e.

The gate keeper – maintains channels of

SW 14– SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUP communication
PREVIEW f. The group observer – comments on group
Groups climate
1. A group is composed of two or more individual g. The follower – goes along with the group
who share common characteristics and meet majority
regularly to achieve common goals. 10. Roles that serve as barriers to group process
2. A crucial element for any group is active include:
interdependency among group members. a. The blocker – takes a negative position without
3. All groups will develop a “group culture”, or a offense alternative ideas
set of common characteristic and norms. b. The aggressor – attacks and denigrates other
4. Groups are classified as primary or secondary group members
groups. c. The recognition seeker – calls attention to
a. A primary group is an informal structure personal needs
which occurs naturally with its d. The clown – distracts group members from tasks
membership being spontaneously e. The dominator – monopolize group time
chosen. 11. Group decisions are made by a process of
Examples of primary groups are: a. Default
 Families b. Authority rule
 Close social networks or friends c. Consensus
 Neighborhood play groups d. Unanimous decision
 Mobs e. Majority rule
b. A secondary group has a formal f. Majority pressure
structure and is specifically created to
accomplish identified goal. FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS OF SOCIAL WORKERS
Examples of secondary groups are:
 Therapy groups 1. Rehabilitative – assist individuals and groups to
 Education groups identify and resolve or minimize problems
 Task or work groups arising out of a disequilibrium between
 Self-help groups themselves and the environment.
 Community support groups 2. Preventive – identify potential areas of
5. Group dynamics refers to the conscious or disequilibrium between individuals or groups
unconscious forces operating within a group and the environment in order to prevent the
which either facilitate or hinder the group’s occurrence of disequilibrium.
progression toward meeting its goals. 3. Developmental – seek out, identify, and
6. Group process refers to the progressive phase of strengthen the maximum potentials in
group development. individuals, groups, and communities.
7. Effective groups depend upon
a. Clearly established goals Skills of Social Worker
b. Established group norms 1. Cognitive skills – process skills
c. Balanced role functions and responsibilities a. Assessment skills
d. Group cohesion b. Critical thinking skills – applying social work
e. Flexible leadership theories and making informed decisions
8. Task roles that assist the group in accomplishing helps professionals to best serve client
its goals include: needs. Involves searching for answers with
a. The initiator- present new ideas an open mind and using information to best
b. The information seeker- seeks clarification serve the present situation.
c. The information giver- provides information c. Problem solving skills - to empower
d. The opinion giver- expresses beliefs individuals, professionals must help the
e. The orienteer- keeps the group focused on client work through challenges. Problem
its tasks solving skills are essentials if one hopes to
f. The recorder- records the group’s progress overcome budgetary obstacles and fiscal
g. The energizer- powers of group constraints.
h. The consensus seeker- seeks to establish d. Diagnostic skills
agreement among group members. e. Intervention skills – allows clients to develop
9. Maintenance role functions which assist group- their own strengths, and utilize them when
building include: future problems arise so they can
a. The encourager – support contributions to independently manage their lives.
group goals f. Skill of Follow-up
b. The harmonizer – tries to reduce conflicts 2. Technical skills
among members a. Communication –
c. Tension reliever – reduce group tension  verbal/nonverbal/written skills
d. The standard setter – enforces group norms
  designing and use of appropriate message Structural Properties of Groups
media
 the case worker should be very careful 1. Size – number of persons in the group. Size sets
with regard to the language s/he is using limit on the amount and quality of
with the client communication that can take place among
 certain words may hurt and annoy the group members which affect their interpersonal
clients also relations.
 making the client to express his
problems is very important 2. Communication Structure
3. Feedback skills Communication – process of transferring and
4. Interpersonal skills sharing messages and meaning through the use
 Respect for diversity – while diversity offers of symbols (words, movements, sounds)
many challenges, it also offers strengths that Communication structure – encompasses who
can be utilized to overcome obstacles. A interacts with whom about what, and this
social worker who understands diversity can interaction may take verbal and/or nonverbal
effectively serve clients, and this increases forms.
opportunities to improve communities.
 Empathy 3. Affectional Structure – the process of acting and
 Advocacy reacting which takes place between people
 Leadership meeting together in a small group. Some people
 Relaxation and decompression – in order to are drawn to each other and develop a liking for
remain engaged and effective at work, it is each other while some people are repulsed and
imperative to have personal time by develop a dislike for each other.
focusing on and tending to own needs.
5. Listening skills – ability to listen carefully, ask 4. Power structure – potentiality for inducing
pertinent questions and retain verbally forces in other persons toward acting or
transmitted information. changing in a given direction.
Social worker establish trust and discover Power is not a negative factor in human
valuable details about the individuals. interaction, it is how power is used that can
6. Documentation Skills – document assessment have adverse effect on human interaction.
information, crisis interventions, and any
correspondence with their clients or other 5 bases of Power (Freach and Raven)
professionals. a. Reward power – reward can come in
Documentation must be thorough, accurate,
many forms (promotion, praise)
and timely.
b. Coercive power – being admonished,
7. Organization and coordination Skills –
successfully managing and prioritizing the being deprived of certain privileges
logistical aspects of the job can help maximize c. Legitimate power – influence resulting
the amount of time to provide meaningful from a person’s position in the group
services to clients. and/or from certain responsibilities that
The ability to coordinate among multiple parties go with that position.
is vital in connecting clients with services. d. Referent power – the influence of A has
because of his being well-liked or
Observation Skill – social worker can understand the respected which results in B identify
unspoken feelings of the client. Sometimes, some client with him.
may not reveal the truth, therefore, by observing his e. Expert power – based on the perception
body language, eye movement, a social worker can that A has experience or some special
understand the reality.
knowledge or skill and can be trusted.
5. Leadership – the ability to influence other
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUP people in some way.
a. Position theory
Group Structure b. Trait theory
*An arrangement or interrelation of all the c. Style theory
parts of a whole. i. Authoritarian
*A pattern that develop and maintain ii. Democratic
themselves overtime in interpersonal iii. Laissez faire
relations. d. Situational theory
e. Functional theory
Group worker see to it that members occupy certain f. Role theory
“place” with respect to one another to achieve desired
goals for certain individuals in the group. ASSESSMENT SKILLS IN WORKING WITH DIFFERENT
CLIENT SYSTEMS
 b. Friends and Colleagues – perspectives on
Assessment – collection of necessary information and social interactions, work performance,
analysis and interpretation in order to reach an coping mechanisms.
understanding of the client, problem, and social context. c. Professional Contacts – professionals
Enables social workers to develop a deep involved in the client’s life can contribute
understanding of the client’s needs, challenges, and specialized knowledge relevant to the
strength to more targeted and effective planning. assessment (teachers, healthcare
Helps in setting realistic goals and measuring providers).
progress throughout the helping relationship.
Social workers must always consider potential
The Purpose and Process of Assessment biases and maintain the client’s confidentiality when
engaging with secondary sources. It is important to
1. Data Gathering – collect comprehensive obtain the client’s consent before seeking
information about the client’s situation information from secondary sources and to weigh
(personal history, family dynamics, the relevance and reliability of the information
environmental factors) obtained carefully.
2. Analysis and Interpretation – data is carefully
examined to identify patterns, strengths, and 3. Existing Data
areas of concern that may impact the client’s a. Medical records – provides crucila
well-being. information about the client’s physical and
3. Problem Definition – based on the analysis, the mental history which can significantly
client and social worker collaboratively define impact their current situation and needs.
the primary issues to be addressed in their work b. Educational records – school reports,
together. academic assessments can offer insights
4. Assessment Statement – synthesizes the into the client’s learning abilities, behavioral
findings into a formal document that outlines patterns, and social development in
the client’s situation and serves as a basis for educational settings.
intervention planning. c. Legal documents – court records, police
reports may be relevant in cases involving
This systematic approach ensures that social workers legal issues, providing context for the
have a comprehensive understanding of the client’s client’s current circumstances.
needs, enabling them to provide targeted and effective d. Previous Social Work interventions – offer
support throughout the helping process. valuable historical context, highlighting past
interventions, outcomes, and any recurring
Types of Sources patterns or challenges.
1. Primary
a. Direct Information – clients provide Social workers must adhere to ethical guidelines and
firsthand accounts of their experiences, privacy regulations, ensuring proper authorization is
feelings, and perspectives obtained before accessing confidential records. These
b. Self-determination – engaging clients as the sources should be used to complement, not replace,
primary source respects their autonomy and direct client interactions and should be interpreted
promotes active participation in the helping within the context of the client’s current situation.
process.
c. Rapport Building – direct interactions with 4. Worker’s own observation – crucial assessment
clients during data gathering help establish tool
trust and strengthen the therapeutic a. Visual cues – body language, facial
relationship. expressions, and physical appearance to
d. Contextual Understanding – clients can gain insights into the client’s emotional
provide nuanced information re cultural, state and overall well-being.
social, and environmental context that may b. Verbal communication – listening to the
not be apparent from other sources. client’s tone, pace, and word choice can
reveal underlying emotions, cognitive
By prioritizing the client as the primary source of patterns, and potential areas of concern.
information, social workers demonstrate respect for the c. Environmental factors – observing the
client’s expertise in their own life experiences and foster client’s living conditions, family interactions,
a collaborative approach to problem-solving. or workplace can provide valuable context
for understanding their situation holistically.
2. Secondary d. Clinical judgment – professional expertise to
a. Family Members – insights into family interpret observations within the context of
dynamics, historical context, and patterns of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based
behavior. practice.
The social worker’s own observations play a crucial role may require a rapid, focused assessment VS
in the assessment process, complementing information addressing chronic, multifaceted issues might
gathered from other sources. These observations must necessitate a more comprehensive, long-term
be documented objectively and ethically, with a clear approach to data gathering and analysis.
distinction between factual observations and C. Assessment Tools – social workers should select
professional interpretations. appropriate assessment tools and techniques
based on the specific needs of the client and the
Principles of Data Gathering: Ethical Considerations nature of the problem.

*Client as Main Source – prioritize information directly Tailoring the assessment process to the unique
from the client: Respects client autonomy and self- characteristics of each client and the specific nature of
determination their concerns, social workers can ensure a more
*Relevance of Data – collect information directly related accurate, relevant, and effective evaluation. This
to identified problems: Maintains focus and protects individualized approach not only enhances the quality of
client privacy the assessment but also respects the client’s unique
*Informed consent – obtain client permission for circumstances and promotes a more collaborative and
accessing additional sources: Ensures transparency and empowering helping relationship.
builds trust
*Continuous process – ongoing data collection The Intake Process: Gateway to Client Status
throughout the helping relationship: Allows for 1. Client Presentation – potential client presents
adaptability and responsiveness to client needs themselves and their problem or need as they
*Tailored approach – adjust data collection based on experiencing it. This step requires vulnerability
client type and problem nature: Ensures culturally and openness from the client.
sensitive and appropriate assessment 2. Worker Assessment – assess the client and their
problem, determining whether the agency is
These principles ensures that the data gathering process equipped to provide assistance. Involves active
remains ethical, respectful, and client-centered. Social listening and critical analysis.
workers must balance the need for comprehensive 3. Mutual Understanding – both parties develop
information with the client’s right to privacy and self- and understanding of the agency’s policies,
determination, always prioritizing the client’s best programs, and their respective responsibilities
interests and professional ethical standards. and obligations in the helping relationship.

The Continuous Nature of Assessment Presenting Problem: Initial Client Perspective

1. Initial Assessment – first comprehensive gathering
and analysis of client information, establishing a Definition: The issues that the client initially identifies as
baseline for intervention. a threat to their or other’s welfare. It is the problem as
2. Ongoing Evaluation – regular reassessment of the perceived or experience by the client as the time of
client’s situation, progress, and emerging needs intake.
throughout the helping process.
3. Intervention Adjustment – modifying strategies and Importance: Understanding the presenting problem is
goals based on new information and changing crucial as it provides insight into the client’s perspective
circumstances. and immediate concerns. It serves as a starting point for
4. Final Review – comprehensive evaluation of the further exploration.
intervention’s outcomes and the client’s current
status at the conclusion of services. Limitations: The presenting problem may not always be
the root cause of the client’s issues. It’s essential for
The ongoing approach allows social workers to remain social workers to dig deeper during assessment.
responsive to the dynamic nature of clients’ lives,
adapting interventions as needed and ensuring that Interviews
support remains relevant and effecting. By maintaining *Individual intake – provide a safe space for clients to
an open and curious stance, social workers can capture share sensitive information for social workers to
new insights, identify emerging challenges, and conduct in depth assessments.
celebrate progress, fostering a more agile and client- *Group intake – efficient when working with small
centered approach to intervention. groups or families. Offers the opportunity to observe
group dynamics and gather collective information.
Tailoring Assessment to Client and Problem Type *Intake form – used to collect essential information such
A. Client Diversity – social workers must adapt as community identifying data, presenting problem,
their assessment approach to accommodate the relevant circumstances, and background information.
unique characteristics, cultural backgrounds,
and needs of diverse client populations. Defining the Problem
B. Problem Complexity – the natures of the *Importance of Problem Definition – the way a problem
presenting problem influence the depth of the is defined shapes the entire intervention process. It
assessment process. Ex. A crisis intervention
influences data collection, solution identification, and Understanding the Client in Context
the overall direction of the helping relationship.
*Collaborative Approach – problem definition should be This approach helps in identifying underlying issues that
a collaborative effort between the social worker and the may not be immediately apparent but could be critical
client. This ensures that both perspectives are to addressing the client’s needs.
considered and increases client buy-in to the helping
process. *Personal Factors – individual history, psychological
*Flexibility – social workers should remain flexible and makeup, health status, coping mechanisms
open to redefining the problem as needed throughout *Social Factors – family dynamic, community support,
the helping process. cultural influences, social networks
*Environmental Factors – economic situation, living
The “Problem for Work”: Focusing the Intervention conditions, access to resources, systemic barriers

1. Client Priority – the problem (or part) the client Collaborative Nature of Assessment
system deems most important or a good *Partnership – establish a collaborative relationship
starting point. based on mutual respect and shared goals
2. Worker’s Assessment – the problem or aspect *Dialogue – engage in open, honest communication to
that the worker judges to be most critical based gather information and explore perspectives
on their professional assessment. *Joint Planning – work together to set priorities and
3. Feasibility – the problem (or part) that can most develop intervention strategies
readily yield to help, considering available *Feedback – regularly seek and incorporate client
resources and interventions. feedback to refine the assessment and intervention plan
4. Agency Scope – the problem or aspect that falls
within the action and parameters of the helping Movement and Exploration in Assessment
system or agency. 1. Horizontal Exploration – information across
The “problem for work” is a strategic concept that helps multiple life domains (family, work, health,
focus the intervention on the most pressing and social relationships). Helps identify potential
addressable issues. areas of concern or strength.
2. Vertical Exploration – in-depth investigation of
Partialization: Managing Multiple Problems specific issues, uncovering root causes, patterns,
and underlying factors that contribute to the
*Identify – recognize and list all problems presented by client’s situation.
the client and identified by the worker. 3. Adaptive Questioning – flexible approach to
*Separate – break down complex issues into questioning, social worker follows relevant
manageable components or distinct problems. threads of information as they emerge during
*Focus – select the problem or aspect that needs to be the assessment process.
addressed first as the initial; focus of the helping 4. Iterative Analysis – ongoing review and
relationship. synthesis of information, continuously refining
the understanding of the client’s situation as
Partialization allows social workers to manage complex new insights are gained.
cases effectively by breaking them down into
manageable parts. It’s not about ignoring other issues Professional Judgment in Assessment – based on social
but strategically focusing efforts for maximum impact. worker’s expertise, experience, and ethical
considerations.
Prioritizing: Determining Problem Precedence *Ethical Decision-Making – applying professional ethics
and values to guide assessment decisions and ensure
*Urgency – assess immediate risks or time-sensitive client’s well-being.
issues *Prioritization – determining which issues require
*Impact – evaluate the potential effects on client’s immediate attention and which can be addressed in the
overall well-being longer term
*Client Readiness – the client’s motivation and capacity *Risk Assessment – evaluating potential risks and
to address specific issues benefits of different intervention strategies based on
*Resource availability – factor in available support professional expertise
systems and interventions *Integration of Theory and Practice – applying
theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, bridging
Carefully weighing various factors to decide which issue the gap between academic understanding and practical
should be addressed first. Effective prioritization ensures application.
that the most critical problems are tackled promptly,
maximizing the impact of social work interventions.
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUP within the group develop and change at varying
levels and must therefore know how to use the
Social group work as a process and method is rooted in group work process in meeting the varying
the sociological concept that a person is a social being levels of needs of the members.
inclined to associate with other human beings. 5. Principle of group interaction – recognizes that
guided group interaction is considered to be the
The group can be utilized as a target for change, a heart of the social group work process
medium for change, or an agent for change. (harnessing, direction, and conscious utilization
of the natural process).
As a target for change, members in the group are clients 6. Principle of democratic self-determination –
of an agency who have common problems, needs, and anchored on the belief that groups have the
concerns that match the agency’s or worker’s group right to make choices and that they are
service orientation. endowed with the capacity to make decisions.
7. Principle of flexible functional organization –
As a medium for change, the group is used to facilitate underscores the need to have flexibility in
the growth and development needs of some members formal organizations so that it can be adaptive
of the group as the need for self-expression, to any change that may arise.
communication, relationships, developing self- 8. Principle of progressive program experiences –
confidence, and modifying negative attitudes, behavior, emphasizes the need for the group to engage in
and values. program experiences at the level of member’s
interest, need, experience, and capacity.
As an agent of change, the group is used to effect the
desired change needed outside the group. Typology of Groups:

The need for group experience is basic and universal. 1. Growth group – the goal is the personal growth
That group of individuals can be helped to grow and of the participant in the group at all levels in
change in personality, attitudes, and values through their emotional, interpersonal, intellectual, and
group experiences. Persons not only develop in groups spiritual phases of their life. (To make people
but also through groups. better, to develop group trust and in-depth
relationship, to encourage constructive changes
Groups are dynamic, and ever-changing and are in attitudes and feeling, and behavior and
accepted by the social worker at the level of relationships, to awaken the innate drive in
development. every individual in the group to develop their
potentials).
Purposes of Social Group Work 2. Treatment group – the goal is to help solve the
1. Enhance the social adjustment of the individual individual’s problems in social adjustment,
and developing the social consciousness uncover deep-seated conflicts, hostilities, and
2. Provide opportunities for planned group depression. The objective of the treatment vary
experiences that all people need. in order to appropriately responds to common
3. Provide relaxing experiences that give problems/needs of the different types of groups
individuals a chance to create, share, and that may include: unwed mothers who are
express themselves. minor, street children, prostitute women, drug
4. Help individuals in groups to take responsibility dependents, PWDs, solo parents, CICL, etc.
for their behavior, relate with others, and how 3. Social group – the goal is to provide
to become participating members of society. opportunities for social relationships to the
lonely, friendless, and with problems relating to
Statement of Principles others. It aims to form a friendly and congenial
1. Principle of planned group formation – this atmosphere where the members can
requires the group to possess conscious design comfortably relate on a deeper level with at
and plan and must contain the potential for least a group member, and to provide program
social growth of its members. activities.
2. Principle of specific objectives – recognizes that 4. Interest group – the goal is to primarily answer
specific objectives for individual and group the unmet interest/needs of the group
development must be consciously formulated members through appropriate program of
by the social group worker to effectively meet activities and services to the agency as well as
the group’s needs and concerns. the community. Provide outlets that would
3. Principle of purposeful work-group relationship - meet the varied unmet interests through
premised on the assumption that there has creative and innovative activities, programs, and
been established acceptance between the group services.
members and the worker. 5. Play/Recreation group – the goal is to provide
4. Principle of continuous individualization – pleasurable activities through games, dances,
entails the worker to consciously understand songs, and other leisure-time activities as
and accept that subgroups and individuals medium for meeting the individual’s leisure and
 recreational needs that are helpful for their  Motivation – individuals who are all trying to satisfy
development. some personal need through their join association
 Structured relationships – individuals whose
Social Work Processes – Hellen Harris Perlman (1957) interactions are structured by a set of roles and
norms
a. Study – constitute and bear upon the problem must  Mutual Influence – individuals who influence each
be ascertained and grasped other
b. Diagnosis – facts must be thought about turned
over, probed into, and organized in the mind, BENEFITS OF GROUPS IN SOCIAL WORK
examined in their significance
c. Treatment – some choices or decisions must be For individuals:
made as a result of the consideration of the *Development of effective communication skills and
particular facts to resolve the problem. coping skills
*Development of problem-solving techniques
*Florence Hollis – casework process For the group:
*Robert Vinter – group work process *People in a group are mutually helpful to each other;
*Arthur Dunham – community organization empowerment through helping others
*Many individuals may have similar needs/goals
Campton and Galaway (1994) – sequential steps: *Links between good group functioning and social
1. Definition of the problem functioning.
2. Data collection *Under most conditions, the productivity of groups is
3. Assessment of the situation higher than the productivity of individuals working alone
4. Goal-setting and action planning, intervention or *Groups make more effective decisions and solve
carrying out of the action problems more effectively than individuals working
5. Evaluation and termination alone.
*It is through group that we learn altruism, kindness,
Mendoza (2022) – consideration for others, and responsibility.
1. Assessment *Conflicts are managed more productivity in groups.
2. Planning *Groups establish standards or norms for its members
3. Intervention/Plan Implementation to function effectively.
4. Evaluation *A person’s identity, self-esteem, and social
5. Termination competencies are shaped by the groups s/he belongs.

SOCIAL GROUP WORK: GENERIC CHARACTERISTICS

AND SIGNIFICANCE

Social Group Work

 Method of social work which develops the ability of
individuals through group activities
 Constructive intervention to help individuals have
better social functioning through social interaction
and social relationships
 Helps individuals to enhance their social functioning
through purposeful group experiences and to cope
more effectively with their personal, group, and
community problems

Criteria to call a Group a Group

 Number of persons – more than 1
 Interdependence
 Acceptance of roles and status
 Similarity of goals, motives
 Shared norms and values

Characteristics of Group Work

 Interpersonal Interaction – a collection of individuals
interacting with each other
 Perception of Membership – 2 or more persons who
perceive themselves as belonging to a group
 Interdependency – a collection of interdependent
individuals.
 Goals – individuals who join together to achieve
mutual goals