THE PROFESSIONALS AND PRACTITIONERS IN THE DISCIPLINE OF SOCIAL WORK.docx

THE PROFESSIONALS AND PRACTITIONERS IN THE DISCIPLINE OF SOCIAL WORK.docx

• 1.
  THE PROFESSIONALS ANDPRACTITIONERS IN THE DISCIPLINE OF SOCIAL WORK The social worker professionals and practitioners are aware that their profession is based on the principles of human rights and social justice that serve to empower individuals, groups, and communities to develop their full potential and well-being. DEFINING THE ROLES, FUNCTIONS, AND COMPETENCIES OF SOCIAL WORK Social worker features as a helping profession which “has a dual aim of helping individuals fit better into their environments (micro practice) and changing the environment so that it works better for individuals (macro practice). ROLES OF SOCIAL WORK CASE MANAGEMENT DIRECT PRACTICE ADVOCAY POLICY BUILDING FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK DuBoise and Miley (2008); •Consultancy •Resource Management •Education FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK •Consultancy - refers to professional activities through which social workers and their clients plan, initiate, and pursue actions towards desired change. •Resource Management - refers to the act of coordinating, systematizing, and integrating resources and services needed to support social functioning, meeting needs, and resolving problems. •Education - refers to the provision of knowledge and critical information Competencies of Social Work Foundationally, social work requires the following abilities and skills (DuBois & Miley 2008);  Think critically.  Build and sustain relationships.  Execute empowering processes.  Use practical methods.  Analyze policies.  Communicate effectively.  Strong cultural and intercultural.  Competence  Good computer literacy  Conduct research  Do social planning.  Perform crisis intervention.  Sound time management. COMPETENCIES OF SOCIAL WORK In addition to these, social workers should have the capacities generic to all helping professions: Empathic, Compassionate, Observes Confidentiality, has a Sense of Humor, and others that are made more explicit in the code of ethics for social worker. For individuals and families, their roles is that of an ENABLER- helping people find solutions. For formal groups and organizations, their roles is that of a FACILITATOR- in aid of organizational development For community and society, their role is that of a PLANNER- facilitating research and planning. Within the social work profession, their role is that of a COLLEAGUE and a MONITOR- in aid of professional enculturation and socialization.
• 2.
  AREAS OF SPECIALIZATIONOF SOCIAL WORK  Professional social work requires full professional training with college degree and in a number of cases, requires a person to have a master’s or doctor’s degree in social work. Social work specialization covers five major fields (Hartman 2015)  FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE  HEALTH  MENTAL HEALTH  CORRECTIONS  SCHOOLS Career Opportunities of Social Work •Many social workers provide clinical and case management services directly to individuals, couples, families, and groups. •They may provide clinical services, such as therapy or counseling, and connect people to resources in the community to help them overcome challenges. •Some social workers do not work directly with individual clients. •Instead, they work in community organizations, government, and advocacy groups to alleviate poverty and social injustice on a big-picture level and these social work careers include legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and community organizing to break down barriers and drive reform. •Many social workers’ careers include both individual client-centered work and big picture work, whether professionals choose a career as career as a school social worker, child social worker, medical social worker, or another social work path. Code of Ethics of Social Work •The code of ethics specifies the standards of ethics, conduct, and performance expected of registered social workers. •It is a duty of social worker to always protect the health and well-being of people who avail of the services. •Must demonstrate respect for the inherent dignity and worth of person, pursuit of social justice, integrity of professional practice, confidentiality in professional practice, and competence in professional practice. Rights, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities of Social Work By definition, social work is jointly presented by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and International Association of School of Social Work (IASSW): “The social work profession facilitates social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance well-being (March 2013). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Worker Value: Service Ethical Principle: Social worker’s primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Value: Social Justice Ethical Principle: social workers challenge social injustice. Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person. Value: Importance of Human Relationships Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships. Value: Integrity
• 3.
  Ethical Principle: Socialworkers behave in a trustworthy manner. Value: Competence Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise.