Social Work

Social Work Roles

2011-08-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Social Work Roles

As a social worker there are is an expected behavior that every social worker should adhere to. These behaviors are known as Social Work Roles. The role of a social work is contingent upon the client, client population, and the goals or mission of the particular agency. The worker may use one or more of the following roles when working with a client to help provide adequate service.

Advocate

In this role, social workers fight for the rights of others and work to obtain needed resources by convincing others of the legitimate needs and rights of members of society. Social workers are particularly concerned for those who are vulnerable or are unable to speak up for themselves. Advocacy can occur on the local, county, state or national level. Some social workers are involved in international human rights and advocacy for those in need.

Case Manager

Case managers are involved in locating services and assisting their clients to access those services. Case management is especially important for complex situations and for those who are homeless or elderly, have chronic physical or mental health issues, are disabled, victims of domestic or other violent crimes, or are vulnerable children.

Manager

Social Workers, because of their expertise in a wide variety of applications, are well suited to work as managers and supervisors in almost any setting. As managers, they are better able to influence policy change and/or development, and to advocate, on a larger scale, for all underprivileged people.

Broker

The social worker is involved in the process of making referrals to link a family or person to needed resources. Social work professionals do not simply provide information. They also follow up to be sure the needed resources are attained. This requires knowing resources, eligibility requirements, fees and the location of services.

Organizer

Social Workers are involved in many levels of community organization and action including economic development, union organization, and research and policy specialists.

Educator

Social Workers are often involved in teaching people about resources and how to develop particular skills such as budgeting, the caring discipline of children, effective communication, the meaning of a medical diagnosis, and the prevention of violence.

Facilitator

In this role, social workers are involved in gathering groups of people together for a variety of purposes including community development, self advocacy, political organization, and policy change. Social workers are involved as group therapists and task group leaders.

Enabler
In the enabler role, a social worker helps a client become capable of coping with situations or transitional stress. A social worker conveys hope, reducing resistance and ambivalence, recognizing and managing feelings, identifying and supporting personal strengths and social assets, breaking down problems into parts that can be solved more readily, and maintaining a focus on goals and the means of achieving them

Mediator
The mediator role involves resolving arguments or conflicts micro, mezzo, or macro systems. At the macro level, the mediator helps various subsystems within a community, or a community and some other system, work out their differences. At the micro and mezzo levels, mediation is helps in such areas as resolving divorce and child custody cases. A mediator remains neutral and does not side with either party in the dispute.

Negotiator
A negotiator represents an organization, a group, or an individual that is trying to gain something from another group or system. Somewhat like mediation, negotiation involves finding a middle ground that all sides can lived with and achieving consensus whenever possible. However, unlike mediators, who play a neutral role, negotiators clearly ally themselves with one of the sides involved.

Youth Garden Project 6-22-2011

2011-06-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today I missed the kids because I overslept. I did however get a chance to work more with the other interns. I think that the garden project is a good chance to let students get away from the professional setting and relax. We have the opportunity to be ourselves and actually enjoy each other’s company. I look forward to working with the kids next week, especially the young men; because I am know that they need positive male influences in their lives. The best part of the day was when we the children left and we watered the seeds. Being the only male around nothing but women can be really funny at times. Next week I will be on time so that I can meet with the kids.

Youth Garden Project 6-15-2011

2011-06-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day where we had a chance to interact with the children during the summer school. Once the children arrived I had a chance greet them as they got off the bus. I personally think that this program can be very beneficial to the children in the Tuskegee community. I think this program allows the children to gain work ethic, and a chance to experience things that they would not normally have a chance to experience. I think that the allowing the children to spend time with positive role models. Today I did not have a chance to interact with the kids as I planned, but I did have the opportunity to work with my peers. We decided to move the plant boxed from one side of the farm to the other side so that we could run a water line to them. I am excited to see what the future holds because today we made the decision to grow different types of flowers in the plant boxes. Today gave the the seniors a chance to bond with each other. I look forward to an eventful summer program with my cohorts and the children.

DSM Review

2011-06-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

Abstract

Social workers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to diagnose mental disorders. The DSM divides the mental disorders into three categories: mental disorders due to a general mental condition, substance related mental disorder, and primary mental disorders.

Introduction

This podcast gave a brief discussion on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The social work license exam will include questions that will test our knowledge on the mental disorders listed in the book. The exam will also test how familiar we ace with the treatment of mental disorders as well as contain questions that will ask us to choose the most likely diagnosis based on a set of symptoms.

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Primary mental disorders are the mental disorders in the DSM except for those directing caused by a medical condition and or substance. Before diagnosing a primary mental disorder such as major depressant disorder you must rule out the possibilities that a client symptoms are directly caused by a general medical condition or a substance. Culture is also an important situation when determination whether or not a client has a mental disorder because sometime a client symptoms will reflect beliefs, behaviors or experience that are particular to their culture.

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A culture-specific syndrome, culture-bound syndrome or folk illness is a combination of psychiatric and somatic symptoms that are considered to be a recognizable disease only within a specific society or culture. There is no objective biochemical or structural alterations of body organs or functions, and the disease is not recognized in other cultures. While a substantial portion of mental disorders, in the way they are manifested and experienced, are at least partially conditioned by the culture in which they are found, some disorders are more culture-specific than others.

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Mood disorder is defined by pathological extremes of certain moods - specifically, sadness and happiness. Paranoid Personality Disorder, Axis I - A pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent Individuals with his disorder assume other people will exploit harm or deceive them, even if no evidence exists to support it (Criterion A). They are preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of their friends and associates (Criterion A2). They read hidden meanings that are demeaning and threatening into benign remarks or events (Criterion A4).

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Differential Diagnoses is a systematic method used to identify unknowns. Differential diagnosis allows the physician to more clearly understand the condition or circumstance, assess reasonable prognosis, eliminate any imminently life-threatening conditions, plan treatment or intervention for the condition or circumstance and enable the patient and the family to integrate the condition or circumstance into their lives, until the condition or circumstance may be ameliorated, if possible.

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DSM relates to mental disorders that relate to substance as well as suicide victims. Common suicide victims are suffering from a mental disorder that comes from major depression and bipolar depression. These are the most common followed by alcoholism and schizophrenia in the exact order. When situation are associated suicide depression it is most likely to occur within three months after depression symptoms start to improve. This is when a client is more likely to take action that to show because they have already went through the steps that it takes to now be in the verge of committing suicide. Having contact with each client will bring you back to assessing the presenting problem that will allow you to take notice of each disorder that is mentioned.

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Dealing with mental disorders there are clients that may come in that has substances abused that is trying to seek services. This is refers to a demotion of drugs as well as a response to a drug. When dealing with younger children during their child hood life some are face with an anti social personality disorder that cannot be diagnosed to the child if they are 18 years old, how every if the client is under the age of 18 who displays long standing of anti social behavior these is a diagnosis of conduct disorder. If the client meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder this is what will happen if the child I not of age.

What is most interesting about this podcast?

As a whole this podcast in its entirety was interesting to me. I think that the most interesting to field of social work would be working with individual with disorders. The brain is a complex entity and is high interesting to me. Medical social work is the primary area of concentration that I would like to focus on.

What can you share with other students about this podcast?

I would share with other student from this podcast would be the complexity of mental disorders. Abnormal behavior occurs within everyone and in order to make a correct assessment studying the DSM thoroughly is something that every social work student should take into account. In conclusion this podcast was a great for refreshing my memory from previous abnormal classes.

Practice Theories

2011-06-06T04:52:00.001-07:00

Abstract:

Social workers use practice theories and intervention to examine and test knowledge. Social workers use selective of intervention theories and models based on how well the intervention is match their client’s problems and extract to the empirical research. This is helpful because it will allow them to affective social models that are mainly important because it incorporates elements of different practice theories including systems theories that state the principals of the guide intervention of the client.

Introduction:

There are four in cognitive learning mechanism that is a form of learning. The four learning mechanism can consist of intentional, performance, reinforcement that is external reinforcement that is not necessarily learning to increase probabilities that a learning behavior will perform.

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Behavior is described to be a reinforced for its successful performance that can increase the feeling of self that will allow it to have accomplishment and self-esteem. While dealing with clients you should be able to stretch the fact of confidentiality but not pertaining to group therapy. When having group conflicts the group member should allow it to be discuss it within the group members that are there. When discussion the problems itself and underlying the problem which the group leader should respond.

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Behavioral therapies state that previous behaviors can be unlearned or changed. Behavior assessments differ from traditional assessments. Behavioral assessments focus on generational specific responses while traditional focuses on global traits. The focal objective for developing a child’s energy serves to define five main stages of psychological development. In the oral stage the child’s age ranges from zero to eighteen months. In the anal stage, the child’s age ranges from eighteen months to three and half years. In the phallic stage the child’s age ranges from three and a half years to six years of age. In the latency stage the child age ranges from six years to puberty. Finally, in the genital the age ranges from puberty to adulthood.

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Behavioral therapist is view as a maladaptive behavior as learning or can consist of being unlearned. The assessment of behavioral is different from traditional assessment while it can focus on global traits and behavioral responses that is focus on behavioral aspect of life. This allows an opportunity for the client to have support and reinsurance to relate to others in different ways. By using behavioral family therapy the family therapist is clarified as an environmental factor that plays in the client’s life.

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The psychosocial work theory model incorporates the elements of many different practice theories, such as the system theory, role theory, and existential psychology this is a set of principles that guide intervention. When becoming a social worker it is more likely for psycho social principles to be involved in their practice that best fit their client’s issues. The psycho social model is related to both social causes and psychological of dysfunction. In the treatment the client’s will development different insights this will change throughout the environment in different relationships from within. As a social worker you will take different approaches along the way, when dealing with different behavioral pattern will lead to the changes that will affect the client’s development.

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Each psychosexual stage has three main parts. First, a physical focus: where the child’s energy is concentrated and their gratification obtained. Second, a psychological theme: this is related to both the physical focus and the demands being made on the child by the outside world as he/she develops. For each stage, there can be two extremes in psychological reaction - either doing too much or not enough of what is ideal. Third, an adult character type: in the first three stages this adult character type is one that is related to being

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Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies brought into play by various entities to cope with reality and to maintain self-image. Healthy pepeople normally use different defenses throughout life. An ego defense mechanism becomes pathological only when its persistent use leads to maladaptive behavior such that the physical and/or mental health of the individual is adversely affected. The purpose of ego defense mechanisms is to protect the mind-self-ego from anxiety, social sanctions or to provide a refuge from a situation with which one cannot currently cope. Ego defense mechanisms, occurs when the id impulses are in conflict with each other, when the id impulses conflict with super-ego values and beliefs, and when an external threat is posed to the ego.

What is most interesting about this podcast?

The most interesting portion of this podcast was the discussion on the psychosocial stages. The psychosocial theory was developed by Erik Erickson and states that development in and interaction with a social environment. The individual is not necessarily fully aware of this relationship with his or her environment. This is one of the first theories I learned about in psychology and it is interesting how knowledge is applied across the board.

What can you share with other students about this podcast?

If I were to share something from this podcast with other student it would be the importance of theories. Theories help define social work as well as all profession practices. Theories can be conceptualized as the frame work of any profession, therefore without theories social work would not have a foundation. In conclusion it is important for all students to understand the concept of theories so that they will be able to apply them during their practicum experience.

Human Diversity

2011-06-06T04:51:00.001-07:00

Abstract

The term diversity defined differences that are the result of factors other than a person of origin. In the United States there are certain groups that are not always thought of as distinct cultures but each case, there members share a world view that differs in important ways from that of the mainstream or dominant cultures. Some of these groups include African Americans, Native Americans, and groups with distinct characteristics based in their life style and experiences with discrimination and prejudices.

Introduction

Diversity is common due to the many world view differences are the results of factors other than a person’s country or origin. Certain groups thought of distinct cultures. Their members share a world view that is different in many ways. This podcast will look at explore the elderly, homosexuals, person with physical difficulties and individuals with HIV diseases.

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Discrimination refers to negative behaviors that are directed towards people based on their certain characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, or gender. The term prejudice refers to negative attitudes towards other people or groups and may or may not include behavior manifestations. As a social worker we cannot discriminate and refuse service to anyone based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or any other similar characteristics.

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Stereotypes are defined as popular beliefs about a specific social group or type of individual. Stereotypes are standardized and simplify conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. Cross-cultural counseling occurs whenever the cultural heritage of the counselor and the client differ. In order for counseling to be effective cultural differences must be attended to.

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Counselors and health care providers require special training if they are to practice with cultural competence in one or more cultures that is different from their own. Acculturation is defined as the process of adopting traits of another culture, including its beliefs, attitudes, values, and language. Racial or ethnic identify refers to sense of collected identity based on the perception that one shares common racial ethnic heritage with particular group.

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Clients need to engaging behavior that will help them conduct good behavior, such as eating, working out, and being active. Because of depression others may turn to substance abuse and fall into a deep depression. A good social worker should be an outlet and help train the client in communication skills by having the client interact with other individuals, as a result of this the client will disclose more information and loose the fear of rejection.

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When working with client who differs from your own culture, the worker should openly acknowledge his awareness of the differences between ones self and the client and actively support and explore as opposed to the client. If the client has any concerns about the cultural differences the worker should address them immediately. A client from a different culture may report an agencies behavior if what happens between the work and the client is upsetting. It is best for them worker to study the particular culture they will be in contact with while at a particular agency.

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Social displacement theory proposes that immigrants and refuges usually feel happy and optimistic when they arrive in the United States. There after experience, depression, confusion and frustration. There are likely to display the most serve mental health problems at the end of the first year through the third year after moving to the U.S. Immigrants may suffer PSTD. In terms of world view, you should know that among African Americans the family traditionally like both nuclear and extend family members. Children are taught to respect and obey there adults and elders. Children come independent often early. Gender roles tend to be flexible. Despite their difference there is a deep sense of mutual responsibility. This is consider a strength and contributor to self-esteem and is believe arise from long experiences with discrimination and poverty

What is most interesting about this podcast?

In my opinion this podcast was interesting as a whole, because everyone has witnessed discrimination in one form or another. As a social worker we must keep in mind the code of ethics and be non-judgmental in working with our clients. Discrimination against a client can cause major consequence for the worker as well as they agency.

What can you share with other students about this podcast?

If I were to share information from this podcast, it would be to always be non-judgmental when working with a client. In my opinion if the social worker cannot avoid discrimination or judging clients then I believe that social work is not a field for that person. In conclusion studying the client population of a given area where they agency of practice is located is always a good idea. The social worker should know what type of cliental they will be working with beforehand so discrimination or cross cultural differences won’t be an issue

Legal and Ethical Issues

2011-06-06T04:50:00.002-07:00

Abstract

Upon graduation and obtaining a degree in social work there is a licensure exam that must be taken in order to be considered a social worker. This exam includes questions on legal and ethical issues in the social work practice. As a social worker we must make ethical decisions, and in doing so we must use the National Association of Social Work (NASW) code of ethics as a guide for professional conduct and decision making.

Introduction

When taking the licensure exam there is no need to memorize the NASW code of ethics. According to the podcast on “Legal and Ethical Issues” as a graduate of an accredited university we should have the knowledge on the principles of the codes based on the NASW. Your answer to the licensure questions should be based on your professional standards and the nationwide laws and regulations. We should always keep in mind not to confuse our particular agencies policies and rules and regulations with those in that are applied to social work nationwide.

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Even though the NASW code of ethics should be the primary resource, it does not give the worker an explicit list of rules of conduct that defines precisely how you should respond in every situation. The NASW code of ethics contains general information that we use to apply personal decisions based on your understanding and knowledge. In some situations ethical decision making will require the worker to consider laws governing the social work practice. The worker should keep in mind that laws only apply most laws are specific to the state you practice in. Values can sometime interfere with decision making. Ethical principles are the standard for a standard are meant to serve as a guide to what is right and wrong. Values are defined as abstract beliefs related to one person or group considers desirable. Social work vaules are incorporated in the code of ethics.

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When working with a client the social worker must maintain confidentiality. In order to do so the worker must first obtain valid formal consent from the client. If the worker has a client that has been mandated by the courts, formal consent is still necessary. The worker must make sure to meet four characteristics when acquiring a valid consent. The client must first have the capability to consent to therapy. The worker must also provide the client with all significant information that might affect his decision to enter treatment, which includes nature and purpose of your services as it relates to the client. Next, the client must give his consent freely and without influence. Finally, the consent form must be appropriately documented, meaning, that you should obtain formal signature on a written consent form. The client must be able to understand the information the worker gives to him and he services that will be provided, which can be difficult when working with minors, mentally retarded or mentally disabled clients.

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While taking the social work exam, it will include question regarding the legal and ethical issues that will affect the social work practice. If the worker has a problem with a client they should refer back to the code of ethics. By selecting the right answer to your knowledge it should be based on your professional standard of law regulation that applies nationwide. Different principles and values help underlie the problem as well as the code of ethics. Even though you may already work at an agency answering under different circumstances you will have to select the answer of polices, rules and regulations that do not pertain to you or where you work.

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According to the ethical standard the worker can disclose confidential information without the client consent under certain circumstances. Those circumstances include situations that may prevent serious harm to the client or another identifiable person. The worker may also disclose information when the law requires information. The worker can violate confidentiality if they believe the client or another person to be in danger. Finally the work is considered a reasonable suspect when they know when child abuse has occurred. The code of ethics make it clear that the worker cannot discuss specific information about a client’s case with other people without the clients consent, unless there are compelling professional reasoning for breaking the clients confidentiality.

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The Tara Soft, which took place at a university in California, established a court’s decision for social workers and other professions “the duty to warn.” The passing of this act protects the intended victim if threats are made to the worker by the client. In an interview with a client, the client makes a threat against an identified victim, it is the duty of the worker to first inform the proper authority as well as notify the intended victim.

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When working with clients confidentially is an important value that social worker must keep in mind. In receiving the confidentiality agreement form the worker, by law, must obey all laws or face penalties which can result in laws suit, or even the loss of their social work license. I f the worker lives in a small community the chances that the worker may run into a client in public greatly increases. If this were to occur it is recommend that the working acts accordingly not do anything that may jeopardize the client’s confidentiality.

What is most interesting about this podcast?

The most interesting portion of this podcast, in my opinion discussed the Tara Soft Act. I have heard of the Tara soft act prior to this podcast, but after listening, it helps put the duty to warn in better perspective. Furthermore my second area of concentration that I would be interested in would be policy.

What can you share with other students about this podcast?

I would share with other student from this podcast would be the importance of policy.

We should always keep in mind polices may change over time therefore it is necessary to stay current. Also policy can vary from state to state as well as agency to agency, reviewing the policy in your area is essential to avoid malpractice. In conclusion all social workers should have a copy of the NASW code of ethics available for quick reference.

Podcast 1st Phase of Treatment

2011-06-06T04:50:00.000-07:00

Abstract

The podcast that will be discussed in this paper will look at the first phase of treatment also known as the helping process. The first phase of treatment is usually the initial meeting with the client and involves resolving the client’s problems and promoting their clients problem solving skills. The main areas of concern in the first phase of treatment include exploring the client’s problem, establishing rapport and enhancing motivation, formulating a multi-dimensional assessment, mutually negotiating goals and formulating a contract, and finally making referrals.

Introduction

In the first phase of treatment or the helping process, is established at the beginning of the treatment phase, and focuses on the clients presenting problems. If the client I’m working with has been mandated by the courts, the primary concern would be to first focus on their specific legal issue. The next step in this process would be to place emphasis on any serious health and safety concerns that may require immediate attention. An example of this would include if the client is a danger to themselves or others. Assessing if the client is a clinical risk should be established in the first meeting.

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During the first meeting with the client which is also known as the intake process, the main objective is to establish the clients presenting problems. The presenting problem is the client’s true understanding of why he or she needs help. In most cases the client does not understand the full capacity of all of their problems; therefore we must understand that the issue that the clients have come in for may in fact be an underlying problem and not the actual presenting problem. In trying to decipher the true presenting problem the social worker should ask open-ended questions, which allows the client to describe the event and closed-ended questions for more detailed response. The social worker should keep in mind that assess pieces of information the client discloses as well as observe their interactions and body language.

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Another key concept in the first phase of treatment is to build substantial rapport with the client. In order for the worker to establish rapport the worker should be sure to attend during the interviewing process which allows the client to see that he is listening and trying to relates to the issues at hand. The first meeting with the client is the most important because it can determine the willingness to disclose information to the worker.

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The worker should also try self-disclosure to show the client how well they can relate, while remembering not to disclose too much information. Next the worker should demonstrate a commitment to the confidentiality agreement as well as the client’s right to self determination. Self determination allows the worker to work with the client on making a treatment plan while allowing the client to making the overall decision to what they would like to happen. The worker should also demonstrate signs of empathy, which will promote trust and understanding with the client, therefore the worker should always be conscious of verbal as well as non-verbal response.

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A multi-dimensional assessment allows the worker to gather and formulate relevant information which helps develop an image of the clients and their circumstances. The importance of the intake process is so that the social worker is able to generate a Biopsychosocial. The Biopsychosocial is short for biological, psychological, and social factors which all play a role in the initiation and maintenance of a problem. The clients culture is important to keep in mind if the clients have a mental disorder due to some mental disorders are specifically relevant to certain cultures. Mental capacity and substance abuse issues can attribute to the client providing unreliable information.

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Another concept that is important in the treatment phase is the assessment. The assessment is used to identify the needs and wants of the client. Needs are defined as the universal necessities, such as adequate nutrition, housing, and health care, while wants refer to the strong desire that motivates behavior and enhances the clients sense of well-being. An assessment should be documented after each interview with the client. All assessments must be validated.

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Anything that a social worker does for the client is known as intervention. Intervention must be based on an accurate and complete assessment of the problem. The worker must always remember to take in account the clients a review, regarding what is the best solution to resolve his problem and allow him to participate on choosing the intervention. As mentioned before this is also a part of the self-determination process

. What is most interesting about this podcast?

The most interesting portion of the podcast occurred with the discussion over self- determination. This emphasized that as a worker we must keep in mind we are working with the client to help resolve all issues at hand. I would share with others that the first phase of the treatment plan is the most important because it is the initial contact with the client and will detriment the entire relationship you have with the client.

What can you share with other students about this podcast?

In conclusion I Believe that as workers we must keep in mind that not all clients know the true extent of their problems and it is up to us to help discover these issues and find out what works best with the client.