SWK BM

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School

Grand Canyon University *

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Course

170

Subject

Arts Humanities

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

5

Uploaded by marlajones1970

Benchmark The Generalist Model of Social Work Practice Marla Jones College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University SWK-170: Introduction to Social Welfare Professor Costanza December 24, 2023 1
Introduction The generalist model of social work practice is widely used. It can be used in almost any situation when clients need help solving problems or improving their well-being. It is a change process and a basic framework approach to service delivery being client-centered and problem- focused. (Schatz, M.S., Jenkins, L.E.) It requires social workers to have cultural competence and empathy. The social worker umbrella covers many needs from advocacy of policy changes to hospice care in the final stage of life. I will discuss the generalist model, the pros and cons of said model, and the impact of research on said model. The Generalist Model Social workers work in organizations, under supervision, providing social services for individuals, families, groups, and communities and promoting social justice and human rights. The generalist model is the generic model for a change process with multi-level interventions. It includes systems, multi-methods, problem-solving, and teamwork to fix problems. (Kirst- Ashman, 2017.) Social workers can help individuals (micro systems), families and groups (mezzo systems), organizations, or communities (macro systems). The phases of the general practice framework are engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination, this is known as a planned change process. (Kirst-Ashman, 2017.) Engagement is the first initial face-to-face. This is when the client discloses their need for help. It is the beginning of a trusting professional relationship, so it is vital that the social worker makes good eye contact and has good body language. Many other skills are included in engagement, such as the ability to empathize. Next is the assessment. This is an evaluation or a learning phase, discovering the client's strengths using empowerment. “The assessment sets the stage for 2
intervention by identifying problems and strengths.” (Kirst-Ashman, K., 2017.) Brokering may be utilized in this step because the client may need a consultation with a specialist. Following the assessment, devising a plan of action is next. This step specifies the steps that need to be taken as a course of action for treatment, requiring the social worker to use critical thinking. The social worker must not come from an authoritative position. The client and social worker work together towards the goals, and any course of action should be evidence-based. Implementing the plan is next. Evaluation is subsequent and essential because if the change or the goal is not achieved, then a different strategy will need to be implemented. However, if the desired change or need has been met, the final phase is termination; the client no longer receives services because the problem has been alleviated and the quality of life has improved. Social workers must have empathy and genuineness, warmth, and support in helping relationships with clients. (Swatz, M.S, Jenkins, L.E. & Sheafor, B.W., 1990.) The Generalist Model as the Operational Model in Social Work The generalist model is the operational model in social work because it is versatile, includes evidence-based theories, and is easily comprehended. It can help solve almost any problem when working with diverse populations. Social workers have a range of professional roles requiring knowledge, skills, and values to help individuals, families, groups, and communities. (Kirst-Ashman, 2017.) It emphasizes individual’s interactions with their environment and the effects, known as ecological systems. Another framework is systems theory, the impact of external sources, i.e., micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Generalist Model The social work profession requires vast knowledge in many different areas of practice. The generalist model is easily comprehended and can be used in many scenarios, making it adaptable 3
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