World Social Work Day, observed on 18 March this year, is a powerful reminder of the unwavering dedication and compassion of social workers. They stand in solidarity with the individuals and families that they support, guiding them through life’s most challenging moments, offering a lifeline to those in crisis, and becoming the voice of those in vulnerable situations. For many social workers, their work is driven by empathy, resilience and a desire to see a more compassionate society. In this special Social Work Day’s feature, please meet SPD’s senior social worker Callie Khor.
After graduating with a degree in psychology and counselling, Callie wanted to become a counsellor but the job search proved to be challenging. The path led her to a social work associate role where subsequently she went on to pursue a graduate diploma in social work at the Singapore University of Social Services.
Callie joined SPD in 2024 with more than 10 years of social work experience in the social service sector. Building on her experience in case management support and intervention, Callie now supervises all the social workers in SPD’s Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC).
Reflecting on her 16-year journey in the profession, she has learned that true professionalism lies in doing her best despite setbacks. Recalling a caregiver whose child has autism, Callie shared how after hours of listening to the mother’s caregiving challenges and establishing a bond with her, the caregiver raised a complaint during a parent-teacher meeting, questioning the team’s lack of support in acquiring an assistive device for her child.
Callie found out later that before she took over the case, the child was assessed to be not ready for the device. However, the caregiver was adamant that her request was neglected and escalated the issue to management. Callie admitted that the situation was disappointing. She had invested significant time and effort in supporting the caregiver, only to face misunderstanding and frustrations. From this episode, she learned the importance of setting realistic expectations in professional interactions. The other party may react according to their emotions, personal struggles or due to misunderstandings, rather than acknowledging her genuine intentions.
Nevertheless, the social work veteran remains committed to doing her best for all her clients. “By being prepared physically and mentally, I can better understand their needs and meet them where they are,” said Callie.
Callie shows us what she brings with her when out for home visits.
Water bottle and mints
“Staying hydrated is crucial. The weather may be scorching, and I might be having multiple house visits in a day. My water bottle is always full so that I stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Mints have been a great help too – especially when meetings overrun, and I am only able to grab a quick bite in between sessions. My daughter has also lovingly stuck her favourite “you are awesome!” sticker on my water bottle, and this has been a great reminder to me to give my best in everything that I do at work.”
Tissue packet, mask and hand sanitiser
“As social workers, we might need to follow the teachers for home visits to assess if the family is going through challenges or facing high levels of stress in their lives. I try to maintain proper hygiene by wearing masks and using hand sanitiser before and after meeting clients. This is especially essential when interacting with vulnerable individuals who may have health concerns.”
Portable charger and phone
“Every piece of information, however small it may be, can be helpful for presenting the client’s case to the team. I use my phone to record videos if needed and also to stay connected with my team when I am out. As social workers, our clients rely on our support. It is important for us to be readily available, so that we can provide the necessary support in a timely manner. My portable charger ensures that I am not caught in a situation where I am uncontactable due to no charge on my phone.”
Notebook and pen
“Writing notes in my notebook can be less terrifying for some clients, who prefer not to be in videos or pictures. I rely on my notebook and pen to write down important details during home visits. Be it recording the caregiver’s concerns or updating follow-ups, writing notes helps me stay organised and focused on providing the best support for my clients.“
Umbrella, socks and disposable shoe covers
“The weather can be unpredictable. I always bring an umbrella and extra socks to change, if my shoes are wet from the rain. I also bring along disposable shoe covers as it is important to respect our clients’ living spaces as well.”
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Every item in Callie’s bag reflects her preparedness and dedication to her profession. Through small but meaningful acts, she ensures that she can provide the best support to those who need it. Whether it is staying connected with families, ensuring hygiene in sensitive environments, her readiness reflects the heart of a social worker’s role – being present, adaptable and compassionate.
As we commemorate World Social Work Day, we recognise the dedication of social workers like Callie, who go the extra mile to support individuals and families in need. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but their impact is deeply felt, shaping lives and strengthening communities.