Social Work Can Be Described

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Having completed my first degree in Sociology and Anthropology in which a lot of knowledge was gained about working in diverse groups irrespective of life style, religion, and race, it became imperative to consider an area of focus considering the vast scope of the discipline. A critical assessment was considered of the various options that were open to me e.g. criminology, counselling, psychology amongst others. It finally came down to social works which is an aspect that will help me achieve my professional goals as I am out to follow a career where I would be able to have an impact on peoples’ lives in one way or another

My first attempt at the Social Work course was in 2011 when I tried to apply to a University, I looked up the requirements and noticed that it is necessary to have some experience in Health and social care. Because of how important this dream is to me, I went on and registered myself for the Health and Social care course where I was trained on the following:

Manual Handling

Personal Care,

Emergency First Aid,

Food handling,

Nursing Ethics,

Communication skills,

Health and safety,

Record keeping,

Confidentiality,

The aging process,

Managing incontinence,

Dying, death and bereavement,

Management of challenging behaviour,

POVA/Adult protection,

Principles of team work,

Infection control,

Waste disposal,

Equity and diversity,

Abuse; forms and signs of abuse,

Laws, legislation and government policies relating to social care

My skills were updated by taking refresher courses on the aforementioned at least twice a year since 2011 as well as volunteering with children in church. Working as a Health care assistant has brought me closer to the Social work profession as I have seen firsthand how much people need help in the society. The level of advocacy needed out there cannot be over emphasised.

Apart from having a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology, which has given me such a good foundation for this social work career, I have spent the last 21 months working in the health and social care industry of which I have been privileged to work in diverse departments within the industry amongst which are but not limited to; Care and residential homes for the Elderly, People with challenging behaviour, Autism, Dementia, Mental health respites, Teenagers with eating disorder and People with Acquired Brain Damage.

During these times, a lot of insight was gained into the world of social work enabling me understand how hard it can be to maintain a professional relationship with someone who has been a victim of domestic abuse. Thus it became clearer how one can empathise with them to a greater level, understand the need to be a great and impartial listener, learnt how to build relationships with families and also allow them to talk freely and openly without judging them in any way.

As part of my job, I provide continuous emotional support on a daily basis and during stressful life changes. I have learnt how to communicate with clients about sensitive issues in an appropriate manner, understanding and being prepared for their reactions to the information. This job has significantly improved my communication skills, my patience, and my initiative. As a result I am more aware of my own values and beliefs whilst showing respect for other people, their values, beliefs, cultures, goals, needs and preferences.

Through it all, it is to me a great pleasure doing this work as I derive great satisfaction from this duty because I not only see how much the help is appreciated, but also enjoy providing service users with company. I am happy knowing I am able to meet people’s need and lend a helping hand while taking great care of each and everyone as if they were my own. I see first-hand the daily struggles of these vulnerable people and would love be dedicated to providing the care, comfort and dignity they deserve on a professional scale, hence my interest in this course.

I am very good listener and I understand what a valuable skill this is, I know what it feels like to just sit and listen, for the Client to be aware that sincerely someone has taken some time to listen to them speak of their ordeal. I possess a sympathetic and caring nature and am able to empathise with service users/Clients in any situation to win their trust. I get calls from family and friends time and time again, just to tell me what they are going through and more often than not they have said to me they felt a lot better after talking to me. My communication skills are excellent (oral and written); I possess the ability to listen carefully and ask the right questions at the right time and in the right situation to find out more about the service user/clients needs, and I also possess a careful attention to details.

I enjoy travelling and making new acquaintances which makes it easier for me to relate and flow with both colleagues and clients alike in the course of my work. Reading has also been of great interest to me as this keeps me up to date with what is going on around me. The Dailies has been one I have taken keen interest in because of the recent health care updates on the NHS and abuse to the elderly which has become the order of the day. Then after a stressful day I enjoy cooking and watching movies to help me unwind.

In the bid to find a suitable and reputable school to study this course, I did a lot of research and the University of the West of England turned out to be a very satisfactory and suitable choice. Thus I have applied to study at the University of the West of England because it is highly rated and has a high student satisfaction percentage. As a mature and ambitious student, I believe I would make the best of the resources available to me through the course of my study at the university while putting in my best in the taught programme. Also through regular participation in work placement and gaining practical experience I would be a worthy graduate of this university and do the school proud in my future endeavours as I am looking forward to fulfilling my potential in what I see as a challenging but yet rewarding career as a social worker.

This University has a great reputation and I believe that along with the excellent quality of placements offered, it will help me develop skills to cope effectively with the challenges of a career in Social Work. I hope I have demonstrated that I understand what is required on the course, and that I will become a devoted and compassionate member of the profession if given a chance to train as a Social Worker with this great Institution.