What is social work? The primary mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty (NASW Code of Ethics).

1. Chapter 2:
Social Work and
Other Helping Professions
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

2. Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

3. Social Work: A Competency-
Oriented Education
 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Defines Educational Policy and Accreditation
Standards (EPAs)
- Developed 10 “Core Competencies” and 41
Related “Practice Behaviors”
 Every student should master the Practice
Behaviors and Core Competencies before
completing the program
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

4. Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008
The Textbook –
- “Helping Hands” icons call attention to content that
relates to Practice Behaviors and Competencies
- “Competency Notes” at the end of the chapter
help put the Practice Behaviors and Competencies
in practical context
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

5. Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008 (cont’d)
 The Practice Behaviors Workbook developed
with the text provides assignable exercises that
assist in mastering the Practice Behavior and
Competencies
 Additional on-line resources can be found at:
www.cengage.com/socialwork
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

6. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Why do people have problems?
• Genetics and heredity – psychobiology
• Socialization
• Cultural differences
• Environmental factors
• Opportunity structure (the accessibility of
opportunities in one’s environment
EP 2.1.3a
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing

7. What is social work?
The primary mission of social work is to enhance
human well-being and help meet the basic needs of
all people, with particular attention to the needs and
empowerment of people who are vulnerable,
oppressed, and living in poverty (NASW Code of
Ethics).
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing

8. The early years of social work
• Thomas Chalmers in Scotland – personalized
involvement with the poor
• Charity Organization Society (COS) -“scientific
philanthropy” and “friendly visiting,” individual
assessment, coordinated service plan, follow up
• Mary Richmond – COS leader, Social Diagnosis,
social casework
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c
.
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing

9. The early years of social work
• Settlement house movement
• Jane Addams, founder of Hull House
• First schools of social work (early-1900s)
• Emphasis on casework; group work (late-1920s)
community organization (late-1930s)
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
established in 1955
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1.c
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing

10. Underpinnings of the profession
• Values and ethics (NASW Code of Ethics)
• Liberal arts foundation
• Knowledge about human behavior, policy,
research, practice, social and economic justice,
cultural diversity, populations at risk
• Practice skills and process of planned change
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) guides
curriculum
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1.c
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing

11. Purposes of the social work profession
• Enhance human well-being and alleviate social
injustice
• Enhance social functioning and interactions of
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities
• Formulate and implement social policies, services,
and programs that meet basic human needs and
develop human capacities
EP 2.1.3a
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing

12. Purposes of the social work profession (cont’d)
• Advocate for policies, services, and resources
that promote social and economic justice
• Develop and use research, knowledge, and skills
that advance social work practice
• Develop and apply practice in the context of
diverse cultures (Council on Social Work
Education, 2006)
EP 2.1.3a
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

13. Social work methods
• With individuals and families (casework)
• With groups (group work)
• Community organization
• Research
• Administration and planning
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c, 2.1.8a
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

14. Professional issues in social work
• Types of social agencies that serve clients
• Education and levels of social work practice:
- BSW – entry level, generalist practice
- MSW – advanced practice
- PhD and DSW – advanced practice, research,
and teaching
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c, 2.1.8a
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

15. Social work careers
• One of fastest-growing professions
• Growth areas include health care and aging
• Fields of practice include child welfare, health,
corrections, substance abuse, developmental
disabilities, family counseling, and public
assistance programs in private and public
agencies and settings
• Private Practice
EP 2.1.1c
.
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

16. Collaboration with other professionals
• Psychiatrists and psychologists
• Pastoral counselors
• Employment counselors
• Sociologists
• School and rehabilitation counselors
• Attorneys
• Nurses
EP 2.1.8b
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

17. Need for Professional Diversity
• Clients need attention of practitioners from a
variety of areas
• Specialization important given diverse needs of
clients
• Cooperation and respect among professionals are
critical
EP 2.1.8b
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.

18. BSW Social Workers
• Advocates
• Brokers
• Case managers
• Counselors
• Enablers
• Evaluators
• Problem solvers
EP 2.1.8b
Copyright © 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
.