These 5 essential traits of successful Social Workers combined with an excellent education will ensure a great career in social work! What are the Traits of Successful Social Workers? Social Work is a selfless profession because Social Workers habitually put the needs of their clients before their own. Although the median income for Social Workers is approximately $53,000 per year, people do not enter this profession for the promises of riches. Instead, social workers desire to make a positive contribution to society and help people lead quality lives. To be successful in this profession, a person must commit to enriching other people’s lives. Many successful social workers possess similar traits.
What Makes a Successful Social Worker?
Social workers learn and perfect many skills through years of education and practice. Therefore, the social worker skills resume should include a professional attitude and certain qualities and traits. However, these five traits listed below can make an excellent social worker!
1. Non-Judgmental
Social Workers must always act in the best interest of their clients regardless of their belief systems. For that reason, they must develop the capacity to suspend personal judgment in client-related situations. However, social Workers also know that their profession is about helping other people to thrive.
2. Ethical
There are ethical guidelines that Social Workers must adhere to when servicing clients. Furthermore, Social Workers must conduct themselves professionally consistent with actions set forth by their state licensing board.
3. Empathy
Social Workers must be able to feel empathy for their clients. Empathy enables Social Workers to place themselves in their client’s position mentally. So, this character trait provides compassion that social workers need to service their clients effectively.
4. Patience
After handling crises daily, it becomes easy to lose patience with clients and also their problems. So, Social Workers must strengthen their resolve to be patient with difficult people and situations. Additionally, Social Workers with this trait can prevent frustration and burn-out associated with the profession.
5. Flexibility
In many instances, Social Workers are on call. However, a crisis may occur at any moment that needs immediate attention. Therefore, flexibility and the willingness to work after hours are essential to provide help in emergencies successfully.
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