Social Worker Assistant

Contact: patti.bigwood@avivatucson.org or call: 327.6779 ex 11
Social Worker Assistants (SWAs) are volunteers who make a huge difference in the busy work schedules of CPS workers.  Under the supervision of a unit supervisor or case worker, SWAs make home visits, assess client needs, make phone calls and schedule appointments, research case records, write reports, attend team staffing's and court hearings, interview children and foster parents, supervise visits, and transport children or perform other tasks depending on the unit.  As the SWA volunteer becomes more proficient and comfortable, more responsibility may be delegated.  This is a unique and excellent way to test your affinity for social service work and a great resume enhancer.

Course credit may be earned through the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Pima Community College or University of Phoenix. Volunteers do not have to be students to be interested in helping CPS case workers; however they must be at least 20 years old. Daytime availability is required and a semester long or four month commitment is preferred. Volunteers work an average of 8-10 hours per week. A vehicle is preferred and mileage is reimbursed.  Social Worker Assistant volunteers attend all 3 Saturday training sessions.

The following statements are excerpts from exit interviews from two SWAs:

The question: What was the most challenging part of your placement?  For me, the biggest challenge was coming to terms with the enormous amount of work needed to be done, and dealing with the fact that there is simply not enough time or resources to do it all. I learned to accept that all you can do is try your best to meet the most pressing needs of clients and hopefully help them with what they need.

The question: What did you learn about yourself?  I learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was.  Going into the internship I was concerned that I would become overwhelmed emotionally.  While the situations that arose were challenging I surprised myself with my ability to not become consumed and depressed by the difficult situations that go on at CPS.

The question: Please feel free to add any comments:  Working as a social worker assistant was one of the most eye-opening and fulfilling experiences that I have had.  I learned what it felt like to really help people to change and to see that take place.  The unit I worked in was especially helpful in facilitating this learning experience for me.

Another SWA wrote: My internship continues to provide me with such a grand exposure to case management as a social worker that I no longer doubt my abilities but acknowledge my strengths.