DIASS Flashcards
Lesson 6 and 7
Defines social work as a response to a
concern or need, a creative blending of knowledge, values and
skills a problem solving process an intervention into human
transactions and a developing profession.
Johnson(1998,3-83)
Defines social work as an art, a science and a profession. As an art social work requires great skills to understand people and to help them help themselves. As a science it requires the use of problem solving methods and objectivity in ascertaining facts and in developing principles and operational concepts. It is a profession because it encompasses the attributes of a profession.
Farley, smith and Boyle (2003)
states that social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups or communities, enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The definition also introduced the concept of _________ ________, which Sheafor and Horejsi (2003, 5) refers to as key
in understanding the unique focus of social work and
distinguishes it from other helping professions.
Social Functioning
is defined as the match between the needs
and abilities of individuals and the opportunities and demands
of the environment (mact,1992). It relates to living up to the
expectations made by the self, the immediate social community
and the society at large of an individual (Du Bois & miley,2005)
Social Functioning
focuses not just on theindividual, but Also on his environment. A supportive, enhancing and sustaining environment helps produce socially functioning individuals. Conversely a dysfunctional environment may cause individuals to be socially dysfunctional. Del castillo (2010) explains that when people cope or live in a dysfunctional situation, they may perform roles or functions the negative environment but without some or all of the elements mentioned by skidmore
Social Work
is a practice based profession and an academic discipline
that promotes social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people.
Social Work
________ is very much influenced by Judeo-Christian philosophy, which espouses humanitarianism. Its practice is based on the belief that every human being has dignity and worth. From this belief emanates the core values and principles that guide the practice of social work.
Social Work
these values reflect how we view human nature and change examples of these are respect for the inherent worth and dignity of the person and the importance of human relationships.
Values about People
these values pertain to the conditions and processes in society that would make it possible for people to achieve their full potential. Examples of these are democracy, social responsibility, social justice, inclusion (non-discrimination) and gender equity.
Values about Society
these values reflect the kind of performance and ethical standards social workers must adhere to in the practice of social work.
Values about Professional Behavior
social work is a commitment to help people in need and to
address social problems. The services provided in social work aims to inspire change that support people and that contributes to the
betterment of every individual’s quality of life
Service
social work challenges social injustice. According to Segal et al.(2004,20-21) working for social justice means “striving to create a society in which all people REGARDLESS OF RACE, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, ECONOMIC STATUS, AGE AND PHYSICAL OR MENTAL ABILITY, HAVE THE SAME BASIC RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES AND CAN DEVELOP TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL
Social Justice
SOCIAL WORK VALUES HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS. THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK CONCERNS ALL FORMS AND LEVELS OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIP WITH SELF, FAMILY, SMALL GROUP ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNITY.
Importance of Human Relationships
IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL
WORK. SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONALS MUST ABIDE BY STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR REQUIRED BY THE PROFESSION
Integrity
the practice of social work requires an application
of theories, skills and expertise in the workings of the
individual and of society. the acquisition of social work
competencies does not end with professional certification.
According to segal (2004,21), social work is a lifelong
professional pursuit. An effective social work practice should be
based on social work knowledge that is updated and relevant to
the changing times and challenges of the profession
Competence
rooted in the core values of
social work are the practice principles that govern every
interaction between the social work practitioner and the
client. These principles are acceptance, self determination,
affirming individuality, confidentiality and workers
self-awareness
Social Work Practice Principles
the principle of acceptance refers to the
practitioners recognition and authentic interest in the client’s
individual qualities, rights and needs. This principle is
demonstrated through the manner by which practitioners serve
their clients such as through empathic listening and responding
and by establishing an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Acceptance
this principle is based on the recognition
that clients have the right and capability to make their own
decisions. Social workers can only facilitate but not
manipulate the client’s decision making process.
Self-Determination
- this principle is based on the premise
that every individual is different. In putting this principle into
practice, social workers are expected to accept client without bias
and prejudice, avoid making labels and attributing stereotypes
to clients and acknowledge and value client diversity.
Affirming Individuality
the essence of this principle is the right of
every individual to privacy. The social worker is duty-bound to
seek the consent of the client before disclosing any data about
his identity, the nature of his case, and the content of
discussions between him and the social worker.
Confidentiality
a social worker must be conscious of
his values, beliefs, biases, and prejudices. After all before social
worker can begin to understand others they must understand
themselves first. By being self-aware, social workers can
effectively adjust their thought processes and sensitivities when
dealing with clients with diverse problems and from different
backgrounds.
Worker’s Self-Awareness
this principle is based on the reality
that individual rights can be protected only if each member of
the community commits to taking responsibility of his
fellowmen and the environment.
Collective Responsibility
- as a case manager, social workers
assume the following responsibilities assess the needs of clients
arrange and coordinate the delivery of essential goods and
services to target beneficiaries work directly with clients to
ensure that the goods and services are delivered in a timely
manner and maintain close contact with clients and service
providers to ensure proper and timely service deliveries
(Hepworth, larsen, and rooney 2002, 30)
Case Manager/Coordinator
