Careers in Social Work

Intake Assistant ,Government of India,

Intake Assistant working for Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped, Government of India,

1)      Introduction about your job / career, define your career?

I am an Intake Assistant working for Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped, Government of India, Ministry of Labour & Employment, # C-432, 1st B Main, 1st Cross, Behind Peenya police station, peenya 1st stage, Bangalore-58.

I have been working for this department for the past twelve years. 

My career stated as an Intake Assistant some times they also call social worker.

As an Intake Assistant I do Registration of PWDs, file management, assisting other officials, coordination with administration and colleagues.

As a social worker, I do referral services like, vocational counseling, Vocational Rehabilitation, Economic Rehabilitation, Physical Restoration, Social Rehabilitation, placement contacts, rapport with clients, rehabilitation assistance, attending rehabilitation camps, etc.

2)      Qualification required for this job?

Essential Qualifications:  Degree of a recognized University or its equivalent with Diploma in Social Work or Guidance or Post Graduate Degree or its equivalent in Social Work or Sociology. 

Experience Required: 3 years post qualification experience in Social Work or Vocational Guidance or Employment Services.

Pay scale: Pre-revised:4500-7000.  Revised to Pay Band: 5200-20200, Grade Pay fixed: Rs.2800. Group-C, Non-Gazetted, Non-ministerial.

Age: 30years. Reservations applicable.

Recruited by:  It is a direct recruitment post.  Indent sent to Central Employment Exchange by the recruiting centre seeking applications via Advertisement in Employment News by Government of India, Directorate General of Employment & Training, Ministry of Labor and Employment, 14/11, Jamnagar House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110011.

The post is having All India Service Liability. The First appointment is done in the centre recruited. Later on one can seek transfer to any centre out of 20 existed centres in the same designation and capacity as and when vacancy arises.

3)      Personal qualities / skills required for this job?

·         Committed mind to serve the disabled persons.

·         Social Work bent of mind.

·         Idea about Disability Rehabilitation.

·      Reading, writing and spoken ability in English, Hindi and local language. 

·         Interview skill is required.

·         Basic Computer knowledge required.

4)      Best aspects of this job?

·         Best chance to serve the Persons with Disabilities.

·         Permanent Central Government Job.

·         Chance to learn other languages.

·         Due to feeder cadre, there is a chance (rarely) to become Rehabilitation Officer, Group-B Gazetted officer in the department.

·         Good Interaction and rapport will establish with Persons with Disability.

5)      Challenging aspects of this job?

·    Rehabilitating the persons with disabilities is a challenging aspect of this job.

·         Convincing the Higher Officers is a challenging one.

·         Learning the local language is a challenging aspect.

·         Sensitizing the employers is a challenging.

·         Applying social work methodology is also a challenging one.

·         All India transferable liability is also a challenging one.

·         Some times it is a laborious job.

·         Finding job satisfaction is also a big challenge.

6)      Your achievements?

• I learnt Oriya language.
• I learnt Kannada Language.
• I registered around 10000 PWD in my period for various services in centre.
• I counseled the PWDs in their best vocational rehabilitation plan.
• I understood the condition, status and problems of persons with disabilities around India.
• I understood the rehabilitation services rendered by other institutions in India.
• I used to advocate the problems of the clients with the appropriate authority.

7)      Your secret of success in your career?

Committed to my interest.

Following the higher officials and colleagues, some times Yes Bossism.

Best counseling skills.

Applying Social Work Methodology in service.

Studying the books, literature, articles and news papers about the social problems of people.

8) Give us some interesting accounts of your academic /education days?

Interesting account of my education is hap hazardous plan in my academic career. My environment driven me towards (immediate job) government job without any plan.

Without any destination I pursued some Degrees.

9)      How did you plan your career?

I could not plan my career perfectly.  I followed blind approach because the ultimate goal was government job.

10)  Describe your experience of your first day at work in your first job?

·         My first appointment was in Bhubaneswar, VRC.  Lack of knowledge of local language (Oriya) I could not converse with any person with disability. I used to observe the procedure what my colleague was doing. They wanted to see my mettle.  Higher official given me, dictation and asked me to get it done type, to see my English language proficiency. They have introduced me to all the staff.  Due to non-gazetted officer post they have not shown me my table, chair, place of work and nature of duties. Later on they said that one week time will be given to assign the work and in the mean while you observe and learn the work. I used to follow the colleague to learn the work while on work.

11)  Your major achievements have been in …………….which opportunities steered you on that path?

·         Due to my first appointment in Orissa, I needed to learn Oriya language.  I have purchased a book entitled “Oriya in small bites” written by a foreign visitor in Bhubaneswar.  Everyday in the evening hours I used to read, write and try to murmur the language my self with the help of the book. I used try to observe and speak with my colleagues while they speak.  Similarly I planed to learn Kannada language also. This achievement made me to speak to persons with disabilities and colleagues freely to deliver my services without any hesitation.

Establishing good rapport with persons with disabilities I achieved nearness with them.

Due to review of related literature I could have been counseled them very easily.

My sincerity, obedience and submissiveness I had overcome some hurdles.

My computer knowledge given me some more impetus to my job.

12)  Being a leader / social worker yourself what do you think you possess as a leader/social worker that sets you apart from other leaders?

I think I possess academic and professional knowledge in Law, sociology, social work, English, computer, administration I became a good rehabilitation social worker in my department. 

13)  How as a leader / social worker, do you go about developing yourself today?

As a social worker I would like to develop my self to become very near to the people.

• I would like to acquire the some more professional knowledge.
• I would like to try some more to achieve job satisfaction.
• I would like to change my self first rather than changing society.

14)  What keeps you so passionate about working in social work?

• My sensitivity to social problems.
• Easy accessibility with social work.
• Grip on social work process.
• Job Satisfaction in social work.
• Easy accessibility with administration, politics, academics, public contacts, etc.

15)  What are your current ambitions for the next phase in your life /career?

I would like to become Academician, social work thinker, good author, good friend.

16)  Your reading. How this does helps you in your personal and professional life?

•  Reading is the secret of my success.
• Reading gives comprehensive knowledge about the concepts of social problems, profession and life.
• Reading became my Master, Guide and Supervisor.
• Reading is my innate drive
• Reading makes me to forget the environment some time.

17)  What are your interest / hobbies?

• I am very much interesting in observing current social affairs.
• I am interesting in social contacts, establishing rapport with the people.
• My hobbies are Reading news papers, periodicals, books, magazines,
• Writing articles, books on current trends of people.
• Learning other languages.
• Browsing internet
• Friendship via mass media, internet, etc.
• Watching movies, documentaries, TV programs, listening to News and spotlight programs

18)  A family bonding experience ……………….?

·         Many times I felt that I could not make justification to my family members.  Much time I spent in meetings, camps being away from my family. I used to become tiresome and sick after coming from camps.    Being limited income and small post I could not meet many things of my family requirements.  My lifestyle like, eating habits changed.  In all these situations my family people supported me. My family members understood my interests, economic capacity and adjusted with me.

19)  Tips for aspiring professional social workers?

·         Maintain good health

·         Commitment is compulsory

·         Grip on Subject is compulsory

·         Social involvement and networking is compulsory

·         Convincing and obtaining own family members support

·         Limited political involvement

·         Follow the code of professional ethics

·         Positive thinking

·         Stay away from fanatics, superstitions, etc.

20)  Bitter experience in your career?

When I was working for an NGO in AP, I faced tuff time to enter into a village to implement Health Awareness Program. They have not allowed me to conduct such programs. Ultimately, with some counseling and with help of community development process technique they understood and allowed me to do the social work program in such village.

When I was working with Bhubaneswar VRC, I had been to an Industry on placement contact.  The Employer said “ I don’t believe all these rehabilitations and handicapped people, who permitted you inside? Go away and Don’t come again” indirectly he said ‘get out’.  At this time I filled with confidence in me and contacted another industry.

·   In Bangalore VRC, My colleague and counterpart leveled mobile theft against me and hided the important file due to professional jealousy and created panic purposefully in my career.

Dr. James Thomas MSW, Ph. D

Dr. James Thomas MSW, Ph. D

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

Worked as “General Manager – Organization Development/Corporate HR” in Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd.,(www.shahi.co.in)  (for all Business Divisions) from January 2010 till June 30, 2010 (Total years of work at Shahi was 8 years).  Shahi is the largest exporter of ready to wear apparel in India and has an employee Strength of more than 65000.

1.      Worked as “Manager – Human Resources” in Esix Technologies Pvt. Ltd, (www.esixtech.com) (a Software Development and Consulting Firm) Chennai.                       

2.      Worked   as  a ‘Senior   Executive   –   Human  Resources’   in  M/s   Kumaran

3.      Worked as a “Consultant – Human Resources” in M/s Manni & Kalarickal, Bangalore.

4.      Worked as the “Director” of Group for Urban and Rural Development

5.      Worked as “Social Worker” in KPFHP, Mysore affiliated to Christian Children’s Fund, USA.

   with First Class and First Rank.

1.       Introduction about your job/career, define your career?

Presently, I am heading HR function along with Administration, Legal, Social, Environmental and buyer compliances of Gokaldas Exports Ltd., one of the largest exporters of Ready to wear Apparel to USA and Europe.  Gokaldas Ltd., is one of the portfolio companies of Black Stone Group.  I am a part of the Senior Management team of GE.   I have been trying to infuse professionalism in HR, though a tough task, migration from promoter driven company to a professionally driven company is a tough task.  I have been focussing on developing HR systems and driving them.  The thrust areas  appropriately in the areas of Talent Acquisition and Management, Employee compensation and benefit administration, Performance Management System, Learning and Development, implementing 5 S and so on.

I have started my career with NGOs and taught in the Department of Studies in Social Work for a year and then worked with a couple of Software companies before moving to Apparel Domain.  Started my stint in Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd., in the Knits Division and later moved on to Corporate HR functions for the Group in Bangalore.

Heading HR Functions of Gokaldas Exports Ltd.,  is a very challenging task, factories spread across more than 33 locations and an employee strength of 40K plus.

2.       Qualification required for this job

A person should have competency in handling a large workforce with a thorough theoretical understanding of the subject.   The most important aspect of this job is that one should have a large heart to become a good HR person, though education and other skills are also very important. I have secured 1stRank in my MSW course specializing in Human Resources and also completed my Doctoral Studies from the University of Mysore.

3.       Personal qualification/skills required for this job?

The person should have handled a large workforce coupled with understanding of employee relations, managerial effectiveness, good communication skills etc.,

4.       Best aspect of this job

It is good to handle the complete gamut of HR function for a large organization like Gokaldas exports Ltd. 

5.       Challenging aspects of this job

The most challenging aspect of this job is to sustain the Human Resource pool.  Since Human talent is scarce in this domain we are facing a lot of challenges to hire and retain talent.  We do require about 5K people for the month of January 2013.

6.       Your achievement

I have been working hard in this Apparel Industry to bring about a change and highlight the role of HR in business performance.  With confidence I could say that there are a number of initiatives to bring up the organizational culture of this industry, where by HR fraternity has recognized my work in this field. 

To turn around a company with family oriented work culture to a professional work culture has been a very challenging task.  It requires a lot of top Management intervention.

7.       Your secret of success in your career

I believe that hard work pays.  One has to be in constant touch with the developments taking place in his own field and also outside.  I have been a part of the core business leadership and have got involved in business HR.  Been a part of quality management initiatives, LEAN management including implementing 5S and TPM and once HR gets into the business we could add much more value to business and HR will be recognized as the integral part of the business.

8.       Give some interesting accounts of your academic/education days

I cherish my college days of St. Philomena’s and ManasaGangotri campuses, University of Mysore.  I was a part of the College basketball, shuttle cock,  football and hand ball teams and represented ManasaGangotri in Shuttle cock. 

I have secured Fr. Didian Scholarship for securing highest marks in Sociology exam and also received National Merit Scholarship during college days.  I was the topper in MSW and secured 1st Rank.

Participated in two10 days rural camp and also taken students for a 10 days camp in Molakalmuru.

9.       How did you plan your career?

I have exposure to various fields and that has given me good understanding of the various nuances of working with people.  From NGOs to teaching to consulting to HR function.  

10.   Describe your experience of your first day at work in your first job

My first commercial assignment was with a Professor for a Research Project, data collection work.  Even though it was only for a shorter period I felt very happy to work and earn money

11.   Your major achievements

Could establish as a forward looking HR professional, HR fraternity recognized my contribution to apparel industry

I have received the HR Leadership Award based on the following parameters.

HR LEADERSHIP AWARDat the 7th EMPLOYER BRANDING AWARDS (Regional Round) is the most prestigious Award. It is a highest honour which an Individual can receive for his or her contribution

The task of choosing an award winner was given to a global research cell. This cell constitutes of professionals from different parts of the world. These professionals are then asked to submit their recommendations. This Cell is chaired by a Chairman who reviews recommendation. The Jury meets and identifies award winners.

Ø  Competencies are judged based on the following frame work:

1.      Strategic Perspective

2.      Business Goal Management

3.      Risk Management

4.      Team Orientation and People Management

5.      Networking

6.      Change Agent

7.      Customer Focus

8.      Business Acumen

9.      Performance Management

10.  Achieving Excellence

Ø  The criteria adopted are:

1.      Not much is written about the professionals in the media.

2.      ·         Internal   perception, within the organization& external perception is balanced on credibility, achievement & value contribution to the business.

3.      Track record of performance and achievements.

4.      Values, integrity and work life balance are essential competencies.

12.  Being a leader what do you think you possess as a leader that sets you apart from other leaders?

My exposure to various fields has given me immense opportunity to get involved with various teams, worked with them to achieve the results.  A Leader can perform only when the team performs.  I mingle very freely with the team members and other colleagues. 

13.  How as a Leader you go about developing yourself today

Abreast with the latest development in the field and clued on to what the business requires, that’s the most important.  We need to deliver what the business wants and I am trying to be ahead of the requirements.

14.   What keeps you passionate about social work

I am very font of Social Work.  I am presently the Managing Trustee of SNEHA (Society for New Environment and Humanitarian) an NGO working towards the improvement of marginalized sections of the Society especially Women and Children.  SNEHA also work for the children afflicted with Cancer, organized a no. of medical camps, free cataract operation camps, awareness programs for school kids related to HIV/ AIDS, free educational facilities to destitute children and so on.

15.   What are your ambitions for the next phase in your life/career

I want to advance in my career as HR Director rep. in the Board.

And also I want to develop the NGO and start a School of Social Work.  Since I am the President of MSW Alumni Association of the University of Mysore I would like to form an Alumni Association of the Schools, Colleges and Universities of Social Work and create a Council for Social Work Education and that would be the monitoring Body for all Social Work Education like Indian Medical Council.

16.   Your reading

I have been trying to catch up with the latest books, however, due to other pressing engagements indulging in books have come down.

17.   What are your interest/hobbies

I am very much font of sports; however as of now there are no much activities.  I love horse riding, shuttle cock and Karate.

18.   Family

I have a very good lovable family.  My wife takes care of home front as well as she is an HR Consultant to various companies. She has a Doctorate in Human Resource Management from the University of Madras.  She is also learning various foreign languages and presently she takes care of SNEHA (Society for New Environment and Humanitarian Action).  My elder daughter is in 9thstd and second daughter in 3rd std.

19.   Tips for aspiring professionals Social Workers

Follow your heart and definitely you would succeed. 

20.   Bitter experience in your career

Someone takes the fruit of your hard work

Email: james@james.co.in

Social Workers Career Directory