Self-Advocacy in Social Work: A Time for Reflection

by Christa Orfitelli, LISW

     How often do you advocate for your clients? As part of our social work profession, empowerment and advocacy are built in, and advocacy most likely is an inherent part of who you are and your work role. So, how often do you advocate for yourself? Truly consider this. On a scale from 0-10, where do you rate yourself? 

     This question is crucial to the profession, as well as applying this to your self-growth and modeling of behavior to your clients and co-workers. Many social workers have qualities that help them excel in their roles – empathy, second chances, removing barriers, and general advocacy. Often, in speaking with other social workers, I find there is a struggle with self-advocacy. How often do any of us use those skills that help others, to also help ourselves, and to help advance our profession? 

     Consider ways to apply this, perhaps within pay negotiations, taking time away from work, or for self-care - or maybe within tough conversations that may arise if the voice of the social worker is less recognized than another voice in the system. How do we assess what is best for us as individuals, as well as consider ways to promote the profession? 

     Consider the ethical principles within the social work (NASW) Code of Ethics. We are trained to apply them to clients. How would it look if you modeled the principles by applying them to yourself, as well? 

• Service: How can you help yourself right now, personally and professionally?
• Social Justice: Do YOU have a seat at the table where decisions are made, or at least an understanding of how your job is structured and fits into the system, so you can participate in your own advocacy?
• Dignity and Worth of the Person: How do you address employee needs or handle conflict? How do you advocate for your role or self?
• Importance of Human Relationships: Are you a bridge to healthy relationships in your work setting? If those relationships are difficult, do you hold boundaries to keep yourself okay?
• Integrity: How do you model this in the work place, maintaining truth in word and action?
• Competence:  How do you add value within your area of expertise but know your own limits, as well?

     Consider these as growth areas, reflecting so as to consider ways to implement and apply to ourselves the standards we offer to our clients.  Modeling "what we preach" so to say, and in that way, maybe growing in our own satisfaction and perhaps lessening burnout, is important in a time when stress is running high with COVID-19, jobs affected, and relationship stress.  Perhaps just consider turning the tables and applying some self-advocacy, as well.

Christa Orfitelli, LISW, OTR/L, has an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy and a master's degree in social work from the University of Iowa.