Social workers are pillars in our society, working tirelessly to support the mental health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our community. Social workers share a common purpose of wanting to help those around them, give back, and help improve people’s circumstances and situations. They empower, encourage, and uphold values of human rights and social justice.

As an Agency that supports the mental health of children, youth, and families in our community, Hull Services is grateful to have amazing social workers carry out the important work being done.

With today being World Social Work day, we had the opportunity to speak to three social workers at Hull to hear why they became social workers, how they stay up-to-date on best practices in their field, and how they build trust with people they work with.

Steph Nikolau, Program Coordinator, Reflections

What inspired you to become a social worker?

“I wanted to get into a profession where I could help people. I was really drawn to social work and the diversity of the work and the impact it has. When I work with young people, I kind of leave it in their court. I don’t like to overshadow or push the relationship. I like to be a consistent presence that they know who I am and see me. 

How do you stay up top date on best practices and ways of care in your field?

“To stay up to date on best practices in my field, I feel like I’m always finding new ways to learn. Within this profession, learning never stops – whether that’s through the young people we work with, or by attending conferences.”

This year’s World Social Work Day theme is Co-Building Hope and Harmony, aiming to bring people together across communities and cultures to help shape a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. When thinking about this theme and connecting it to Hull’s mission and values and the work we do, how do you think the theme can be best achieved?

“I think this year’s theme is embodied in the work we do every day, to be honest. I also think it’s the values that our program has and that we try to instill with the kids and having them feel safe and supported regardless of who they are or where they come from. It’s also in the work we do with communities and how we advocate for the kids and how we teach communities about our work and the young people and the supports they may need.”

Phil Herman, Clinician & Family Therapist | Pathways to Prevention

What inspired you to become a social worker?

“Growing up, my mom thought it was important to put me in hockey, but due to the high costs of the sport, it was a struggle. We received a lot of help from the community, paying for my equipment, drive me to practices and games, and so that was the first time I got a sense of feeling community supports around me.

And of course, I didn’t recognize this as a child, but as I got older and reflected back, that was the first sense of community support coming together to create what we know now as resiliency factors within me, because, of course, my direction could have gone very different. So seeing the impacts community can have, and how people can come together and connecting, those pieces came together to make me want to be a social worker.” 

How do you approach building trust with people you help support?

“In building trust with the people we work with, it’s always about active listening. It’s about listening to what people are coming to you with, and trying to understand where they’re coming from. Everyone’s got a different story, and everyone is dealing with something. We’re here to listen, to understand, and communicate that level of empathy to help build that foundational relationship.” 

How do you stay up top date on best practices and ways of care in your field?

“In staying up to date on best practices in my field, I’m always reading, always learning, and I think that helps me stay fresh.”

This year’s World Social Work Day theme is Co-Building Hope and Harmony, aiming to bring people together across communities and cultures to help shape a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. When thinking about this theme and connecting it to Hull’s mission and values and the work we do, how do you think the theme can be best achieved? 

“On this year’s World Social Work Day theme of hope and harmony and sustainability: One thing I’ve noticed at Hull is how we have increased Indigenous ways of knowing, and coupled with family involvement and inclusivity, has shifted and impacted the way we practice at Hull. And when we talk about the Neurosequential Model, it’s the neuroscience that’s behind it that can speak to concepts that Indigenous knowledge has always known.

Those pieces that we’ve always known at Hull, coupled with what Indigenous people have always known, and weaving that within our practice and how we work with kids and families creates more connection and helps build that resilience and fits within the pillars of what we’re trying to do here at Hull.”

Andrea Ulrich, Program Director | Bridging the Gap, Fostering Connections & Mentors Matter 

What inspired you to become a social worker?

“I have always been a helper and a good listener. I had started university in general studies, and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.  I met with an academic advisor who knew me well and she had suggested I look into social work, a field I previously knew little about. Shortly after this conversation, I was submitting my application for the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Calgary. Once in the program, and in the field, I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t considered this path on my own.”

How do you approach building trust with people you help support?

“Building trust happens over time and it’s important to give relationships time to develop. It’s crucial to show up consistently, provide honest and open communication, while being true to who you are as an individual. When you are consistent and follow through for those you’re supporting, over time, trust builds.”

Can you describe a particularly rewarding experience/moment you’ve had as a social worker?

“I’ve had so many over the years. There have been lots of big moments and I also think of all the smaller ones to. I’ve been part of many people’s journey and it’s always great to see whenever someone recognizes when they are taking steps to improving theirs and their families lives, even when it’s challenging to do so.”

How do you stay up top date on best practices and ways of care in your field?

“I have found that attending conferences and participating in various communities of practice has helped me to keep up to date. That said, I find the best way to keep up with current changes in the field is to supervise practicum students, as they are learning the most current practices. I have learned so much from each student I’ve supervised.”

This year’s World Social Work Day theme is Co-Building Hope and Harmony, aiming to bring people together across communities and cultures to help shape a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. When thinking about this theme and connecting it to Hull’s mission and values and the work we do, how do you think the theme can be best achieved? 

“This theme lines up well with Hull’s mission, as our mission is to partner with others, building community, bringing people together while we collaboratively work towards a brighter tomorrow. Hull strives to support others by bringing people together to share and learn from one another.”