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Cool. Last Friday in my macro social work class (organizations and groups - basically a community organizing type class) our intro activity was to tell the prof our name and one or two aspects of our ideal job. I went first and realized I cared much more about what other folks were going to say than saying my piece - which is a great place to be. I quickly whipped out a pen and took notes.

So, this list is provided as is. It's a powerful checklist not just for getting a new job... but advocating for changes for whatever you're already doing to make it more sustainable as an activity. Some of these things seem to contradict and some are duplicates, but again: as is.

I've seen lists like this in the past...but as a list created entirely by helping professionals, I thought it might be interesting. For me, as someone that wants to do program management (really, I want the executive director position of a PA site, preferrably PANC... very specific!), this would be a great checklist to measure how a job is doing at providing culture for staff.

Without further ado, the list.

• The work is values driven, everything from projects to menial tasks. Everything done connects clearly (or can be connected) with the answer to the question : how is this an important action that fit my values and the organization's values?
• It's local and bikable/walkable... it's almost neighborhood work.
• (1) There's little bureaucracy and (2) measurement of outcomes to improve meaningful services is joyfully participated in vs. used as impossible to meet expectations to measuring how lacking everyone is.
• Flexible work schedule to allow for necessary personal life commitments
• Comfortable pay - not too high (unethically so, money begins to complicate life), not too low (basics to life comfortably with a balance of occasional fun purchase).
• Dynamic job with a great deal of self-determination in both what gets done and how to do it within the team context - individual values are valued.
• (1) No random hours, like working 9-10, then 6-8, then...etc. If you're "working 8 hours", it's an efficient 8 hours - no huge and repetitious commutes or transition times that make working 8 hours have a 14 hour toll on your personal life (2) Working directly with folks served.
• (1) Be challenged and (2) to reach someone and make a meaningful benefit
• (1) Goals for job are actually achievable or "winnable. (2) Everyone in the organization, from clients/consumers to staff to community members has a voice, a say in what's being done and how it's being done.
• Variety! Working independently and as a team.
• (1) Have a personal voice in the organization. (2) Make a visible difference in the eyes of consumers and staff.
• (1) Flexible and challenging. (2) Client's issues come first, billing comes second.
• (1) Collaboration with a team. (2) Keeping the client/consumer at the core.
• (1) There's time for reading and reflection, and that time isn't frowned on but given value. (2) Listening is appreciated as well.
• Opportunities to learn from colleagues, make a difference and advance in the job.
• More dialog with decision makers so up and down are connected.
• (1) Make a difference and (2) Personal life and job are balanced.
• Co-workers and self have a passion to do the job.
• Flexible schedule and flexible in how to get things done (self-determination).
• You can SEE the impact you're making.
• Flexible in what you do during the day, not just non-stop routine and schedule.
• Be one's own boss - make what you want to happen happen.
• (1) Strong leadership and (2) agency security.
• (1) New ideas are respected and (2) You know you're making a difference
• You've got time w/ family... you can work from home or at a distance sometimes.
• It doesn't overwhelm you.
• Your supervisor's available (but not micromanaging).
• Leadership has clear communication.
• You can advocate for yourself AND your clients/consumers.
• There' s a line between work and life... work does not EQUAL life. (other folks felt otherwise.)
  

Labels: social workers