I had “an appointment” (what my coworkers are calling it now) at the agency I interned at during my last year of grad school. They have an awesome research position open that I really want. It was nice going back to a place where the staff says hi and smiles when you walk by.
I think I did well and I hope they call back soon for a 2nd appointment. When I was describing what I was looking for in a position vs what I do now, I mentioned community. Most social workers have a certain community or group they like to work with. Most agencies can identify a certain community they serve. My current job can’t do that. My clients don’t have any common characteristics. Sometimes I’m not even talking to a direct client but to their family member. Then they really don’t have anything in common with most of my clients, they can come from anywhere and do anything.
When I started my current job, my supervisor said she liked the job because she liked working with high functioning adults. If your definition of high functioning is being able to use a phone, then yes. I have talked to some clients that have severe problems that we are not equipped to handle. And we’re not equipped to handle them because we are trying to offer such a broad range of services that will fit anyone. We don’t have a specific community to focus on.
At the agency I was at today, they have specific communities they help. You can observe any of their programs and see common characteristics in their clients. The research department (which I would be working in) explores new ways of serving those communities and looks into what those communities need.
I think this type of work would be much better for me. I would feel like I’ve accomplished something and I would have long term projects and goals.
So now I have to be patient and wait for my 2nd appointment. And do my research so I sound awesome when I go back.