Personal Reflection On Social Work

Social work is defined as “the assessment, remediation and prevention of social problems, and the enhancement of social functioning of individuals, families, and communities” (Hick, 2006, p. 13). This can be accomplished through counselling services between a client and social worker, helping create and support service programs, along with developing social policies (Hick, 2006). Although this may help someone understand the duties of a social worker it does not investigate why people become social workers. To discover why someone chooses this profession, a personal reflection is necessary, along with an understanding of the attributes that may help or hinder one’s ability to be a good social worker. In my opinion, it is important to first

An attribute that could affect my career as a social worker is that I believe that I am at risk for burnout. Burnout is “a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that results from constant or repeated emotional pressure associated with an intense, long-term involvement with people” (Corey, 2016, p. 354). The reason that I believe that I am at risk for burnout is because I tend to become overwhelmed and feel discouraged very easily. These factors are associated with my mental health problems. Yet as I treat my mental health issues, I also work on dealing with and preventing these feelings. Another attribute that I possess that may hinder my ability to be a good social worker is my lack of practice suitability (Tam, 2009). Since I have not finished my studies as a social work student, I have not acquired the professional skills of a social worker. Once my studies are finished, I believe that I will have the skills to help improve my professional suitability to become a social worker. These two attributes that I possess, I believe may hinder my ability to become a good social