While I have been at university and doing the social work course I come to realize that the levels of social work are broken down into three different categories they are micro, mezzo and macro social work, therefore, going from the little picture to the bigger picture stuff which relates to the system theory. Systems theory allows the client and the social worker can create an interconnected relationship with all forms (Moore, 2009. P86). From what I have learned is that there are many roles and responsibilities and power that a social worker has on the person they are helping.
Social work practice is also known as a type of practice that is used to help and assist individuals that are struggling while under the condition of welfare and social issues. There are multiple social work practice fields and centers that many social workers can assist clients in, such as substance abuse centers, domestic violence centers, and child welfare centers. A resourceful tool that can be used for social workers to help understand and connect theories and social work concepts and tie them with social work practical tasks. This model is called a personal practice model. When assisting a client, regardless of what field the social worker is taking part in, it is important to know more about the client. They should be understood through different social and psychological theories, cultural competencies, and personal and professional values.
I will then list areas I have identified as my own personal weak points for further development.
In looking at the historical development of social work, I think it is fair to say that the profession started with a focus on micro-level practice. For some time a variety of different people groups such as women and African-Americans were oppressed and discriminated against. “The effects of discrimination, ideological shifts, and economic and technological changes created social pressures, and the first organized efforts to respond to these pressures formed the basis for the creation of social work” (Netting, Kettner, McMurtry, & Thomas, 2012, p. 39).
Gamble, D. N., & Soska, T. M. (2013). Macro Practice Competenicies. Encyclopedia of Social Work Online. doi:10.1093
Social work agencies strive to provide access to services that promote well-being for those most in need in society. Different agencies may vary in regard to their specific purposes, missions, or foundations. Two agencies that provide assistance in diverse ways to individuals in need are the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and The Mayhill Hospital. The following discussion will explore comparisons and contrasts between these agencies with regard to their focuses, interventions, and roles.
My role while working with Sam is to be a teacher and an enabler. As a teacher I will be educating Sam about the benefits of joining AA and how it will help to better his life situations and to reach his goals. (Velten, 1996). I also will help Sam enroll himself in AA, which will help him to heal on not only a physical level, but also on an emotional level. It will also connect him to other resources and others that are experiencing some of the same struggles as he is. (Velten, 1996, p.105). I will also be teaching him how drinking can contribute to homelessness. (Polcin, 2016). I also want to have a discussion with Sam; about how his diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder can impact his day-to-day life. (Wanklyn et al., 2016).
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national association of educational programs and individuals that confirms and improves the quality of social work education to become a professional job. CSWE puts in a countless amount of effort to strive for this mission by setting up a bachelor's and master’s degree programs in social work. On the other hand, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with approximately 132,000 members. To be more specific, NASW has a determination to intensify the maturity and developmental process of its members. The main goal is to retain professional standards and to create fair social policies. NASW progresses
The two key elements in successful practice are the social workers ability to guide clients through the phases of the change process and assist clients in making decisions that will result in enhancement of their social functioning or the improvement of a social condition (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 52). Social workers select and use specific techniques that have been individualized to the needs and situation of the client or client group being served, and the resources that are applied to help resolve the client’s problem or concern (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 51).
Social workers have many different practices and approaches to draw on for work with individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. These approaches and techniques can be varied depending on the distinctive
For a start, having the opportunity to be part of the SOCW 6371 Community and Administrative Practices class has broadened my mind-set when viewing social work practices through a macro lens. In addition, I have learned the skill of assessing the community as the target population/concentrated area via a needs assessment. Equally important, realizing the magnitude of work/planning it takes to formulate a program or redesigning one has made me understand the importance of why we should acquire the proper training and administrative practices to be able to lead organizations/agencies.
One of the most useful models for social workers to implement is the generalist model. Since the goal of social work is to work with individuals and assist them in solving their problems, the generalist model seeks to create three levels of practice to better aide the individuals in direct practice service (Farley, Smith, & Boyle, 2011). These three levels are the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The micro level refers to the systems that directly impact a single individual, whereas the mezzo level refers to the small groups (such as marriages and families) that impact the individual. Furthermore, the macro level refers to the large systems, such as cultures and large organizations, which can influence the person. With the establishment of the generalist model, the social worker can better aide the client and work directly with him to help him solve any problems or concerns he may have, and this model has become the most common operational model in social work, though it does have both advantages and disadvantages.
There are many social work complexities today that social workers must deal with on a daily basis. For example, the diversity of tasks they undertake, the diversity of
These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective: services, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.” (p. 1) In addition to; being in the social work profession you will work with three general practice skills, which are Micro skills, Mezzo skills and Macro skills. According to Ashman &
A social worker requires knowledge in HBSE to handle practical issues in the community as he/she interacts with people. One needs to be adequately informed, practical and active while responding to contexts in the community that are constantly evolving, society and organizational settings. It is essential to learn, assess and meet the needs of the changing populations, science and technological advancement in the society to provide the essential services. While practicing HSBE, one should provide leadership with regards to the provision of quality service delivery and practice and also promote changes that are sustainable. An example is when I was in the field, and we had to develop a policy/program that would help organizations dealing with the elderly cut costs while still providing a good quality life for the elderly. This required the engagement of the affected parties, i.e., the elderly, their families and friends, and social workers working with them. This engagement was at a macro level where we came up with ideas involving the engagement of the elderly in doing various jobs or tasks as their capabilities allow. This included mainly volunteering, care, artistic or consultation services to help the elderly with no other sources of income earn a small income. We engaged the organizations and institutions management at the macro level to help in designing a way that the program will be effected, ensuring the participants have the necessary resources and support as