Being a social worker has never been for the faint of heart. As conscientious and driven as we are to do no harm, the work can be draining and rewarding, challenging and satisfying, grueling and gratifying, all the while being gut-wrenching and soul-stirring.
Because of the nature of our work, our emotional energy reserves are easily depleted. For social workers who have continued to support clients during the turmoil and loss associated with the coronavirus there has been an emotional toll. The 30 second transition time from clinical social worker to parent and/or partner has eliminated any readjustment time between stressful roles.
We continue to be present for our family, friends and clients. However, in the process we may have ignored, or at least put on hold, our own needs for job satisfaction and any career aspirations we may have had. It is difficult to make objective career choices when you are emotionally exhausted.
Benefits and Roles in Mentoring
Mentoring for social workers is a personalized, confidential process designed to create personal and professional growth within a safe, supportive environment. Mentoring:
- Provides you with an active listener in a no judgement zone.
- Offers practical strategies for eliminating time and money wasting activities that frequently lead to burn-out.
- Involves recommending tips, tactics and strategies for navigating office politics.
- Guides you through developing a private practice or your promotion to a leadership role.
- Assists in the identification of barriers to attaining your career goals.
- Rejuvenates the reasons for becoming a social worker.
The role of a social work mentor is to draw on their own expertise as a social worker and through guidance, encouragement, feedback and support assist their mentees in realizing their full professional potential.
The role of the mentee is to be receptive and be an active participant in their professional journey. Through collaboration with their mentor, mentees will identify and conquer their professional roadblocks, obstacles and challenges.
Stages of a Social Worker’s Career
When being the port in the storm for everyone else helps to create emotional turmoil to the social worker, mentoring for social workers can help calm the waters. Having been a licensed clinical social worker for 40+ years, I understand the challenges at the various stages of a social worker’s career. I have experienced them, too. Do any of the following sound familiar?
The Recent Graduate
- What if someone finds out I don’t know everything (the imposter syndrome)?
- How do I avoid taking it personally if a client ghosts me or fails to make progress?
- The “crisis of faith”, how do I know this is really the right career for me?
The Career Social Worker
- How do I decide on a horizontal career move, for example, moving to a new position within my organization or changing the population I work with?
- How do I decide on a vertical career move, for example, moving from direct care to a leadership role or transitioning from a supervisory role to direct care?
- What do I need to know about operating a private practice?
Retirement
- When is it time to retire?
- If I retire, what will happen to my clients? My private practice?
- If not a social worker, then what?
Kathryn Maietta, MSW, LCSW
Being a social worker has provided me with the emotional satisfaction of offering support and guidance to others. There is no other profession I have ever considered. I am a social worker. It is my area of expertise.
Through mentoring for social workers, I offer a safe, confidential place to identify, assess, initiate and accomplish their professional goals. Who knows what you are going through professionally more than another social worker?
To review my credentials and the social work experience that I bring to the mentoring relationship, please click on About Kathryn Maietta MSW, LCSW
The Details of Mentoring
Mentoring for Social Workers is available exclusively for BASW and MSW level social workers. For your convenience, all mentoring is conducted via video or phone. Flexible hours are available to fit your work and leisure schedule.
Please Note: Mentoring space is limited.
Single Sessions:
- Free 15-minute telephone consultation to determine if we are a good match and to discuss what you might expect from mentoring.
- Starting at $250 per hour
Monthly Rate:
- $500 for two 60-minute sessions per month
- Up to two email check-ins per month
- First Month: a signed copy of each of my books: Crush your Stress: 302 Coping Skills for Managing Stress and Relationships Relearned – The Book
For more information and/or to arrange for your free 15-minute consultation, please contact:
kathryn@relationshipsrelearned.com
