A career in community service is a terrific opportunity to make a difference, especially when it comes to supporting populations more at risk. A job in community service may be the ideal option for you if you're passionate about giving back to society as a whole.

At Computek College, we have a top-notch Community Service Worker (CSW) program that provides our students with the professional skills and tools they need to best support themselves and succeed in their chosen field.

The community support worker is a medical professional whose job is to provide a fun, engaging atmosphere for disabled persons in day programs and group homes. They intend to aid clients in acquiring the social, emotional, and physical skills necessary to foster well-being, independence, and confidence.

Even before enrolling, it’s essential to take stock of the skills you need to do well in community support. One of them is being an excellent listener, which will allow you to best support those you’re assisting daily.

Here are a few tips to remember to enhance your active listening skills to serve your clients best.

Listen, Respond: The Art of Reflective Listening

The capacity to listen attentively is one of the most crucial skills for anyone thinking about a career in community service. Since many of the clients of community service organizations may be in vulnerable positions, staff members are tasked with offering emotional support and practical assistance. Giving the other person your full attention is the only way to develop a high level of empathy and understanding, both of which are necessary for this situation.

You can use "reflective listening" as a communication tactic. To ensure you have understood the speaker, this is the habit of repeating back what they have said to them.

Short sentences and nonverbal utterances that show one is paying attention to what the speaker is saying are used by listeners to indicate their acknowledgment. Typical appreciation phrases include "mm-hmm," "oh," and "go on." These statements don't convey judgment and don't take the speaker's attention away from what they're saying.

Listen Actively and Without Judgement

Effective communication calls for attentive listening, sincerity, and empathy. When you are actively listening, your attention is on the other person as you make an effort to comprehend, decipher, and assess what they are saying. Communication without bias is the key.

Create a relaxed atmosphere so that your client can communicate and ponder. Wait a moment before answering. Never interrupt someone mid-sentence, finish their thought, or begin planning your response. When exercising active listening, pay attention to your attitude and body language. Make eye contact, keep your attention on the present, and listen respectfully.

Ask Clarifying Questions

It’s important to be genuinely curious and eager to learn more—this is how good listeners ask questions. It effectively conveys your complete attention to what is being discussed.

You must be careful that none of your inquiries come across as presumptuous and instead allow the client the chance to express any different ideas or sentiments. Questions may centre on the client's emotions or elicit further information about their experience, no matter how little.

 You will gain the knowledge and practical experience necessary to carry out individual case management, assessments, referrals, and development in the Community Services Work Diploma.

By the time you’ve completed your studies, you'll be competent to design, carry out, and supervise a range of social programming that appeals to a variety of people to make a significant and long-lasting influence. Learn more at Computek College!