The Aura of Social Work

by Elizabeth J. Clark, Ph.D., MSW, MPH

     When I was small, my mother complained that I talked to everyone we passed on the street. As I grew up, I thought of myself as friendly and outgoing - and helpful. I liked being helpful, and that led me to a career in social work. Somewhere along the line, I began to realize that others, even complete strangers, seemed to know they could talk to me - that I would listen to their concerns and help if I could.

     Several examples quickly come to mind. One night in an airport during a bad snowstorm, I somehow ended up with a small entourage of inexperienced travelers sticking close to me as we waited for the airport to open again. I helped an older couple get their flight rebooked and get to the correct gate, and I kept a young teenager calm and fed.

     Similarly, no matter where I sit on an airplane, there will be a seatmate who needs to talk. Some of the stories are unbearably sad, like that of a young soldier on his way home to bury his parents. I expressed my sympathy, and he went on to tell me that his father had murdered his mother and then killed himself. We were on a small commuter plane and everyone was listening. Another time, a woman next to me cried much of the flight because her grandson was quite ill. There was a man who had sold his car and house to go to China to marry a bride he had found online. He was nervous and kept questioning his decision. At times like these, I am so grateful that I am trained in social work. I am careful not to give professional advice or engage in any type of therapy, but I am an excellent listener.

     There are other times when I find myself doing group work in places like the grocery store check-out line. It will start simply. Someone can't lift a gallon of milk onto the conveyor belt and will ask me to do it. The next moment, she is telling me about her recent surgery and the fact that she is still in pain. (Appropriate response: Have you told your doctor you are in pain?) Soon there are two other people in line joining the group discussion.  

     Each of you reading this can relate to what I am saying, because you have an aura about you that flashes "Social Worker, Social Worker," too. It attracts family members, friends, co-workers, and strangers. They feel they can trust you, and they seek you out when they have a problem. Your aura signifies that you are approachable, that you will listen and help. 

     I have thought about this "Social Work Aura" over the years. I am generally fine with it. There are days, however, when I wish it wouldn't shine quite so brightly. I have a favorite postcard with a picture of an exhausted woman that says, "How tired I feel - I understood so much today." We all know that feeling, but we chose the profession of social work (or perhaps it chose us) because we were meant to help others, so wear your aura with pride.  

Dr. Elizabeth Clark was CEO of the National Association of Social Workers from 2001 to 2013. She currently is the President of the Start Smart Career Center.