Personality and Personal Growth:
​Traits for Social Workers

If being a social worker is something that you want, you have to make sure that you have the right traits to be successful. Before deciding on this career, explore your personality type and personal development plan to ensure that it fits. This will improve your chances at success when you get into this field. Your personality type and personal development goals will also make sure that you will be happy and fulfilled in this career.  Most social workers need to complete regular Neurofeedback training sessions in order to ensure that their brainwave patterns are operating properly, because social work requires a high degree of brain engagement.

You Are Empathetic

You have to have empathy for others to be successful in this career field. You have to be able to be there for people during times of emotional distress and crisis. You cannot judge people for the tough times that they are experiencing. When you are empathetic, it is easier to put yourself in the shoes of other people and make sure that you are getting on their level. This also makes people more comfortable with you so that they are more likely to share their struggles so that you can offer the most help.

You Are Patient

Being patient is critical for all social workers because without patience, you will miss many of the things that are happening in people's lives. You have to be patient and really take the time to know the people you are working with. Remember that each client is going to have different needs and this is not a career where a single solution works for all people. You also have to know that change takes time and you have to be patient and help people so that they are able to make the necessary changes to help them and those they are caring for.

You Are Dependable

You are working with people who are going through the worst times in their lives and they need to know that you are going to be there when they need you. This also helps your clients to develop a sense of trust and when they trust you, you are in a better position to offer them help.

You Are Organized

You have to be able to keep meticulous records and know where everything is. Your mind and your desk need to be orderly, especially when you are working with a heavy caseload. This allows you to best serve your clients while creating an atmosphere for yourself that is as stress-free as possible.

You Are Perceptive

You have to be able to pick up on the things that your clients are not telling you. You also need to have a good instinct and know the best course of action for all of your clients. This will help you to know when it is time to take action and the best things that you can do for your clients.

You Are Objective

While empathy is critical for success as a social worker, you also have to be objective. You must keep a level head so that your clients can also get through their problems with one. You are working with a variety of difficult situations and you must be able to keep a clear head and know what to do since your clients need your help.

You Are Persistent

You have to be persistent because you will face a number of roadblocks as you are helping your clients. You have to know that setbacks happen and you need your persistence to get through them. You must also be willing to always go the extra mile for every client.

You Are Flexible

Do not expect to work banker's hours when you become a social worker because your clients need you at all hours of the day. You have to be willing to always be available in order to best serve those who need you most.

You Are Resilient

You are going to see and experience things that are doing to test you physically, mentally and emotionally. You have to be able to cope with these, wake up in the morning and experience these issues all over again. Stress-relieving techniques need to be a part of your normal day.

Now you have a better understand about how your traits and personality type work to influence your career aspirations. This knowledge will also make it possible to ensure that you have the right goals on your personal development plan. Being a social worker is challenging and having the right traits sets you up for happiness and success in this rewarding career field.

References:

http://mswonlineprograms.org/2012/top-eight-characteristics-of-a-successful-social-worker/

http://ep.hudson.k12.wi.us/classes/school-social-work---ms-van-boxel