Personal Experience In Social Work

Interviewing other individuals who are in the same field as you are pursuing can give you a good insight as to what the job really entails and what kind of further education is involved. In social work I think most people believe that we go to work every day to do assessments and reports; but really that is farthest from the truth. They are involved with promoting independence, building on strengths, helping fill out paperwork for clients and even being there for support in their time of need. According to Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2015), “Social workers need a wide array of skills at their disposal, they are prepared to help people with individualized personal issues and with very broad problems that affect whole communities” (Kirst-Ashman &

Jody researched her options and found that she could take the five required social work classes through Upper Iowa University. In 2013 she completed her classwork and her year of supervised employment and was certified as a social worker in April 2015. When I asked Jody why she became a social worker she said, “I am not exactly sure what brought me to the social work field. My sister is a social worker and I have always looked up to her so, I think helping people is kind of in our blood” (J. Krueger, personal communication, January 11, 2016). Being a social worker is something that Jody always has felt is in her blood and to this day she is still happy with her

Hetzel Care Nursing and Rehabilitation is owned by Platinum Healthcare; within the facility it is the administrator who manages the staff and runs the building. Some strengths that I noticed about the facility is that it is small enough where the staff can connect with the residents. Jody said, “I really like working for this facility since most of the problems are eliminated right away or sometimes even anticipating them before they get started” (J. Krueger, personal communication, January, 11, 2016). In all her previous experience she knew she was meant to be at Hetzel Care Nursing and Rehabilitation, not only the wonderful residents but also the knowledge that she is gaining at the facility.
As a licensed social worker, Jody is required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. To do this Jody attends trainings, inside and outside of the facility, and attends many conferences. In the Bloomer community, Jody and the nursing home administrator attend monthly Bloomer Chamber of Commerce meetings. Jody also attends bi-monthly meetings for the Indianhead Nursing Home Social Workers Association. Staying involved in the community and being an advocate is Jody’s passion as a social