As a result of this training, participants will
be able to:
 Choose three time management tools
that he/she can employ in the workplace
 Value the importance of effective time
management for the provision of quality
child welfare services
 Identify at least two barriers to effective
time management, and at least two
strategies for overcoming these barriers
Increasing complexity of child welfare work
 Prioritization is necessary or you will not be
able to complete what is required of you
 Not feeling like you can complete what is
expected of you can lead to burnout, stress
and job dissatisfaction
 Within the legal system, not completing
requirements can lead to added tasks; e.g.,
more court appearances (vicious cycle)

1.
2.
3.
Prompt return of phone
calls
Empowerment allows
clients to do more for
themselves, relying on
you less.
Honestly, credibility,
solid assessment, and
casework skills
demonstrated during all
contacts with attorneys
can help decrease the
adversarial nature of
these relationships.
4.
5.
6.
Use of written contracts
with parents.
Good social work practice
and timely submission of
court reports develop a
good relationship with the
Judge/Commissioner/
Referee.
Having a sound
understanding of your
professional role and the
tasks that you must
complete increases respect
for your position
•
•
•
•
I haven’t got time to use all that time
management stuff.
The people I work with won’t let me
manage my time the way I want.
How I manage my time is just part of my
personality.
If I use time management, my life will be
too controlled.
Waiting for the right
mood or the right time

A fear of failure or
success

Underdeveloped
decision making skills

Poor organizational
skills

Perfectionism
Source: mindtools.com


Recognizing that you are
procrastinating; Be honest with
yourself

Work out WHY you are
procrastinating

Get over IT!
Source: mindtools.com
What is important to you?
You can’t accomplish everything
Set personal and professional priorities
Plan ahead to allocate your time
appropriately
Time Management Tools & Techniques
 “To Do” lists
 Time Diary
 Awareness of your internal and external time
suckers
A
master planning tool
 Annually, monthly and weekly
 A “To Do” list can create better
productivity
› Visual scheduler
› Reminder
› Provides direction
› You feel good when you can finish
something and cross it off your list





Create Templates and form letters
Allow time for emergencies; don’t
overbook yourself
Schedule the most challenging tasks at
your best times of the day (biorhythms)
Keep your goals in mind
Evaluate your priorities continuously and
work on the most important task first
(Covey)

TRIM – stay away from excess e-mail, mail, memos,
newsletters, magazines, etc.

OUTSOURCE -

SAVE – file things you must save immediately.
throw it, pass it, put it
80% of what
you keep you won’t use again!

START – do it now!
Set aside time daily to work through the
stack of paperwork on your desk.

TO DO LIST - Make a list of things that need to be done.

IMMEDIATE - Some activities/items need immediate
(meet with supervisor, return phone calls, etc.)
attention. Assess whether safety is an issue. (Child at
immediate risk, police waiting, etc.)

MUST DOs - Things that must be done today, or at least
started today; finishing up prior activities. (Start or complete
discovery, home visit deadlines, etc.)

EXTENDED - Activities that need attention, but over a
period of time such as court reports. Move up to must do as
court hearing date approaches.





Identify Your Time Management Goals What do I want to do? Or What do I need to do?
Know yourself, your body and your daily rhythm
When are you most productive?
Know your problem areas and implement solutions
Smelling coffee that leads to a coffee break

Ending a conversation with someone so you can finish your own
tasks


Build on your general time management skills

Delegate, Organize & Seek Advice

Develop a system to prioritize your work
Find a plan that works for you