Maiden Post

If there is one word I'll add to the pebbles above, it would be: THEORIES because that is one of the main differences that separates a social worker from a volunteer. 

Social Workers are often mistaken to be volunteers simply because the people we serve are of similar profile - those perceived as vulnerable by the society, namely people with disabilities, people from the lower income group, people with mental health issues, children with emotional needs not met and youths with unacceptable behaviours etc. Basically where you can find social workers, there will be volunteers, but not necessarily vice versa. But that's another story for another day. 

Other than being professionally qualified with at least a degree in social work and ethically bounded, social workers work towards positive changes by assessing and intervening on a systematic framework and theories, including local and cultural knowledge specific to its context. Social workers work on the assumption that human relationships are not linear and that systems interact in a ecological context and have an influence on each other, which forms the basis for assessment and intervention. 

And oh yes, we do get paid, here in Singapore=)

In posts to come, I'll seek to pen down self-reflections on my journey as a residential social worker and I hope you'll embark on this journey with me=)