Using the Strengths-Based Model for Social Work Practice Essay

Strengths-based case management (SBCM) is based on six principles that are the governing laws, values, or tenets on which the methods are based (Rapp & Goscha, 2006). These principles are the transition between the theory that seeks to explain people succeeding in life and the specific methods for assisting people toward that end (Rapp & Goscha, 2006) which is to, identify, secure and sustain resources that are both external (i.e., social relations, opportunities, resources) and internal (i.e., aspirations, competencies, confidence) rather than a focus on just external resources (active ingredient). The principles go as followed:

Saleebey, D. (1996). The strengths perspective in social work practice: Extensions and cautions. Social work, 41(3),

It is important for programs in which families attend be diverse, locally accessible and promote social justice. This allows growth for children, youth and families to develop in the right setting and gain strength and resilience. Everyone has a different story and having programs that are specific to one group of people that share something in common gives those in the program the opportunity to develop. The Military Family Resource Centre is a prime example of a program that uses the strength-based approach to help clients where they are in life. This is done by using social location (which is groups people belong to based on their location in society), diversity and social justice within the programs offered. There is always

Social work exists to provide effective social services to individuals, families, groups, communities and society so that social functioning may be enhanced and the quality of life improved. (Zastrow, 2013) Assessing my strengths and weaknesses as a social worker helps me see what I must maintain, and what I must improve on to become the kind of social worker that educates and inspires. The skills I identify with in my practice are; empathy, identifying strengths, and respect. These skill sets are vitally important to ensure clients receive the best possible outcome.

With a master 's level education in social work, I see myself envisioning clients’ health and well-being. As a student, I will study and practice techniques, beyond a generalist perspective, that will allow me to give clients hope and the ability to see something greater than what they are facing. Upon completion of a Master of Social Work direct practice degree and certificates in gerontology and mental health programs, I intend to become a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will competently incorporate specialized skills in different professional settings while developing my knowledge of a wide range of social issues and professional standards. With commitment, I wish to develop skills that will enable me to create or find hidden resources and services for my future clients, create platforms through counselling for victims of trauma.

The other theory that I selected was the strengths perspective theory. The strengths perspective and strengths-based approaches offer service providers ways of working that focus on strengths, abilities and potential rather than problems, deficits and pathologies (Stuart and →, 2017). The strength perspective teaches us that we should recognize the human capacity and self determination to work hard to achieve their goals. In this perspective the social worker helps the client find their own abilities to deal with their current situations.

In order to address the client’s problems and strengths Birkenmaier suggest using a “two compartment model”. “In this approach, the assessment includes a two component model in which the social worker first explores a series of questions with the client to define the problem situation (Component 1). The questions will not only help to identify the client’s strengths, but also their life experiences (both positive and challenging), and strategies for coping with adversity. Gathering this comprehensive perspective on the client’s identity can aid both the social worker and the client in formulating a perception of the client in terms of strengths, versus deficits. (Birkenmaier, 2014, pg.110)”

Empowerment and a strengths perspective which support the development of innate abilities and recognize differences in a positive manner are also helping social workers increase the individual client’s capacity to learn to use his or her own systems constructively

One of the most important skill to have as a social worker is to identify your client’s strengths. All social workers should have knowledge of an effective leader that are identified by their strengths or limitations in order to improve the one’s they identify. There are several evidence-based assessments that help identify the strengths and limitations of any individual. Thus, it is also necessary to obtain other perspective based on your leadership strengths or limitations in order to improve or strengthen those qualities. The self-assessments used through this paper will help me develop a plan that points out my challenges, help expand and improve on my strengths (Human Services Guide, 2015).

The strength based approach is a groundbreaking concept that has changed the paradigm of problem solving within Social Work. Instead of focusing on the trials, problems and adversity that face a consumer. We acknowledge the difficulty, we do not underestimate it or belittle it, yet we try and change the focus of the situation and outlook of the individual to focus on their skills, achievements, qualities, gifts and strengths.

This has provided me with an added insight into what interventions may be beneficial when working with clients. My aptitude for ¨thinking outside the box¨ has facilitated effective problem solving in situations that had no single or clear-cut solution. I hope to enhance this attribute during my time in field placement by refining my critical thinking skills and increasing my knowledge of community resources, so that I can gain a strengthened awareness of how to best advocate for and support clients. My ability to integrate personal goals, values, culture and socioeconomic background into treatment planning and in the treatment process has allowed me to develop realistic and attainable goals that are relevant to each individual. This strength stems from the steadfast belief that cultural relevance is essential to provide effective services. My social work experience has refined my organization and planning skills and I have fine-tuned my ability to manage a chaotic schedule. When I have encountered challenges in the field, I have overcome them by seeking supervision and consulting with more experienced colleagues. I also dedicate extra time to learning about cultures, concepts, and practices that I may have a difficult time understanding or am not familiar with. A final strength I believe will be an asset when working as a professional social worker is my dedication to the social work mission and

Our life experiences play a large role in shaping who we are as people. My childhood experiences influenced the woman that I am today. My father was abusive. He abused my mother, my siblings, and myself. Whether it was a domestic assault against my mother, slapping of my siblings, or a daily cursing session, our house has always been in turmoil. There were adults that knew about the abuse going on in my home, including teachers. However, none of them intervened for my brothers and I. I cannot help but wonder how my life would have been different if someone had. Experiencing child abuse, as well as my mother’s domestic abuse, is my greatest catalyst in pursing a graduate degree in social work. Pablo Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Child abuse could have broken my spirit but it made me stronger. It sparked my interest in mental health, and showed me the importance of compassion. I plan to use my gift to help others improve their quality of mental health, and encourage the development of self-determination.

Jean Francis East and Susan J. Roll’s article: Women, Poverty, and Trauma: An Empowerment Practice Approach illustrates the benefits of applying empowerment theory in Social Work practice when working with women who’ve experienced poverty and trauma. Through their 20 years of experience in utilizing this approach, they learn that its effects have been rewarding and successful. The following paper is an analysis and critique of this intervention.

“Human potential is tied to the notion that people have untapped, undetermined reservoirs of mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual abilities that can be expressed” (Corliss, 2006. pg. 106). Strength based frame work identifies those reservoirs. It is utilized to encourage the client to focus on the positive aspects of what they know, how they have overcome adversities in the past, and to see how they can use the resources they already possess in a way that empowers them instead of limiting them through negativity.

1. p.138 “This large body of research shows that although traumas, crises, and tragedies come in a thousand forms, people benefit from them in three primary ways… Rising to a challenge reveals your hidden abilities, and seeing these abilities changes your self-concept... Adversity is a filter [that separates] fair-weather friends from the true; it strengthens relationships and it open’s people’s hearts to one another…Trauma changes priorities and philosophies toward the present.”