Kim Howard MSW, CAPSW’s Post

Today, on World Social Work Day, I want to honour the remarkable resilience of social workers, particularly those dedicated to children and families. As a C&F social worker, I've seen firsthand the uphill battles we face, from navigating complex family dynamics to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. Amidst these challenges, there's an often-overlooked struggle: the difficulty of switching off from work mode and compartmentalizing to care for our own families. Balancing the demands of our profession with our personal lives is no easy feat. We carry the weight of our clients' stories and struggles, often finding it hard to leave them at the office door. Yet, when we return home, we must summon the strength to be present for our own loved ones, to provide them with the care and attention they deserve. It's a delicate balancing act that requires immense resilience and self-awareness. We must learn to set boundaries, to prioritize self-care, and to seek support when needed. And while the journey may be challenging, it's also incredibly rewarding. Today, as we celebrate the vital work of social workers around the world, let's also acknowledge the sacrifices made behind the scenes. Let's recognize the importance of self-care and the need to nurture our own well-being, so that we can continue to serve others with compassion and empathy. To my fellow social workers, I salute your dedication and resilience. And to those who support us on this journey, thank you for standing by our side. Together, let's continue to advocate for change, support one another, and strive for a more compassionate and equitable world. Happy World Social Work Day! 🌍💙 #WorldSocialWorkDay #Resilience #SelfCare #socialworkmonth

National Social Work Month occurs in March! These are some interesting social work statistics. -More than 60% of mental health services in the nation are provided by social workers. -One of the professions in the US with the fastest growth is social work. -83 percent of social workers are women. -The top paying jobs in the field of social work are in healthcare, families, children, and schools. -A social worker typically makes $26 per hour. -A social worker's lifetime burnout rate is 75%. There is a need for social workers. Social workers want their job to be acknowledged at a level that adequately compensates them for the tough labor, high demand, and burnout they face. Mental health services are in high demand. It's time to honor social workers for their character, their contributions, and the daily moral principles they uphold. We are essential because we are change agents, leaders, and empaths. Now is the moment to give us credit.  #nationalsocialworkmonth #socialwork #socialworkmonth

As a social worker dedicated to children's services, I've encountered unique challenges in navigating professional development pathways. Unlike adult social work, where clear routes such as becoming a Best Interest Assessor or Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) exist, children's social work often lacks such structured pathways for progression. Social workers working with children face diverse and complex situations that demand ongoing skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition. However, the absence of clearly defined career trajectories or specialized roles can feel limiting. I wonder if this is why I see experienced colleagues leaving the LA to Join the likes of Cafcass or become independent to develop their own specialisms. This article explores this more.

Social workers play an integral part in society's functioning. Without them, we would be lost when navigating life’s challenges. But what exactly is the difference between a #socialworker and a #placementagent? These two professions seem to overlap, especially in the context of senior living, making it important to distinguish between each. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dZCaB3cs #socialwork #seniorplacement #seniorcare

🌱 My Social Work Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Empowering Change 🌱 Let me take you back to the start... Picture this: A fresh-faced, eager social worker in the UK with a head full of theory and a heart full of hope. 😄 Fast forward 14+ years (and several mistakes, learning curves, and cups of coffee later!), now based in Melbourne, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing individuals, from young people building resilience to those navigating the complex impacts of trauma, disability, and life's many curveballs. One thing I’ve learned? Mistakes are part of the journey—what matters is how we grow from them. Social work isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling rooted in creativity, compassion, and a relentless drive to help people thrive. Whether working alongside a child to unlock their potential, guiding a young adult toward self-discovery, or supporting families to build stronger connections, my focus has always been the same: empowerment. But don’t be fooled, I didn’t do it alone. It takes a village—and by "village," I mean collaborating with other professionals, learning from lived experiences, and using every creative tool in my (ever-expanding!) social worker toolkit. 🎒 Whether you're a client looking for support, a professional seeking collaboration, or an early-career social worker wondering if you’ll survive your first years (spoiler: you will!), my door is always open. Together, we can make a difference—and maybe even have a laugh along the way. 😅 Here's to healing, growth, and living that good life! 🌿 Lets Reseed 🌱 #SocialWorkJourney #Empowerment #TraumaInformed #CreativeTherapy #GrowthAndHealing #StrengthInCommunity #LearningFromMistakes #MelbourneSocialWork #UKtoMelbourne #InclusiveCare #NDISProvider #MentalHealthMatters #DisabilitySupport #ChildAndYouthTherapy #SocialWorkLife #SupportiveCare #BuildingResilience #CreativeApproaches #EarlyCareerSocialWorkers #PositiveChange #CollaborationMatters #PersonCentredCare

I was sooo frustrated with hearing from the bitter, broke, and burn-out social worker so I created #thesocialworkmovement. I am a Social Impact Speaker & Strategist who is on a mission to change the global narrative of the social work profession for social workers to be valued, respected, and well-compensated. Social Workers are sooo much more than child welfare workers and we are no longer being martyrs for the sake of “wanting to help” and being a female-dominated industry.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Social Workers are CEOs, project managers, corporate consultants, therapists, case managers, business owners and pretty much we work in every industry where individuals and corporations desire solutions to their pressing challenges or desires.🤩 It is beyond time for the voices of Social Workers who are like me, who love the profession, who make and make a difference, and who boldly and unapologetically maximize and monetize their education, expertise, and experiences to be heard. Out with the bitter, broke, and burn-out narrative of the social work profession.🙅🏽♀️ I am #empoweringsocialworkers to get clear on their next steps and execute so they can have even more social impact, money, and time for self-care, family, philanthropy, and travel!🎊🙌🏾 I went from social assistance recipient to six-figure social work entrepreneur even as a Mom who is Single; I know 💯 you can transform your life too!✨🧘🏾♀️ Subscribe to get notifications about #thesocialworkmovement docuseries: https://lnkd.in/evae3Kps I am asking you to support me in changing the global narrative of the social work profession through #thesocialworkmovement as part of Social Impact Sundays at 6 and here are 5 ways to get involved: https://lnkd.in/e6zWbkrv #socialwork #socialworker #socialworkers #therapist #socialimpact #talkshow #talkshowhost #NASW

🫶🏼 Social work is a fulfilling profession focused on supporting individuals and building compassionate communities. Social workers witness the impact of their efforts first hand—whether it’s helping someone find housing, improve their mental health, or navigate complex systems—making it an ideal career for those driven to make a tangible difference. 🌍 In Australia, social workers play a key role across sectors like healthcare, education, and government, where they advocate for social justice and address real-world challenges. ❓ So, what does a social worker’s daily life look like? How can you become one? And how can our Master of Social Work (Qualifying) equip you for this meaningful career? 👉 Take a closer look at the role of a social worker here: https://loom.ly/NjBdC6A 👉 Empower your passion to drive change and transform lives with a Master of Social Work: https://loom.ly/L2fLyMc #StudyOnline #OnlineDegree #SocialWork

On #WorldSocialWorkDay2024 it's tempting to focus inward and highlight our profession's positive contribution and our success stories, an understandable response to feelings of being undervalued and poorly understood. Irrespective of views on the validity of those feelings, it strikes me that a more 'social work' thing to do on this day is to look outward and recognise that social work is, and should be, part of a wider, rich network of support to which it makes a particular, very often unique, contribution. 'Social work' is rarely, if ever, all about social workers. We don't operate in a vacuum. Just as others rely on us, we rely on others - public, carers, other workers and professionals, be they teachers, care workers, nurses, support workers, youth workers - the list is long. Apologies for any obvious examples omitted. So on #WorldSocialWorkDay here's to EVERYONE - personally or professionally experienced - working to make things better. Better/stronger together!

🌱 My Social Work Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Empowering Change 🌱 Let me take you back to the start... Picture this: A fresh-faced, eager social worker in the UK with a head full of theory and a heart full of hope. 😄 Fast forward 14+ years (and several mistakes, learning curves, and cups of coffee later!), now based in Melbourne, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing individuals, from young people building resilience to those navigating the complex impacts of trauma, disability, and life's many curveballs. One thing I’ve learned? Mistakes are part of the journey—what matters is how we grow from them. Social work isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling rooted in creativity, compassion, and a relentless drive to help people thrive. Whether working alongside a child to unlock their potential, guiding a young adult toward self-discovery, or supporting families to build stronger connections, my focus has always been the same: empowerment. But don’t be fooled, I didn’t do it alone. It takes a village—and by "village," I mean collaborating with other professionals, learning from lived experiences, and using every creative tool in my (ever-expanding!) social worker toolkit. 🎒 Whether you're a client looking for support, a professional seeking collaboration, or an early-career social worker wondering if you’ll survive your first years (spoiler: you will!), my door is always open. Together, we can make a difference—and maybe even have a laugh along the way. 😅 Here's to healing, growth, and living that good life! 🌿 #LetsReseed #SocialWorkJourney #Empowerment #TraumaInformed #CreativeTherapy #GrowthAndHealing #StrengthInCommunity #LearningFromMistakes #MelbourneSocialWork #UKtoMelbourne #InclusiveCare #NDISProvider #MentalHealthMatters #DisabilitySupport #ChildAndYouthTherapy #SocialWorkLife #SupportiveCare #BuildingResilience #CreativeApproaches #EarlyCareerSocialWorkers #PositiveChange #CollaborationMatters #PersonCentredCare