What is meant by "interpersonal skills" in social work?

Interpersonal skills in social work refer primarily to the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. These skills are essential for establishing trust and rapport, which are foundational to effective social work practice. Strong interpersonal skills enable social workers to understand clients' needs, empathize with their situations, and collaborate with them to develop treatment plans or interventions.

In practice, interpersonal skills involve active listening, empathy, respect, and adaptability in communication styles to meet the diverse needs of clients. Such skills are crucial for engaging with individuals from various backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment conducive to positive change.

While technical knowledge of social work, handling finances, and creating administrative policies are important in their own right, they do not encompass the essence of interpersonal skills. These technical aspects are often secondary to the primary goal of social work, which is to support and empower individuals through meaningful interactions and relationships.