A career as a social worker

Lindelwe keena Noko (LN) is a social work professional whose focus is on Child Protection and mental health. She’s an avid researcher who loves keeping abreast with current social work and mental health trends. She chats with Gracious Nyathi (GN) on what it takes to be a social worker.

GN: Please do tell us about yourself.

LN: My name is Lindelwe keena Noko, I’m a 29 year old proud moSotho girl. I’m a social work professional whose focus is on Child Protection and mental health. I’m an avid researcher and love keeping abreast with current social work and mental health trends.

GN: Quite Impressive, You work as a social worker please explain what social work is all about?

LN: Social work is a practice based profession. The practicality of the profession lies in how it promotes social change, development, cohesion and empowerment of individuals and communities. The practice involves understanding human behavior and development through the lens of social, economic, political and cultural interactions.

GN: How did you find yourself working in he social work field?

LN: It’s actually a funny story. When I was in A level I was so sure I’d grow up and be a big shot Psychologist. But God had other plans. In 2014 I was attached at Bulawayo City Council's social work department even though I had been studying towards a degree in Psychology. That was my first engagement in Social work. After graduation I enrolled for a master of Social Work in Botswana and during that time I did a lot of voluntary social work engagements including part time tutoring in the social work department, field work and counseling. I then got placement at a local NGO in Bulawayo, where I am to date doing a lot of Child Protection work.

GN: I guess we could say it's your calling. What attributes would you say are necessary for someone thinking about going into social work?

LN: Indeed it was. The nature of social work practice is one that needs adaptability. A social worker needs to be fluid enough to adapt to change and a sudden change of situation. There are also some key characteristics -innate or acquired that can be helpful namely empathy, good organization acumen, active listening, critical thinking, self care, cultural acceptance amongst other attributes.

GN: Which particular courses can someone take in order to get into social work?

LN: After taking A’ level Arts subjects, there are a number of routes towards social work: 1. You can do a certificate in Social work and then proceed to a diploma in social work 2. You can take a degree in Social work. There are a number of local institutions which offer social work as a certificate, diploma or degree. 3. If you have got a degree in one of the humanities/social sciences, you can do the post graduate diploma in Social work so as to bridge the gap and enable you to register with the Council of Social Workers Zimbabwe.

GN: What subjects at A level must one study in order to get into social work and how do these subjects enhance one's social work skills?

LN: The Arts subjects names History, literature, Ndebele/Shona, geography and especially sociology I believe can better equip you for social work. These inculcate analytical skills, and outline theoretical frameworks applicable in the study of social work. Subjects like Ndebele and Shona give perspective on cultures which are very important to acknowledge as you practice social work.

GN: How rewarding is a career in social work financially and otherwise?

LN: Hahah the million dollar question. I believe social work is rewarding locally both financially and exposure-wise. Social workers in the private/ NGO sector get a significantly income. However it’s not the same in government. But either way Social workers amass wells of knowledge through exposure to different communities and their livelihoods which makes them better equipped to even practice in the first world. Social workers practicing in the UK and other first world countries are remunerated significantly much as well.

GN: Where can one work as a social worker and how available are opportunities of employment?

LN: As a social worker you can work in government, NGOs, Hospitals (clinical social worker), Schools (school social worker), Private companies (industrial social worker), Judicial System or Forensics. Social workers fit in absolutely everywhere.

GN: What future trends in the business world should one lookout for as they think of going into the social work field?

LN: The Fourth Industrial Revolution is on everyone’s lips. Social workers are going to be even more relevant than they are today because of the challenges that will come with 4IR. Therefore let’s keep an eye out for this trend. With this in mind it’s also imperative that you constantly get academic backing through small certifications- those build up and keep you constantly relevant. In my case I’m taking short UNICEF courses, on child sensitive case management, HIV sensitive case management, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Strategies to Strength the Social Service Work Force for Child Protection. This is just all in a bid to maintain relevance.

GN: This is powerful really self betterment will always keep you a milestone ahead. What career advice do you have for the youth out there following this discussion?

LN: My advice is focus and be determined. Know what you want and go after it. Knock on every door and ask every question and get clarity on where you want to be from those who have walked that path.