Hi,
I am not a social worker myself but I used to work in a hospital where I had the opportunity to see them at work. Occassionally, my dept refers patients to the Med Social Worker dept, so I do have some experience working with them as well. Sorry if I sound a little less than positive, the following are but some of my personal opinions based on my own subjective experiences and observations.
1) It's a thankless job most of the time. The very people you are trying to help are the ones hurling abuse at you. Once I was trying to explain to this patient that I can only give him a month's supply of FREE medication for the time being as his case is pending approval. Our friend got very upset and started cursing and swearing at me. In my mind I was thinking. I pay taxes which indirectly goes to support you a**holes and here I am trying to help you, and you are screwing me? WTH???
2) Our country is not exactly a welfare state, so... sometimes some people really need help. And the greatest hinderance to helping them is the system set up to help them. Tons of paperwork to clear, layers and layers of red tape to cut thru... then you start feeling disllusioned...
3) Most social workers I have met are somewhat jaded due to the above reasons.
In summary, my advice would be NOT to go into this line unless you are really that passionate about the job. Otherwise, good luck to you. Btw, it doesn't pay that well also.
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