TIME MANAGEMENT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS California State University

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS California State University- Berkeley

As a result of this training, participants will be able to: v Choose three time management tools that he/she can employ in the workplace v Value the importance of effective time management for the provision of quality child welfare services v Identify at least two barriers to effective time management, and at least two strategies for overcoming these barriers

Increasing complexity of child welfare work Ø Prioritization is necessary or you will not be able to complete what is required of you Ø Not feeling like you can complete what is expected of you can lead to burnout, stress and job dissatisfaction Ø Within the legal system, not completing requirements can lead to added tasks; e. g. , more court appearances (vicious cycle) Ø

1. 2. 3. Prompt return of phone calls Empowerment allows clients to do more for themselves, relying on you less. Honestly, credibility, solid assessment, and casework skills demonstrated during all contacts with attorneys can help decrease the adversarial nature of these relationships. 4. 5. 6. Use of written contracts with parents. Good social work practice and timely submission of court reports develop a good relationship with the Judge/Commissioner/ Referee. Having a sound understanding of your professional role and the tasks that you must complete increases respect for your position

I haven’t got time to use all that time management stuff. • The people I work with won’t let me manage my time the way I want. • How I manage my time is just part of my personality. • If I use time management, my life will be too controlled. •

TIME MANAGEMENT BARRIERS

WHY DO WE PROCRASTINATE ? Waiting for the right mood or the right time q A fear of failure or success q Underdeveloped decision making skills q Poor organizational skills q Perfectionism Source: mindtools. com q

OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION ü Recognizing that you are procrastinating; Be honest with yourself ü Work out WHY you are procrastinating ü Get over IT! Source: mindtools. com

v. Interruptions v. Socializing v. Meetings v. Unscheduled visitors v. Poor work environment v. Unclear goals v“Red tape”

• Procrastination • Lack of planning • Priorities misaligned • Indecision • Physical/mental exhaustion • Being a “yes” person • Messy/disorganized workstation • Low motivation

TIME MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

What is important to you? You can’t accomplish everything Set personal and professional priorities Plan ahead to allocate your time appropriately Time Management Tools & Techniques § “To Do” lists § Time Diary § Awareness of your internal and external time suckers

u. A master planning tool u Annually, monthly and weekly u A “To Do” list can create better productivity › › Visual scheduler Reminder Provides direction You feel good when you can finish something and cross it off your list

Ø Ø Ø Create Templates and form letters Allow time for emergencies; don’t overbook yourself Schedule the most challenging tasks at your best times of the day (biorhythms) Keep your goals in mind Evaluate your priorities continuously and work on the most important task first (Covey)

ü TRIM – stay away from excess e-mail, memos, newsletters, magazines, etc. ü OUTSOURCE - ü SAVE – file things you must save immediately. throw it, pass it, put it 80% of what you keep you won’t use again! ü START – do it now! Set aside time daily to work through the stack of paperwork on your desk.

TIME MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

TO DO LIST - Make a list of things that need to be done. IMMEDIATE - Some activities/items need immediate attention. (meet with supervisor, return phone calls, etc. ) Assess whether safety is an issue. (Child at immediate risk, police waiting, etc. ) MUST DOs - Things that must be done today, or at least started today; finishing up prior activities. (Start or complete discovery, home visit deadlines, etc. ) EXTENDED - Activities that need attention, but over a period of time such as court reports. Move up to must do as court hearing date approaches.

u Identify Your Time Management Goals - u What do I want to do? Or What do I need to do? u Know yourself, your body and your daily rhythm u u u When are you most productive? Know your problem areas and implement solutions Smelling coffee that leads to a coffee break Ending a conversation with someone so you can finish your own tasks Build on your general time management skills u Delegate, Organize & Seek Advice u Develop a system to prioritize your work Find a plan that works for you

The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour. ~Japanese Proverb