As NTUC Health celebrates Community Care Day on 1 November 2024, we take this opportunity to introduce one of our dedicated team members, Mr Wong Teck Tian. With over ten years of experience as a Senior Manager and Lead Social Worker in the Community Social Services division, Mr Wong, age 55, has truly made a difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals and families.
How Mr Wong's Journey into Social Work Began
Mr Wong (or Teck Tian/TT to his colleagues) joined NTUC Health on 14 February 2014 as a Senior Care Manager. As he always shared, it was his passion for helping those in need which motivated him to take on this role. Reflecting on what drew him specifically to community social services, Mr Wong says that growing up, he saw the struggles many elderly people and marginalised communities faced. This inspired him to want to do more for them.
A key turning point for Mr Wong came while volunteering with a local community organisation. There, he witnessed how much impact social workers had in changing lives. He realised he wanted to be part of this vital work. “I wanted to be part of a profession that supports and empowers people and creates lasting change in the community,” he shares.
A Day in the Life of a Lead Social Worker
As Lead Social Worker, Mr Wong's daily tasks revolve around meeting his clients' physical, emotional, and social needs. His job requires working closely with healthcare professionals and caregivers, while utilising other community resources to coordinate care plans. A typical day involves home visits, discussions with colleagues about clients' needs and progress, and tackling any issues relating to the well-being of seniors.
Mr Wong finds great satisfaction in seeing positive changes in his clients' lives. "The most rewarding part of my job is seeing an elderly client regain their independence or helping a family through a difficult time," he explains. “The gratitude they show and knowing I've made a real impact on their well-being keep me going.”
Skills Essential for Success in Social Work
For Mr Wong, empathy is the foundation of his success. “Empathy is essential for a social worker because you need to understand and relate to the challenges your clients are going through,” he says. Many of his clients face complex issues, from loneliness and family problems, to financial hardship — being able to empathise helps him connect with them on a deeper level.
Strong communication skills are also vital in Mr Wong's role, as he regularly liaises with clients, their families, and other professionals to ensure everyone is working together towards the best outcome for the involved senior. Active listening plays a significant part in this, as it helps him to grasp better the concerns and underlying needs of all parties involved.
Problem-solving is another vital skill. As every client's situation is unique, Mr Wong needs to think critically to design personalised care plans that work for each individual. “You need to have patience and resilience in this job because it can be emotionally demanding,” he says, adding that adaptability and cultural sensitivity are equally important when working with Singapore's diverse communities.
How Care Management Plans Are Developed
On care management plans, Mr Wong explains that the process is highly personalised. Each client's needs are carefully assessed, including their physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, and financial situation. Mr Wong and his team will take the time to interview the client, their family members, and caregivers to understand their situation thoroughly.
“Our goal is to create a care plan that not only addresses the client's immediate needs but also takes into account their long-term well-being,” he says. Regular monitoring and flexibility are key, as clients' needs often change over time. Mr Wong's approach ensures that the care plans are adjusted as necessary, with continuous input from healthcare providers and caregivers.
Making a Meaningful Impact
One of Mr Wong's most memorable cases involved an elderly man who had withdrawn from social interactions and struggled with depression after the death of his spouse. He had isolated himself, neglected his health, and stopped participating in the activities he once enjoyed. Over time, through regular visits and counselling, Mr Wong built a trusting relationship with the man. He slowly reintroduced him to community support services, including recreational activities and social groups.
Mr Wong recalls the positive transformation in the client: “Over time, his outlook on life improved. He started engaging with the community again and regained a sense of purpose.” For Mr Wong, moments like this make his job so fulfilling.
“Knowing that I was able to help him emotionally recover and improve his quality of life was incredibly rewarding because it reminds me of the deep impact a social worker can have on someone's life. Beyond addressing their physical needs, we also help to restore their hope and dignity,” he adds.
Overcoming Challenges in Social Work
Working in community social services isn't without its challenges. For Mr Wong, one of the biggest difficulties is managing clients with complex needs, especially those who resist intervention or don't have family support. "Balancing limited resources with the extensive needs of some clients can create a lot of pressure," he admits.
Mr Wong also frequently encounters family caregivers who are dealing with stress and burnout. Caring for elderly relatives can take a toll emotionally and physically, and Mr Wong works with these families to ensure they have the support they need. This is where collaboration with colleagues and other community partners becomes essential. "Working with an interdisciplinary team helps us develop creative solutions for these tough situations," Mr Wong says. “Good communication is key to ensuring we're all working towards the best outcomes for our clients.”
To keep his passion for the work alive despite the challenges, Mr Wong prioritises professional development and self-care. Staying updated on best practices through courses and seminars has helped him remain effective in his role. “Ongoing learning and self-care have been essential for keeping me resilient in this field,” he shares.
The Role of Professional Development in Social Work
Mr Wong actively participates in professional development and training programmes to continually enhance his skills. He believes that perpetual learning is critical to staying relevant and effective in social work. “I've attended various training programmes in areas like trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and advanced case management techniques. These have significantly influenced my work by giving me new strategies to address the diverse needs of my clients,” Mr Wong explains.
He adds that the landscape of social work is constantly evolving due to changes in policies, societal needs, and emerging best practices. “Staying updated not only helps me provide the best possible support to my clients, but it also fosters a culture of growth and adaptability within our team,” he says. For Mr Wong, continuous learning ensures that both he and his team are better equipped to handle the challenges of their work, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for the community.
The Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration
One of the highlights of Mr Wong's role is collaborating with his colleagues in the Community Social Services team. He describes the team dynamic as one of mutual respect and support. “We each bring different strengths and perspectives to the table, which helps us handle complex cases,” he says.
The team frequently discusses such complex cases together, exchanging ideas and offering feedback to one another. This open communication helps ensure the best possible care for clients while also boosting morale within the team. "Our team believes in continuous learning, and we're always consulting each other for advice," Mr Wong adds.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Mr Wong hopes to take on more leadership roles, where he can influence policies and advocate for better resources for vulnerable communities. “My long-term goal is to continue improving the quality of care for the elderly and others in need while advancing my professional expertise,” he shares.
Mr Wong is also interested in specialising in palliative care, which would allow him to support individuals and families during what could be the most challenging time in their lives. Additionally, he hopes to mentor the next generation of social workers by developing training programmes and sharing his experiences. "I want to help nurture compassionate and skilled social workers who can continue making a positive impact on our communities," he says.
Advice for Aspiring Social Workers
For those considering a career in community social services, Mr Wong has this advice: "Approach this field with empathy and a strong desire to make a difference in people's lives." He emphasises that social work can be emotionally challenging but also incredibly rewarding.
“Strong communication and interpersonal skills are critical, as you'll need to build trust with clients and collaborate with other professionals,” he says. Continuous upskilling is also vital to staying effective, and self-care is essential for resilience. “Take the time to recharge and reflect on your work. It's what will keep your passion alive over the long term,” he advises.
Join Us As a Social Worker!
Inspired by the impact Mr Wong has on our community? Join us as a social worker at NTUC Health!
Visit our careers page for more!
