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3 Skills You Boost Working in Child Welfare

working in child welfare

A career in child welfare is as rewarding as it is challenging. But what exactly is child welfare and what does someone in this field do? Child welfare is a broad term that describes a range of services. These include family services, child protection, adoption services and much more. Child welfare social workers, or caseworkers, are integral in this field. They play a vital role in the lives of the children and families they help. Their services provide support and protection for children and strengthen families, all while remaining respectful of the values and needs of the people they serve. Above all, child welfare workers help children and their families achieve joy and maintain safe, loving homes.

When helping children in need by working in child welfare, you will exercise several skills on a daily basis. These are skills that help not only in a professional setting but aid in personal development as well. Here are 3 skills you boost working in child welfare.

1. Better Communication Skills

Being a caseworker involves communicating with many different people. While being able to listen and communicate with children in an age-appropriate manner is essential, caseworkers must also know how to relate and interact with a child’s birth family, teachers at school, therapists, court personnel, foster parents and a diverse array of others. Meeting new people from a variety of backgrounds provides important experience that deepens understanding and knowledge of human relationships – something any person can benefit from.

2. More Patience

Psychology Today says that building patience abilities leads to more happiness. Irritation is common in any job, and it’s how we decide to solve it that makes us stronger. Maintaining a level demeanor can sometimes pose a challenge when dealing with the rigors of a caseworker position. Children occasionally push limits and will put your patience to the test. But with adequate training and the right mindset, you’ll gradually learn to keep cool during any situation in life.

3. Leadership Skills

When a child is removed from his or her birth family, the goal typically is to develop a plan for safely bringing the family back together. A caseworker’s role is to guide the family through the proper steps to creating a safe environment for the child that will lead to reunification. As you teach families and give them the proper tools to succeed, you’ll grow in your honesty, confidence and commitment – leadership skills that will be of value every day.

No one’s going to argue that a caseworker’s job is easy. Yet, caseworkers do some of the most important work in society; and with demand for child welfare workers increasing, their role is more relevant than ever. Want to get involved working in child welfare? We’re hiring talented people for positions in the Kansas City area, Topeka area and across Eastern Kansas. Let us know if you’re interested in helping children in need!

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