Social worker, NSW

When he was growing up, Tod Brealey always wanted to help others. Today he’s a case worker for the NSW Department of Community Services working at its specialist adolescent service based at Kings Cross.

He’s seen both tragedy and triumph in his role but finds the rewards of helping both invigorating and character building.

“I’ve been with DOCS for five years. I was based in Sutherland for a couple of years but now I’m doing my second stint at Kings Cross,” he says. It’s quite a leap from the Shire to the Cross, but Brealey hit the ground running and learned fresh strategies on the job.

“It’s a different approach in that our work is on the street, doing what we call ‘outreach’ — linking up with young people who are living on the street for various reasons,” he says. This could be because they’re homeless, have drug or alcohol issues, are involved in sex work, dealing drugs, or involved in criminal activity such as stealing.

The one-on-one intensity is potentially more emotionally draining but Brealey has grown in the role.

“For me it’s been learning on the job. In the suburbs you still see some full-on things such as physical and sexual abuse so it’s part of learning how to deal with that,” he says.

His degree didn’t expose him to the worst and though DOCS gave him supervision, some things had to be learned the hard way.

“The exploitation was confronting for me but the great part is working with adolescents,” Brealey says. “You’re dealing with people at a very critical time in their lives. They’re working things out, trying to process relationships or what they want to do with employment or education. Even choosing to continue their lives. “Being confronted is where the rewards come from.
The best part is to be able to assist young people in seeing options — that it’s not hopeless and they do have some choices though they may not be able to see it at the time.”

DOCS is a large government department so there are many options in management, either managing other case workers or developing policy.
It is also happy to support workers in further study.

Brealey says people skills are the main prerequisite. “Anyone could possibly do the job. You learn empathy or understanding. I think patience is very important in dealing with people who can sometimes be aggressive, particularly if there’s mental health issues or drug issues.

“Understanding their circumstances — a lot of these people didn’t choose to be where they’re at. So being non-judgmental and sensitive to that, being respectful of circumstances. I have a broader world view as a result of the job.”

How to be … A social worker
You must have good problem solving and communication skills and a degree in social work, social science or welfare. More information, Australian Association of Social Workers, 1800630124 or www.aasw.asn.au

By Erica Watson, The Daily Telegraph, February 18 2006.