A guest lecture on “Life Skills for Social Workers”

The department of social work had organized a guest lecture on “Life skills for Social Workers” on 7.09.2023 for I year MSW students. Ms. Suguna, District livilihood manager, Magic bus foundation, Mysuru was the resource person. Life skills training are essential for social workers to effectively support individuals and communities in need, manage the demands of their profession, and maintain their own well-being. These skills complement the academic and theoretical knowledge that social workers acquire through their education and training, making them more well-rounded and capable professionals.

The session includes the following traits to be developed by the participants:

Enhancing Empathy and Communication: Social workers need to have strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with their clients. Life skills training can help improve their communication, active listening, and empathy, which are crucial for understanding and addressing the needs of individuals and communities.

Problem Solving and Decision-Making: Social workers often face complex and challenging situations that require effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Life skills training can equip them with the tools to analyze situations, identify solutions, and make informed decisions, which are vital in their line of work.

Stress Management: Social work can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Life skills training can provide social workers with techniques and strategies to manage stress, maintain their own well-being, and prevent burnout. This is essential for their long-term effectiveness in helping others.

Conflict Resolution: Conflict can arise in various social work settings, whether it’s within families, between clients, or with other professionals. Life skills training can teach social workers conflict resolution skills, which are valuable for mediating disputes and maintaining a positive working environment.

Cultural Competence: Social workers often work with diverse populations, and cultural competence is essential for understanding and respecting the values, beliefs, and practices of different communities. Life skills training can include cultural sensitivity and awareness, helping social workers work effectively across various cultural contexts.

Time Management: Social workers have demanding schedules and may be juggling multiple cases and responsibilities simultaneously. Life skills training can help them improve their time management and organizational skills, ensuring that they can effectively prioritize and manage their workloads.

Self-Care: Social workers are at risk of burnout due to the emotionally taxing nature of their work. Life skills training can teach them self-care strategies, such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and setting boundaries, to help them maintain their mental and emotional well-being.

Resilience: Life skills training can help social workers develop resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. This skill is crucial when dealing with challenging situations and setbacks, enabling social workers to continue their work with determination and perseverance.

Adaptability: Social work often involves dealing with unpredictable situations and evolving client needs. Life skills training can enhance a social worker’s adaptability, enabling them to adjust to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions.

Professional Development: Life skills training contributes to the overall professional development of social workers. It equips them with a diverse set of skills that not only benefit their clients but also enhance their career prospects and job satisfaction.

The session included GD, activity and role play.

Resource person profile: Ms. Suguna has completed MSW from School of social work Mangalore University and PGDHRM from Mysuru University. She has a 14 years of experience in Social work in skill development program,6 years of experience in Dr Reddy’s Foundation as a Facilitatator and working in MagicBus India Foundation for the past 8 years till date. She was a Trainer and counselor and now working as District livilihood manager for Mysuru location.