There are over 700,000 social workers in the US as of right now, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number is constantly on the rise in the country, with over 1.8 million social services rendering their services to a vast clientele across different sectors.
From juvenile justice to child welfare, senior service, veteran service, and mental health case management, caseworkers in the US are at the forefront of serving humanity. With long working hours, harsh working conditions, and often underpaid, social workers are truly doing God’s work in American society.
But while case managers in social service have a whole range of skills to boast of, not many understand the importance of developing soft skills. In this article, we'll explain why, as a caseworker, you should prioritize developing soft skills in addition to your casework expertise.
Communicate Better with Clients
Soft skills include communication skills, analytical skills, and critical thinking. However, communication tops the list of soft skills required in any profession. This is because effective client communication is the premise of successful casework, and case managers who can communicate effectively can achieve results faster than those who struggle to communicate.
Add Value to Social Service
Your human service or NGO will also treasure you if you have soft skills. This is because, in this competitive industry, non-profits are in dire need of case managers who are able to add value to the service and do more than just casework. So, if you’re looking for a long-lasting career in social work, start focusing on soft skills.
Improve Decision-Making
As a case manager, you will frequently encounter difficult situations in which you must rely on your judgment to make decisions. By developing soft skills in yourself over time, you can improve your decision-making in difficult case management scenarios and ensure that your client's best interests are protected.
Become Approachable
Case managers work with diverse people on a daily basis. Being approachable, soft-spoken, and empathic in such situations might help you earn the trust of those you work for. This is surely an asset for case managers who seek to do meaningful work in their respective communities.
Thanks for Growing with Us
We understand that casework is difficult, but we appreciate that you have allowed us to assist you in making it easier. Not only with FAMCare, our human services software, but also through reading and improving with our blog articles. Please contact us if there is a blog topic that you would like to read about on the FAMCare blog.
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