SOCIAL WORKS
Social Work/Social Welfare/Social Development Definition
Social work defined as a profession which is primarily concerned with organized social
service activity that aimed at facilitating and strengthening basic social relationships
and the mutual adjustment between individuals and their social environment for the
good of the person and society by the use of social work methods. (RA 4373, 195)
Social Welfare defined as a state of well-being of people in the society. It has two
views, namely: residual and institutional. (Melendez, 2018) The residual and institutional
models are two different approaches in addressing social welfare issues, such as poverty,
hunger and health problems, with the government providing funding and social work.
The residual model generally holds that the government should be involved in social
welfare only as a last resort safety net when other avenues fail while the institutional
model favors continuing intervention as needed, seeing government help as a natural
and normal occurrence in people's lives.
Social development is about putting people at the center of development. This means a
commitment that development processes need to benefit people, particularly but not
only the poor, but also a recognition that people, and the way they interact in groups
and society, and the norms that facilitates such interaction, shape development
processes. ([Link]
Goal
The main goal of social work is to improve society’s overall well-being, especially for the
most vulnerable populations.
Scope
A basic goal of social work is to facilitate the “social well-being” and “social functioning” of
the “person-in-environment”. Each of the key concepts in this statement is essential to the
understanding of the scope of social work. The World Health Organization (W.H.O)
recognized social well-being as an integral component of a person’s overall state of health,
complementary to, but different from, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Social
functioning refers to the way people perform their social roles and the way societies
provide structural supports to help them perform their roles. The person-in-environment
perspective recognizes the impact of societal systems such as natural support networks
and the formal structures within communities that may enhance or inhibit individual social
well-being. At the core of social practice, these concepts guide the work of practitioners in
diverse fields of service. However, depending on the chosen area of practice, the roles and
responsibilities of social workers can widely vary. For this reason, it is proposed that this
scope of practice statement be more clearly defined, to effectively examine the bounds of
the social work profession. The scope of social work has several defining elements.
(Canadian Association of Social Workers, 2016)
Core Values
According to NASW Social Work of Ethics, the six core values of social
work are:
1. Service – to provide help, resources, and benefits to help people
achieve maximum potential.
2. Social Justice – to uphold equal rights, protection, opportunity,
social benefits to everyone.
3. Dignity and worth – every person is unique and worthwhile.
4. Importance of human relationships – to value the exchange
between so worker and client.
5. Integrity – maintain trustworthiness.
6. Competence – practice within the scope of known skills and
abilities.
Focus of Social Work: Social Functioning
Social functioning relates to “fulfill one’s roles in society in general, to
those in the immediate environment, and to oneself. These functions
include meeting one’s basic needs and those of one’s dependents and
making positive contributions to society”. (Barker as cited by DuBois
and Miley, 2002)
Functions of Social Work
a) Restorative – this includes restoration of impaired capacities either
curative/remedial and/or rehabilitative
b) Development – this includes providing individual and psychosocial
resources.
c) Preventive – this refers to prevention of social dysfunction, social
problems, social injustice, and rights violation.
Principles of Social Work
1. Acceptance – Manifested in the professional relationship through the expression of
genuine concern, receptive listening, intentional responses that acknowledge the other
person’s point of view, and the creation of a climate of mutual respect.
2. Affirming individuality – This means recognizing and “appreciating the unique
qualities of the client,” are starting where the client is. It requires the professional to
a) accept the client without bias and prejudice;
b) avoiding labeling and stereotyping (e.g. referring to a client as “deviant” or
abnormal;
c) recognize and appreciate diversity (e.g. in lifestyles, values, sexual orientation,
ideological standpoint); and d) critical knowledge of human behavior.
3. Purposeful expression of feelings – Social workers provide opportunities for clients to
express their feelings freely without fear of rejection, censure or any form of negative
sanction. They must not limit themselves to “just the facts”.
4. Non-judgementalism – This requires social workers to assume a non-blaming attitude
and behavior, to avoid concluding that others are good or bad, worthy or unworthy.
5. Objectivity – This requires social workers to examine situations and clients in a
manner that is not colored by personal feelings, biases prejudices.
6. Controlled emotional involvement – This has three components:
a) sensitivity to express or unexpressed feelings;
b) understand based on knowledge of human behavior
c) response guided by knowledge and purpose.
7. Self-determination – This is based on the recognition of the right and need of
clients to freely decide/make their choices. As social workers, we have the
responsibility to create a working relationship where clients can freely choose and
decide.
8. Access to Resources – Social workers have the responsibility to ensure that clients
have or linked to the necessary resources, services and opportunities; “to pay
attention to expanding choices, and opportunities for the oppressed and
disadvantaged; and to advocate for policy and legislative changes that improve
social conditions and promote social justice”.
(Adapted from: DuBois, B. and Miley, K. (1992). Social Work: An Empowering Profession, Boston: Allyn and Bacon, pp. 135-141)
Function of a Social Worker
1. Engagement – “The social worker must first engage the client in early meetings to promote
a collaborative relationship”. This is where malpractice liability exposure, cyber liability
exposure, and general liability exposure begin the social worker’s risk exposure.
2. Assessment – “Data must be gathered that will guide and direct a plan of action to help the
client”. This is important core function from insurance perspective. When information is
documented, these records become client record subject to recent Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 legislation, which holds the social worker
liable for breach by third parties.
3. Planning – “Negotiate and formulate an action plan”.
4. Implementation – “Promote resources acquisition and enhance role performance”.
5. Monitoring/Evaluation – “On-going documentation through short-term goal attainment of
the extent to which client is following through”.
6. Supportive Counseling – “Affirming, challenging, encouraging, informing, and exploring
options”.
7. Graduated Disengagement – Seeking to replace the social worker with a naturally occurring
resources”.
Roles and Responsibilities of Social Work
Roles of a Social Worker
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.
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.
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.
Organizer
Social Workers are involved in many levels of community
organization and action including economic development,
union organization, and research and policy specialists.
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.
([Link]
Responsibilities of a Social Worker
1. Counsel individuals, groups or families
2. Maintain case histories and prepare reports
3. Serve as liaison between schools, hospitals or government
agencies and individuals or families
4. Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises
5. Develop and review service plans in consultation with
clients
6. Investigate client issues and propose a plan for resolution
7. Supervise other social workers
(Adapted from: [Link]
Areas of Specialization where Social Worker can work and Career Opportunities
No matter the area of specialty that a social worker chooses to enter into, it is always to his or
her best benefit to earn a master’s degree in social work. Earning this type of credential tends
to take about seven years.
People often go to college with hopes of earning a degree in which they can use to truly make
a difference in the lives of those around them. Unfortunately, after spending much money and
time, a degree is earned and little difference is accomplished. On the upside, however, this
doesn’t ring true for those who choose to earn a degree in social work. When it comes to
earning this type of degree, it should be noted that there are several specialty fields that one
can enter into. Let’s dive right in and take a close look at five of the more common
specializations.
Mental Health
A master’s degree is not always required to enter into the field of social work; however, it can
be of the utmost benefit, especially when going into the mental health sector. When a person
has the desire to perform clinical services, a master’s degree is required, as well as the
appropriate type of licensure. In this line of work, a person will provide a wide array of mental
health services, including therapy, counseling, diagnosing mental health conditions and much
more.
Medical/Public Health
There has always been, and will always be, a high demand for social workers who
work in the medical field. There are many settings that a person can find
employment in as a medical social worker, including hospitals, nursing homes,
assisted living facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, home health
agencies and more. In this occupation, a social worker spends his or her time
advocating for the rights of his or her patients.
Child Welfare
Many people who enter into the field of social work do so with the intentions of
becoming a child welfare worker. This line of work is often one that is emotionally
demanding as well as one that includes working odd hours. Child welfare workers
are often on-call all hours of the day. They must meet with clients and report
changes and updates to judges on a regular basis. The custody arrangements of
the cases they handle are generally left in their hands, making this occupation
one with much responsibility.
Substance Abuse
Another common area specialization found in the field of social work is substance
abuse. Choosing to enter this sub-specialty can land a person a job in any of the
following settings:
▪ Juvenile detention centers
▪ Mental health centers
▪ Substance abuse treatment facilities
▪ Non-profit organizations
▪ Prisons
▪ Jails
Those who choose to become a social worker who specializes in substance abuse
spend their time helping those who have become addicted to drugs. The true
value of this position should never be underestimated.
School Social Work
Another common specialization found in social work is that of school social
work. As a school social worker, a person will work as a mediator between
students, teachers and students’ families to make sure everyone is on the same
page. Many times, a school social worker will be in charge of particular
programs, including:
▪ Crisis intervention
▪ Behavioral intervention programs
▪ Health education
▪ Truancy prevention
▪ Sexual education
(Adapted from: [Link] specializations-within-social-work)
Workplace of a Social Worker
Social workers typically in the following settings:
✓ Hospitals and clinics
✓ Nursing Homes
✓ Community mental health clinics
✓ Private practices
✓ State and local governments
✓ Schools
✓ Colleges and Universities
✓ Substance Abuse clinics
✓ Military bases and hospitals
Social Workers’ Code of Ethics
We, the members of the Philippine Association of Social Worker's, Inc. believing:
▪ In the inherent worth and dignity of all persons emanating from a Supreme Being who directs
our actions of love for one another;
▪ That every human being has natural and social rights, capacities and responsibilities to develop
his full potentials as human being;
▪ In the human being's capacity to change and recognize the value of unity in diversity, individual
differences and pluralism in society;
▪ In free men and women living in a free society where poverty, in all its forms, is neither a fate
nor punishment but is a condition that can and must be changed;
▪ In the family as the basic unit of society and its vital role in the growth and development of the
individual, the family system, and the community;
▪ That the government, the private sector and the public have a joint responsibility to promote
social justice and to ensure the political, economic and social wellbeing of all people;
▪ In the role of social workers as agents and advocates of change and in the promotion of
professionalism, responsibility and accountability; and;
▪ That our professional practice is deeply rooted in our cultural values,
▪ DO HEREBY DECLARE that we will abide by these in our standards of ethical conduct.
About Self and the Profession
✓ To conduct myself in a manner consistent with the philosophy, principles, values, and
beliefs of the social work profession;
✓ To act at all times with honesty, openness, and transparency in all my professional
transactions;
✓ To constantly work towards my professional advancement so as to contribute to the
promotion of the social work practice;
✓ To contribute time and professional expertise to activities that promote respect for the
integrity and competence of social workers;
✓ To share research knowledge and practice wisdom to colleagues and other professionals;
✓ To be vigilant and act to prevent the unauthorized and unqualified practice of social
work;
✓ To support the professional association duly organized and constitute for the
professional welfare of all social workers;
✓ To respond and volunteer my professional services in times of emergency;
✓ To uphold and protect the dignity and integrity of the profession; and
✓ To promote cultural values that will enhance the practice of social work profession.
About Clients
✓ To uphold the basic human rights of client and serve them without
discrimination;
✓ To accept primary responsibility and accountability to clients, respecting their
right to self-determination and observe confidentiality in all my dealings with
them;
✓ To seek out the marginalized and ensure equal access to the resources,
services and opportunities required to meet basic needs; and,
✓ To expand choice and opportunity for all persons, with special regard for
disadvantaged or oppressed groups or persons.
About Colleagues
✓ To acknowledge and respect the professional expertise of other
disciplines, extending all necessary cooperation that will enhance
effective services;
✓ To bring any violation of professional ethics and standards to the
attention of the appropriate bodies inside and outside the profession,
and ensure that relevant clients are properly involved; and
✓ To advocate with legislative and policy bodies for the welfare of all
colleague
Social Workers’ Code of Ethics
(Adapted from [Link] 2016)
