worker should take the time to watch a video, read some pamphlets, periodicals, or do a job shadowing of a social worker to see if that is the right profession for you. As a first responder, we are at risk of seeing a lot of traumatic situations. I know a lady that has gone through nursing school and decided to pursue another career after experiencing a day in the surgical room. However, you have to have some love for people and a willing heart to be a good social worker. I am not yet a social worker, but I know that I have a big heart which I believe is not enough to stay in this profession, but I am willing to try. If I notice that because of my stress level, I am not doing well at my job, I planned on seeking a professional help to assist me or join a group session. For me, PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) can be one of the long-term impacts of social work first responders because of what we see or experience on a regular

Stress is a big issue when it comes to working as a DCS Caseworker. Stress means that someone is emotionally and physically drained. In a survey that includes more than 2,000 frontline staff and managers says; at least 80% of social workers stress levels are affecting their ability to do their job. They found out that a third of social workers responding to the survey were using alcohol and 17% were using prescription drugs such as anti-depressants to cope with stress; 97% said they were moderately or very stressed.

These social workers also reported that heavy workloads contribute to their stress. Social workers providing mental health services had the highest percentages related to stress resulting from working with challenging clients and from being underpaid (Huxley, P., Evans, S., Gately, C., Webber, M., et al, 2005, p. 1065). Considering their experiences of insufficient time to complete day-to-day work tasks, heavy workloads, poor compensation, challenging and/or difficult clients, few resources, long work hours, and unclear job expectations, it is not surprising that social workers experience work-related stress. A genuine social worker is not only experiencing these professional stressors but as Jon’s SC exemplify, they experience secondary trauma through their clients. Under these

Maurice William’s understands that social workers get tired because of their relentless job responsibilities, therefore, she makes sure they don’t experience burn out since it is her responsibility to keep the families intact (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Since she is not out in the field visiting the homes, she puts her faith in her upper management team to be able to listen and pay attention to any problems or potential future problems (Laureate Education, Inc. 2011). Since she is unable to be out in the field, Williams uses her supervisory skills to train her staff to be able to identify potential problems and also to report back to her what the problems are. If there were problems out in the field (i.e., foster parents, foster children), she shoulders the full responsibility to make sure that the problems are addressed and resolved, or modify changes that are in the best interest of the children.

This field is important because it allows social workers to play an integral part in assisting patients, some of who have been kept in large inpatient facilities for vast periods of time, to become functioning and active members of society, as they deal with

I have yet to encounter a social worker who entered the profession for acclaim or prestige. It is a demanding career with long hours and ceaseless paperwork. Social workers are frequently overburdened in addition to being underpaid. Occasionally, they witness agonizing tragedy, fundamentally changing them. Having worked in social services for a number of years, I have had these experiences.

Social Work is a career defined as “work carried out by trained personal with the aim of alleviating the conditions of those in need of help or welfare”. Social work varies in several fields, social workers work as part of multi-disciplinary teams with child welfare organizations, adoption and foster care agencies, hospitals, schools, prisons, mental health institutions, and more. Social work may leave the impression that it’s an easy field because it is assumed that all social workers do is serve others and manage paperwork but that is only a small chunk of the job. Social workers must deal with the ethical and emotional aspect of helping others. As a social worker, it is critical to comply with the National Association of Social Workers

People with mental health problems can feel isolated and have problems sustaining and preserving social contacts and social networks, it is a social workers role to coordinate and monitor care plans so that this does not happen. They are often responsible for managing and budgeting the complete care package, this also may include

Social workers deal with intense situations daily. It is important that social workers are aware of how they are affected by these interactions. Priscilla Dass-Brailsford explains in her book, that countertransference, vicarious trauma (VT), secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue and satisfaction, and burnout are all different ways that counselors can be affected (Dass-Brailsford, 2007). This is where it is important for social workers to have a plan of self-care and stress management resources to use.

One of my earliest memories of social work was the film Lilo & Stitch where there was a social worker character in the film named Cobra Bubbles. As a social worker he wanted to ensure the Lilo was being well taken care of by her sister Nani who was also really young despite be legally considered an adult. Nani took custody of Lilo due to their parents passing away in a car accident. Cobra Bubbles doesn 't let his emotions get in the way of him doing his job as he didn 't hesitate to tell Nani that she isn 't fit to be a parent due to her short temper and lack of maturity. Cobra Bubbles is also very understanding and patient as he decided to give her three day to changed his mind as well find a job. Even though Lilo & Stitch it fictional it has heavily influenced my point of view on social work.

Social Work is a helping profession that strives to help the community on micro, mezzo, and macro levels. It is an investment of self to offer services and help to those in need. Areas of service can include, but are not limited to, traumatic situations, family situations, and child protection. As in most social service professions, the field of social work can often times take a toll on the emotional and physical stability of a social worker. One side effect from working in a helping profession is compassion fatigue. As a result, the National Association of Social Workers stresses the importance of self-care and its vitality in ensuring the social worker does not get burnt out by the profession.

It is clear that social workers play an important role in society; it would therefore make sense to ensure that the working conditions of social workers are kept to a high standard. Without these good working standards it is likely that social workers might be affected by the job related stresses that are inherent to jobs dealing with troubled people. These high job stresses may lead to greater turn over and unwillingness amongst students to become social workers. Consequently the methods by which social workers and their respective employers have been discussed in this essay and include things like being given greater autonomy over their own scheduling and how they choose to deal with clients. Social workers may also be able to improve their

After all the hard work and challenges I may face academically, I’ve learned that I may also face emotional challenges once I have my foot stepped into the career. Although I believe I have an emotionally strong personality, this career as a social worker still can be stressful. As my responsibility to make decisions about the welfare of the children and families, I may be faced with difficult situations such as not being able to help everyone in the way I hope. Some of my clients or cases may be stuck because of obstacles created by