“I have always been in social work, though with different objectives and missions,” recalls Ms Fung who, in 2002, received the Outstanding Social Worker Award from the National Council of Social Service If she weren’t doing what she is doing now, she would most likely be a nurse. In her teens, she was inspired by the work of her two aunts; one worked in social affairs, another for leprosy patients. “Just seeing them work with people inspired me,” she says. “And also because of religion, I felt that serving god that way would be the best way I can give.”
According to her, before applying for a job in a welfare organisation, you should ask yourself these questions: How can I add value with my skills? What area can I contribute best in? Do I work best with children or do I want a more administrative type of job? Am I prepared to take less because it’s a non-profit organisation?
In turn, what can a social worker expect? Better quality of life, friendlier culture, and meaningful existence. AWWA, in particular, puts emphasis on work-life balance. “We believe in the quality of family life. We are very family-focussed,” she says.
Rare are the days when employees are asked to render overtime — only when there is an event, if at all. “I hear about some of those investment companies who work you till 12 midnight but pay you up to 10 months bonus. We’re not like that,” she adds. No wonder then that AWWA has its share of former white-collar workers, among them a banker who now holds a counselling position.
Although she’s partial to people who have already experienced working in business firms, Ms Fung also employs fresh graduates who possess the basic skills and qualification of a social worker, and show passion for and commitment to working with disabled people. AWWA now employs over 200 people for its more than 13 programs, and is looking for different kinds of people to employ — from social workers that have a solid counselling background to nurses, caregivers, therapists and people who can organise events and raise funds.
“A lot of us are here because we want to make a difference,” she says.
To learn more about Asian Women’s Welfare Association, click here ( http://www.awwa.org.sg/ )
