Social Worker Understand The Theoretical Explanations Of Social Enigmas

Within this essay the areas in which discrimination and oppression occur will be highlighted and then evaluated to show how ‘good’ anti oppressive/ discriminative practice within social work can ‘aid’ and empower service users who are in groups that experience oppression and discrimination to overcome their problems. Gil (1994) states that “the conditions that cause people to seek help from social services are usually direct or indirect consequences of social, economic, and political institutions, and... the profession of social work is ethically committed to promote social justice. Insights into oppression and social

|DH3W 34 |Sociology for Social Care Practice |(02) Understand the causes of discrimination and analyse its effect |

When working in a field of expertise the experts in that area need to know what defines that field. Social work, with its roots over a hundred years old, started out simply offering assistance to others, has grown and changed, and is currently reconnecting with its roots (Bisman, 2004). Bisman (2004) emphasizes the importance of being an advocate of justice and keeping the field focused on the “social” part of social work. This push to keep social work focused on the needs of others defines social work today. Social work focuses on providing aide to the needy and increasing awareness of those that are oppressed.

One cannot simply state a theory or intervention method works without providing supporting evidence. Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research Informed Practice affirms that social workers utilize interventions and apply theories based on what has been reinforced through research. Yet, social workers also recognize that practice can lead to the discovery of topics that have not been or contain little research surrounding an issue, resource, idea, or case. Moreover, we will never know everything about any topic, because practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. To demonstrate my proficiency in the area of research and research informed practice, I have provided three artifacts: a literature review, research proposal, and a social and behavioral sciences training - responsible conduct of research certificate obtained upon the

In the professional field of Social Work, there are many terminologies that individuals outside of this group may not understand. During the process of assessing a problem in a family, there are different theoretical perspectives that helps social workers understand different aspects of family situations. There are eight theoretical perspectives that helps social workers understand family’s dynamic and situations. These theoretical perspectives are; system perspective, conflict perspective, exchange and choice perspective, social constructionist perspective, psychodynamic perspective, developmental perspective, social behavior perspective and humanistic perspective.

Social work professions need to understand the importance of how individuals interact both with other people and their environment, to have an understanding how individuals are affected by these interactions (Rogers, p. 2). According to Rogers (2016), “Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development (p. 2). Their work with clients begins with assessments to evaluations of intervention and is based in and supports of the core value system of the profession.

This section of the paper will discuss the definition of social work, values associated with social work and arguments for and against the use of systems theory in social work practice. Social work can be described as a field of study that encompasses individuals and their environment. Social work can be defined as work trained professionals do to elevate stressors of individuals so they may become more self-sufficient and empowered to live to their fullest potential.

Social Work practitioners every day interact with individuals who are challenged by personal, societal, environmental barriers to life, and in amidst this face inequities and injustice as part of life (Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers, 2011). It is the role of the social worker to use their therapeutic and facilitation skills to assess the clients risk and then work with the appropriate interventions in order to help promote social change for the individual and their family.

The authors of this study choose to perform a qualitative study because of the small number of participants. The sample was collected purposefully to focus on what social workers experienced when working with

In the generalist social work practice, a social worker is a change agent due to the expansive and complex umbrella of social and human services and roles. A change agent works to promote positive changes for the well-being of an individual, family, group, organization or community. In order to fulfill the tasks of a social worker, one should be trained and equipped with a wide variety of skills: such as setting appropriate boundaries, possessing and utilizing self-awareness and the ability to counsel or advocate for clients. In addition to many skills, the generalist social work practice includes a surplus of methods to either prevent or intervene when necessary. A method often utilized by social workers is the person-in-environment conceptualization. The person-in-environment perspective considers factors, such as familial or economic, beyond the individual to better understand the client’s behaviors or situation. Another method is the strengths perspective. The strength-based perspective focuses on the client’s or client system’s positive qualities to build upon those capabilities. And the recognition of strengths helps to achieve goals in a more client-led approach. Generalist practitioners are professionals with a wide range of knowledge and a repertoire of diverse skills in order to enhance the social functioning of all within society.

Social workers are responsible and required to engage in ongoing evaluation of research practice using single case design methods. In a single case design, the risk of bias is increased due to the findings that support the effectiveness of the intervention and there is only one chance to demonstrate success in which the results are positive to both the client and social worker. “Although research can help to decide which interventions are most likely to produce positive changes for clients, it will not tell you if the intervention will work for a specific client” (Krysik & Finn, 2013, p. 85).

People who have always been marginalized and oppressed by agencies, schools and people, would require special preparation, attention and effort to prove them that they can modify their lives with the intervention of structural social workers. Moreover, it is important to admit that not everyone agrees with the vision of structural social work, therefore, this could be another obstacle to create change in workplaces and public service facilities. Limited access to public services due to discrimination of race, color, sex, gender, religion and language are taken into account as part of the challenges encountered in this process of challenge of structural barriers within society. Finally, I believe that a structural social work vision in a person from a visible minority in society will trigger obstacles for the individual himself. It would be challenging to create change within his/her environment, as many would argue that his/her opinion does not count, making it difficult when challenging structures of oppression for the sake of clients’ well-being and structural social work

Practice theories offer theoretical explanations that aid clinicians in understanding social problems, identify mechanisms for change, and methods through which adaptation and positive-growth can take place. Theories inform practice when examining the cause of the underlying problem, during the phases of assessment, planning, and intervention. Social work clinicians are tasked with engaging in evidence-based practice, which involves selecting interventions that are based on the most effective evidence, selectively choosing research evidence that is supportive of clinical decision making that incorporates professional ethics and values, and is reflective of the clients’ personal and cultural preferences. Social work clinicians’ informed decision-making

Social Work is a discipline that can be a very rewarding experience for both the worker and the client. The practice involves working with individuals, families, or groups who are struggling to cope with life`s challenges. The social worker must combine his or her personal qualities, creative abilities, and social concerns with the professional knowledge in order to help client’s social functioning or prevent social problems from developing (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 34). Social work practice seeks to promote human well-being, while addressing the processes by which individuals and groups are marginalized or diminished in their capacity to participate as citizens (Ian O'Connor, 2006, p. 1).

Social Work’s core philosophy and values are centered around social justice and social well-being. Oppression, injustice, discrimination, and violence are antithetical to the social work profession. Social Work believes in strength-based approaches and the person-in-environment perspective to cater the needs and welfare of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society at large. Generally, the target populations for social work are vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed people; however, social workers provide services to people with a wide range of problems, such as poverty, addiction, mental illness, etc. to empower them to meet their own needs. Historically, the social work profession started its operation by providing neighborhood