KEY POINTS:
Name: Ravi Krishnan
Age: 34
Role: Social worker in schools (SWiS)
Working hours: 40 hour week, plus after hours meetings
Average pay: $36,000-$42,000 depending on contract and location
Qualifications: Diploma in Community and Social Work from Unitec (no longer exists. Now Bachelor of Social Practice)
Describe what you do.
As a school social worker I support, encourage and advocate for children at my schools, supporting them within the school or home. We get referrals through school staff, home and the community. Sometimes children self refer so it's important we spend time out in the playground and get known to the kids. It certainly makes it easier to develop relationships that way.
Our work with individual children includes helping reduce antisocial behaviour, such as violence and anger, building self esteem and confidence, improving life skills and family relationships. I currently have a caseload of 15 children over my two schools.
A child could be on my caseload for one to six months, sometimes longer, depending on the child's need. I do home visits to all the parents or caregivers of kids on our caseloads. These visits could include helping them obtain services they need in the community. We also run school based programmes to encourage things like team building skills, social skills and self esteem.
Who do you work for?
I am contracted by Family Works and Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust and based in two Kelston schools; St Leonard's Road Primary School and Kelston Intermediate.
The children are predominantly Pacific Island and Maori. There are also quite a few Indians. I think it helps that I come from two cultures - Fiji Indian and Pakeha. I've been here two years.
Altogether, there are six SWiS workers in West Auckland in 13 low decile primary schools.
Your history?
Originally, I was a men's hairdresser. After five years, I wanted a change and did a teacher aide job for a year. I found that very satisfying and became interested in working with children, but I didn't want to become a teacher. I saw a need for social workers and thought it would be a great role so I went to Unitec and did my diploma in community and social work.
After finishing, I worked for Child Youth and Family Service (CYFS) for six months which was a good way to gain insights into the statutory role of social work. That knowledge is useful when working and liaising between the school and CYFS for a child. It also clarified that I did, indeed, want to be in a community role.
What is the difference?
A CYFS social worker's role involves crisis intervention. They have statutory powers to enforce the safety of a child. A school social worker's role is based on early intervention. By intervening early, you hopefully get in before the situation becomes a crisis. And families can decline our school service. We can't enforce anything.
What skills or qualities do you need?
You need to be empathetic, patient, creative and a good listener with a sense of humour. You have to be able to communicate with all ages because you're dealing with teachers, parents, caregivers and grandparents, as well as the children. You have to be culturally aware. You need to be able to organise your time and plan well. But most of all you have to ask yourself whether you have a heart for children? Are you interested in their wellbeing?
What sort of training or experience do you need to do the job?
You need a tertiary qualification. But don't be put off by the academic side because Unitec offer really good academic support. If you have a passion for what you're doing, you'll get through it.
It is a field that desperately needs more male role models and mentors.
Best part of the job?
Seeing kids happy and laughing and settled and telling you something good, after coming through a bad experience. That is a buzz and a privilege to be part of.
What are the challenges?
When you know you can help a family in a situation but they don't want to come on board, maybe because of the stigma attached to the title of social worker.
Working with children who have behavioural concerns and finding out there are home concerns and issues impacting on the child.
Advice to someone wanting to do same thing?
Talk to other school social workers. Get experience in working with people, particularly children.
Where would you like to be in five years?
I'm not sure whether I'll still be in a school but I still want to be working with kids, possibly with children with disabilities.
