Category: Social Work

Systems theory is a concept applied in social work to describe how various forces tend to influence behaviors and outcomes. Professionals working in this field need to be aware of various psychodynamic models and apply them accordingly to achieve the intended goals. The object relations theory is a framework that explains how a babys experiences reshape his or her relationships and responses as a mature person. In the microsystem, this theory can become a powerful tool for working directly with the targeted individual (Sanfeliu, 2018). For example, an expert can rely on this model at the micro-level to help someone who might have experienced any form of physical or emotional abuse during his or her childhood. By collaborating with the targeted beneficiary, the professional can encourage family members to be part of the process and offer personalized support.

c at the mezzo level to provide the relevant care and empowerment. Specifically, this model will guide such experts to identify specific groups comprised of individuals experiencing the same challenges. For example, they can identify people in a given institution who could be experiencing various mental, behavioral, or social problems. Through the use of the suggested theory, these professionals will achieve their goals much faster and transform the experiences of the identified beneficiaries. Additionally, macro-level systems identify some of the best interventions that can help provide the relevant intervention at the regional level (Sanfeliu, 2018). Social workers involved in such a practice would need to identify specific challenges or opportunities that could be associated with the wider community. The ultimate goal is to apply object-relations theory accordingly when it is impossible to reach specific individuals. From this evidence, it is quite agreeable that the application of this theory will only provide desirable results will be applied at the micro-level.

Social workers utilizing the object relations theory should be aware of the possible ethical issues that might emerge when dealing with different clients. Specifically, the model guides such professionals to engage parents and relatives to learn more about the targeted beneficiarys infanthood. Such activities require informed consent while at the same time taking into consideration the rights and expectations of all the individuals involved (Sanfeliu, 2018). Experts should also avoid engaging in romantic affairs or dishonoring the views of their clients. At the micro-level, social workers should take the issues of dignity and professionalism seriously. The provision of relevant support should also be pursued in a personalized manner while promoting the notion of cultural competence (Sanfeliu, 2018). Failure to consider these ethical issues will affect the applicability of the object relations theory since it seeks to dig deeper into a persons past.

The nature of this model presents various controversies that social workers should be aware of. First, the object relations theory mainly focuses on a persons infanthood and how he or she related to specific things or individuals. This assertion tends to ignore the subsequent experiences and influences that could have been triggered by culture and the surrounding environment. Second, this theory tries to focus on the individual and not on communities (Sanfeliu, 2018). This rigidness makes it less practical when providing social support at the macro level. Third, past scholars have failed to offer comprehensive and convincing augments to explain how attachment during infancy supports the development of human identity. A proper understanding of these controversies is, therefore, essential and capable of encouraging more professionals to achieve their social work goals.

Reference

Sanfeliu, I. (2018). Karl Abraham: The birth of object relations theory. Taylor & Francis.

Short Description of The Interviewed Worker

Hope for Youth is a nonprofit agency that facilitates positive change in the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Stephanie Rivera-Ayala has a masters degree in social work and will be taking her license this summer. She has been working for the agency for four years and shows her compassion and love for her job (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). She became interested in the social work sphere during high school and was working in the department for two years while at school. In 2017, Stephanie received her masters degree and entered work at Hope of Youth (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). She has been working there for four years and has performed in many positions.

Currently, she holds many responsibilities since she is a case manager in the agency. Her duties include going to court to address her clients, and making reports and presentations in front of the judges about the clients regarding possible changes in their behavior. For example, she can help the young clients keep guardianship over their children, continue to help administrations, soften the punishment for young convicts, or free them from imprisonment (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Stephanie also advises young people to improve their situations and gives her professional consultations. Everyday work includes surveying individuals necessities, qualities, and wishes, working with people and families straightforwardly to help them make changes, take care of issues, arrange support, make suggestions or references to different administrations and organizations, and keep elaborate records.

The issues social workers manage are frequently established in social or emotional burden, segregation, poverty, or disability. Social specialists perceive the master plan as influencing individuals lives and work for a more equivalent and just society where fundamental liberties are regarded and ensured. She indicates that she did not face the problems of oppression or discrimination at her workplace (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Therefore, prejudice might not be that common in the field of cooperation with Youth.

What I have learned from The Assignment

I understood that the profession of a social worker requires a person to do multitask and be comprehensive to fulfill all the goals and perform the tasks adequately. This is because a social worker has to meet many people from different backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. In order to find the common language with all of them and see the case from various aspects, it is necessary to acquire these skills. Being a social worker is regularly difficult but a rewarding vocation. Social workers are liable for aiding people, families, and individuals to adapt to issues they are looking to work on in their patients lives. One part of this is helping abilities and creating components for patients to depend on to better their lives and encounters. Social workers address legitimate issues, such as assisting with hearings and reporting crucial information regarding their clients (Abendstern et al., 2020). They likewise take part in research, strategy improvement, and promotion for administrations.

In addition, social specialists should keep up with case history records and plan reports. Social work can be the sort of occupation that requires a lot of extra time and isolating the emotional parts of the work from the obligations required can be a troublesome endeavor. Family, child, or school social work includes giving help and support to work in the community and environment where children and their families reside (Abendstern et al., 2020). The specialists endeavor to expand the academic life of teenagers just as further develop the familys general prosperity (Abendstern et al., 2020). These experts may help guardians build a connection with their children, help to organize adoption, and address addiction. They address issues like delinquency, awful conduct, adolescent pregnancy, drug use, and horrible scores in schools. They also encourage instructors and go about as contacts between understudies, homes, schools, courts, defensive administrations, and different foundations.

Addictions and emotional well-being social specialists offer help and administration to those battling with undesirable establishing strategies, associating them with offices that serve to show better practices and get patients in the groove again. These patients regularly battle mental and emotional issues, just as addictions and substance misuse issues. Administrations that psychological well-being and substance misuse social specialists incorporate individual and gathering directing, interceding during emergencies, case the executives, client support, anticipation, and schooling. They additionally center around advising families to help with comprehension and managing the patients issues.

Achieving regulatory obligations and perseveringly finishing desk work is, for the most part, a prerequisite for social workers, regardless of what their specialization is. Social workers are, for the most part, working from 9-to 5 (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). However, the individuals who offer crisis administrations in medical clinics and different ventures can likewise be doled out to move positions (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Outside visits and gatherings are a consistent test for some specialists, just as high workload and understaffing (Abendstern et al., 2020). These commitments can regularly cause it to appear to be like a social specialists work is never done, but the best experts relish the test. Numerous social workers find that regardless of these snags and the troubles introduced by these strains, this field can be exceptionally fulfilling in many ways.

Social workers intend to work on individuals lives by assisting with social and relational challenges, advancing fundamental freedoms and prosperity. Social workers secure adolescents and grown-ups through extensive and caring support. From aiding a family under tension to supporting somebody with psychological well-being issues, social work is a transforming, requesting, frequently enthusiastic and remunerating profession. Numerous businesses across various enterprises are quick to utilize social specialists in light of their skill and preparation (Fulcher & McGladdery, 2011). A social work capability can prompt different work openings working with individuals and arrangement, schooling, exploration, the board, and authority. There is a specific requirement for social workers when customary help structures fall flat in the wake of war or catastrophic events (Fulcher & McGladdery, 2011). Social workers assist individuals with immediate necessities and organize frameworks for the better work of future workers after them. The circumstances they experience can be appalling, like when they deal with children who have a traumatizing past.

Effect of Faith of Clients on The Work

Since the United States is a diverse country and with religion on the ascent, it appears unavoidable that social specialists will be working with individuals of confidence, regardless of whether it is one of the three significant religions or any of the different religions. Numerous social workers discover faith and otherworldliness to be a central piece of their clients lives and consider them to be proper to address in treatment (Park & Lee, 2016). There may be disarray and a misconception among the client and specialist concerning religion and some beliefs. In this manner, social workers should never drive their own convictions on clients or permit the profound convictions of their clients to impact their work with clients.

In a few legislative organizations, religion is objectionable in many discussions. Despite this, friendly specialists can unexpectedly fuse it with their clients. Faith is the aspect that will give social specialists and every other person the expectation that all will be well, that when we work for a specific reason with our souls open for acknowledgment, changes do occur (Park & Lee, 2016). Stephanie referenced clients beliefs can be clashing in her work, for they would prefer not to acknowledge or make it hard to make changes in their lives (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). It is difficult to explain to them that believing is not enough to make progress. They lack an understanding of the need for action. In the event that a client challenges an expert with their convictions, the professional should address this issue as other types of challenge. Continually speaking with the client and constructing objectives help to keep things in order. However, tolerance and confidence are essential to generate trust. Social specialists should perceive that inside a contemporary setting, there exists an assorted populace joined by a wide variety of strict and profound convictions. Every one of these distinctions can fill in as shared learning encounters for practitioners.

What I Appreciated About the Assignment

I have learned from the meeting that the calling I picked depends on the standards of common freedoms and social equity that serve to engage people, gatherings, and networks to foster their maximum capacity and prosperity. The focal point of mediation in social work is the connection between the individual and their quick and more extensive social climate. By closely communicating with a professional social worker, I realized that I want to help society develop further. I wish to assist people and families in their social work, make society turn out better for people and gatherings, and work with people and groups to work better inside the community and their networks. I hold great respect for Stephanie after interviewing her and learning the responsibilities she holds. As a solitary individual, she makes an honest effort to assist adolescents with getting the right track to having better lives. She addresses, advocates, counsels, and gives various points of view on the best way to accomplish changes in clients. Stephanie has given me more accentuation and motivation to proceed with my vocation.

Social specialists are here to make improvements with their clients. This task has caused me to reconsider if this is what I truly need as a vocation. It has offered me the chance to talk with somebody who has provided me with some excellent individual guidance to push ahead and ensure and deal with myself during troublesome occasions. She shared her insight about the importance of caring for ourselves first. Social workers are human beings, and they can help others only if they are full of resources and take care of themselves to avoid burnout. Although a social workers career is generally perceived to be simple, it is more complex than one might suspect. There are a lot of emotions, and the amount of work can be unbearable. Nonetheless, simple gratitude from our clients and the results they achieve make the work worthwhile.

As with other applied sociologies, social work may help people adapt to nervousness, stress, or sadness. Nonetheless, it goes further to help the client access other local area assets and support or enable administrations that might be state-run or secretly worked. I accept that social specialists play out the part of an empowering influence in families, assisting individuals with discovering arrangements. They are specialists or supporters on the off chance that the administration and they are educators as far as data preparation. They are conveners and mediators, and they are mentors for a proficient turn of events. They guide social activities, and they lead outreach in the guide of local area schooling.

The idea of trying myself in the social work area came when I had the chance to observe the social specialist taking care of my mother while she was in the clinic. The worker was all-knowing, proficient, empathic, and humane. She helped my mother to go through the last phases of her life with dignity. In spite of the fact that I have filled in as an LPN in an emergency clinic, I realized I intended to be an emergency clinic social worker. Stephanie performs in an area distinct from my interest and focuses on youth. I would appreciate working with children of the age group she works with, which is starting from as young as 10. Nevertheless, I would prefer to work with all age ranges and in a recognizable setting, a medical clinic.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on The Work

During the emergence of the pandemic, numerous social work workplaces and administrations focus shut their premises. In many cases, social specialists worked from home, reaching clients through telephone or the web. Sadly, the development of phone and online contact rose numerous difficulties (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Multiple clients do not approach the innovation or cannot utilize it or discover it to be conductive (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Troubles in keeping up with confiding in professional associations with new client clients, staying in touch with more established clients, keeping up with significant support of children and families in virtual case meetings, and the effect of breaking terrible news via telephone.

It is challenging to track someones state, the behavior and opinions of all relatives, or identify possible oppressive connections. Furthermore, clients may lie or hide the real circumstances when the worker cannot physically inspect or talk with them (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Challenges in keeping up with protection and classification have to be noted. Relatives in the same room might hear individual discussions (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). This can be dangerous when homegrown maltreatment accomplices cohabitate with the client (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). At the point when eye-to-eye meetings do happen, the utilization of software, and individual defensive hardware hinders correspondence, the capacity to get nonverbal prompts, and the chance of utilizing contact as a token of consolation.

Conclusive Remarks on the Interview

Due to restrictions during the pandemic, I could not participate in 40-hour shallowing or even physically see and talk about the experience and the professionals roles with the social worker. Even though the conversation with Stephanie was pleasant and informative, a personal meeting would be more engaging. While Stephanie answered questions, she also shared some tips on handling some controversial situations. The interview was helpful in many aspects and grew my motivation to continue pursuing my chosen path.

References

Abendstern, M., Hughes, J., Wilberforce, M., Davies, K., Pitts, R., Batool, S., Robinson, C., & Challis, D. (2020). Perceptions of the social worker role in adult community mental health teams in England. Qualitative Social Work, 20(3), 773791. Web.

Fulcher, L., & McGladdery, S. (2011). Re-examining Social Work Roles and Tasks with Foster Care. Child & Youth Services, 32(1), 1938. Web.

Park, H.-J., & Lee, B. J. (2016). The Role of Social Work for Foreign Residents in an Epidemic: The MERS Crisis in the Republic of Korea. Social Work in Public Health, 31(7), 656664. Web.

Rivera-Ayala, S. (2021). Personal Interview. [Personal Interview].

Social work is a crucial field of practice due to its profound impact on influencing standard operative strategies. I demonstrated optimal practice skills throughout the field hence the excellent score from the evaluator. The expertise enshrines such facets as communication, cultural competence, organization, critical thinking, active listening, and advocacy. Primarily, the personnel needs to establish relations with the community members to enhance the gathering of vital details regarding welfare and the challenges affecting growth and development (Germain & Knight, 2021). The scores and feedback from the observer sparked the mapping of a career path through interactions with other people. Different ethnic groups foster various customs and norms, therefore establishing a functional framework enhancing the recognition and appreciation of dynamic perspectives. Diversity is a platform that ensures the sharing of information and strategies regarding equity and the effectiveness of service delivery through the programs.

During the education experience, significant elements were measured to determine the effectiveness of the participatory activities. One of the variables is ethical and professional behavior that I managed to score all marks. It is an indication of proficiency regarding competency and the conversant state towards self-regulation, ethical computerization, and the supervisory ability to judgment on consultative approaches. Another competency involved the appreciation of diversity and differences in practices. I recorded twenty-five points as one of the best performers. Efficiency in service delivery relies on the ability of a social worker to appreciate optimal communication while showcasing awareness concerning engaging the clients to establish rapport and satisfy the needs and wants of the entities. The endeavor steers the essence of justice and equity across the diverse global community

In a different spectrum, there was an optimal insight towards the necessity of defining expertise on advanced environmental justice, economy, human rights, and social factors. According to the supervisor, I am highly skilled and knowledgeable in applying the concepts during social work endeavors hence attaining all marks. During the engagement in the practice-informed research and research-informed practice, primarily, the observer establishes that I showed profound virtuoso in critical thinking application while analyzing quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Additionally, the instructor indicated a higher score in the utilization of the policy implementation.

There is a significant interdependent relationship between human behavior and the social environment. I recorded the highest mark in the context of different individualistic and group engagements showing capability in alleviating discriminative tendencies. Notably, other sectors that rendered competence include assessment of group interactions, development of effective intervention programs, and evaluation of the outcomes. Discrimination based on ethnic identity is a problem that renders unequal distribution of resources, leading to the groups marginalization. However, the introduction of guidelines regarding the engagements and interaction among the personnel enhances participation in the growth and development and the trickle-down effect of the benefits (Germain & Knight, 2021). The action plan that involves the alleviation of the matter requires the establishment of interdependence between the interests of the public domain and the ideal approaches. Therefore, the procedure entails defining the problem, identifying the available community-based resources, and determining core factors promoting equity across the domain.

Participation in the field education course contributes to the preparation for my career as a social worker by identifying strengths and weaknesses. The elevation to a self-awareness approach during the assessment aid in developing a configuration plan based on the compatibility perspective. However, the potential areas that require in-depth attention include learning negotiation skills and various conflict resolution strategies. Advancing expertise in the sector fosters efficiency during service delivery. One of the means to address the area involves attaining further knowledge about the initiatives and the application process. The mapping of components about ideal solutions to the common challenges within the dynamic cultural domain demands the integration of insights regarding the optimal collaboration of various stakeholders: government representatives, community members, and institutional enterprises.

I have grown as a professional during this process based on the attainment of critical insights and mastering through practice. The education experience in the fieldwork significantly contributes to the advancement of the skill set and proficiency in the application process. The critical overview involves integrating emotional and analytic thinking perspectives while interacting with the families, groups, and the community. Incorporating the habitude framework forges the means of advocating for a personal action plan.

In conclusion, there is an interdependent relationship between professional social work practice and problem-solving skills. During the exposure, I attained key discernments about my strengths and weaknesses. The scores and feedback from the observer sparked the mapping of a career path through interactions with other people. One of the core challenges I encountered involved conflict resolution approaches. In this case, I intend to improve my capacity through the acquisition of further intelligence to exploit while seeking experience. The disposition of my future outlook encapsulates understanding the core outliers in promoting equity and justice across the public domain. It is essential to spearhead mainframes augmenting the appreciation for ethnic diversity and personality traits.

Reference

Germain, C., & Knight, C. (2021). The life model of social work practice. Columbia University Press.

Definitions

Nowadays, people like to live in regards to their values, assumptions, and biases. However, several people continue making the same mistake again and again when they fail to comprehend true definitions of these terms in professional practice in human and social services. Therefore, it is not enough to comprehend the importance of assumptions, biases, and values but also to learn their meanings and comprehend their differences.

Assumptions are usually the things that are accepted as truths that should not have evidence but can be taken for granted. As a rule, assumptions shape human behaviour that is rooted in infancy. Values introduce the guidelines for people to follow (Littlechild, 2012). Values are usually the things that play an important role in human life because they predetermine human behaviour. Such things as equality, honesty, loyalty, and devotion are usually defined as values. Finally, there are biases, the types of prejudice that could be used for or against a person or an event (Jung, 2015).

The main difference between these three terms is the way they are accepted by society. Assumptions are defined as personal ideas that cannot be neglected if people want to stay honest with themselves, values are social norms that support people and show the correct and appropriate way, and biases are the characteristics that differentiate people and influence the ways of how people accept each others behaviour. Assumptions could be manifested as biases (Hanselman, Bruch, Gamoran, & Borman, 2014).

Importance of Awareness

People need to be aware of their assumptions, values, and biases because they help to understand the essence of this life and the things that should matter. If there are no properly identified values, a person could hardly comprehend what step should be taken or even why this life is worth living. Values are what people believe in. If there are no beliefs, then there is no sense of life. People have to believe in something even if these are some simple and insignificant things as the colour of a shirt that should be worn or the behaviour that should be demonstrated during a social event. As soon as a person gains an understanding of personal assumptions and values, it is easy to organise this life and set the priorities. Biases should also be identified because they help to create the boundaries in regards to which some truth could be accepted, and some facts have to be ignored.

Personal Assumptions, Values, Biases

My assumption is closely connected to the importance of education and the necessity to follow the rules. I believe that any profession is a real challenge for people the completion of which should begin with education. As soon as a person decides to be educated, the first step is taken. Education helps to understand and develop personal values and biases with time. Besides, there are rules in human and social services that cannot be neglected. If a person breaks one rule, a system could work in the wrong way. The results of human actions can be hardly predicted, and success cannot be promoted. In regards to such assumptions, I also share such values as respect, good manners, and mutual support. I believe that people deserve the right to a second chance and additional help.

People could make mistakes that can be forgiven and understood. Still, the number of mistakes, as well as the nature of such mistakes, should have a limit. Therefore, biases are also important. I cannot avoid several biases in my life because it is easy for me to avoid such situations in order not to worsen my personal and professional lives. For example, I try to avoid the world of politics and the ideas imposed during political advertisements and vote periods. I do not believe in the worth of the promises given. Therefore, politicians seem to be the most insincere people on Earth. It is not necessary to have powers to be ready to help people. Many politicians believe that they should get special positions and possess several rights just to make an attempt and help someone. However, I know several people, who work at social services or ordinary stores, and who are always ready to provide some financial help or emotional support.

How to Utilise Assumption, Values, and Biases for Social Change

I cannot avoid social changes in my life. Therefore, I need to learn how to utilise my assumptions, values, and biases to create my harmony. My values and assumptions have much in common. Besides, they could be easily combined with my biases. Successful utilisation of all my beliefs is possible even if I am going to change something because if I truly believe in something, I could prove my opinions and help other people accept or, at least, understand my choices. Sometimes, it is not necessary to find appropriate theories and definitions to prove the correctness and appropriateness of assumptions. It is enough to demonstrate appropriate behaviour, develop interesting ideas, and be sincere with people around.

References

Hanselman, P., Bruch, S. K., Gamoran, A., & Borman, G. D. (2014). Threat in context: School moderation of the impact of social identity threat on racial/ethnic achievement gaps. Sociology of Education, 87(2), 106-124.

Jung, Y. (2015). Post stereotypes: Deconstructing racial assumptions and biases through visual culture and confrontational pedagogy. Studies in Art Education, 56(3), 214-227.

Littlechild, B. (2012). Values and cultural issues in social work. ERIS. Web.

Social work is centered on promoting the wellbeing of people, families, and the community. The practice is driven by theories that seek to explain, describe, and predict social happenings founded on scientific research and evidence. The theories involve a wide perspective covering philosophy, sociology, psychology, education, and economics, among other disciplines. They attempt to explain the drive and motivation people have at different stages in life. The theories provide a way to decipher different perspectives of social work and to formulate a testable proposal, called a hypothesis, about the social order. This paper seeks to identify the different theories in social work and their application at the macro- and the micro-level.

Theoretical Frameworks and Perspectives

There are a number of theories that provide broad perspectives in social work in an attempt to define different aspects of individuals and society. They entail the use of philosophical and theoretical frameworks, which are used to develop hypotheses, generalities, and the tests conducted to support them (Hodgson & Watts, 2017). Three main theoretical frameworks have come to dominate social work reasoning because they deliver useful explanations. These are social learning theory, conflict theory, and psychodynamic theory.

Social learning theory explains that people and society learn by observing others and molding their conduct. The theory was developed by Albert Bandura and is also called the social cognitive theory. Social learning specifically occurs when a person desires to impersonate the person they are observing. The person has to keenly observe the action and memorize it. The individual is motivated to put into action the practice once they encounter a situation where the behavior can be recounted (Hodgson & Watts, 2017). The social learning theory helps the social workers to understand the effect of role models on a persons actions and attitudes in those they work with. It also helps the professionals to shape intervention techniques that use positive modeling and support to establish new positive actions in their customers.

Conflict theory characterizes society based on the pursuit of rare resources. The perspective was fashioned by Karl Marx (18181883), who looked at society as a constituent comprising people of dissimilar social classes who must scramble for economic, social, and political resources. The struggle necessitates the formation of social institutions, such as religious organizations and the government that help to maintain the erratic social structure (Brown, 2017). A few organizations and people, called winners, wield the power to procure and keep more resources than others by influencing the social institutions.

Another major theory in social work practice is the psychodynamic theory that was developed by Sigmund Freud. It is grounded on the thinking that people are naturally inspired to seek fulfillment. Human beings attain this desire by means of different processes that emerge out of conscious understanding attached to childhood experiences (Hodgson & Watts, 2017). The desire propels everyday actions, such as self-preservation, sexual exploration, and aggression. Social workers rely on the psychodynamic theory to understand the internal processes people use to guide their actions that may involve unconscious motivations. The theory can also help to explain the role of early childhood experiences in influencing a persons present behavior.

Mid-Level Theories

The mid-level theories seek to integrate abstract theory into empirical research. The theory that was developed by Robert K. Merton derives its origin from an empirical phenomenon from which an abstract that can be empirically tested is conceptualized. It involves the application of theory-building techniques to empirical research that guide the creation of generic propositions pertaining to the social world. Mid-level theories are the complete opposite of grand ideas as it is set against generalization. Lata (2019) indicates that Merton opposed the abstract reasoning of scholars who sought to construct a universal theoretical system covering all aspects of life. The theories advocate that sociologists ought to pay attention to measurable aspects of social reality that can be studied as separate social phenomena as opposed to attempting to explain the social world as a whole.

The mid-level theories have been instrumental in growing sociology into a more empirically oriented discipline. Other advantages of the mid-level frontage include a system that legitimates the need to work out practical situations while immersing in primary research (Scott, 2017). The theories seek to engender generalities while staying empirically grounded. Examples of mid-level theories include social mobility, role conflict, normalization processes, the formation of social norms, and the theories of reference groups.

Practices and Models

There are many different process theories and models that affect social work practice in assisting people to meet their goals. First is the problem-solving model that was designed to help people in finding solutions to different challenges (Radloff, 2018). The model implores that social workers should direct patrons on the application of problem-solving techniques to enable them to develop their unique solutions. The second model, cognitive therapy theory, involves a persons feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Social workers interviews identify contours of outrageous and self-destructive reflections and behaviors that induce emotions (Franklin et al., 2019). Thirdly, the narrative therapy model externalizes someones situation by exploring the tale of the individuals life. A person is not defined by the circumstances, and the situation is a separate entity.

The teamwork practice model is a short-term therapy where subjects define specific, measurable missions in collaboration with social workers. They also establish the efforts to help attain the objectives. Lastly, the crisis intervention model applies in instances involving an acute crisis, such as suicidal inclinations (Scott, 2017). The model spans seven stages: assess safety and lethality, rapport building, problem identification, address feelings, generate alternatives, develop an action plan, and follow up.

Macro-Level and Micro-Level Application

Theories differ in domain based on the hierarchy of the themes they seek to decipher. At the macro-level, the ideas decipher large-scale matters and broad organizations of people. At the micro-level, social work theories look at very explicit associations between people or small clusters. At the placement, I was interested to understand the application of social work to the modern challenge of climate change (Rogers, 2019). Today, the talk of climate change dominates discussions in conferences and the media due to its association with vital moments in peoples existence.

The effects of climate change can be felt at an individual or group level, and the reaction to the problem can be influenced by our cultures. In the context of society, the effects of climate change are at the center of many political issues, social movements, and economic discussions. At the macro-level, the conflict theorist may be attracted to the power differentials existing in the regulation of production activities. According to Davidson (2017), social workers would be interested in analyzing where peoples right to data intersects with a companys desire for profit and how the authorities reconcile those interests. Another area of interest may be the strength and powerlessness suffered by local producers versus large production empires. A structural-functional theorist to the question of climate change might be inquisitive in the position of the environmental bodies in a nations economy. The topic may encompass the transformation from the earlier days of non-mechanized production to contemporary mechanical production.

At the micro-level, a social worker looking at climate change through a symbolic interactionist viewpoint would be more curious about topics, such as the symbolic use of food in religious rituals, or the role it plays in the social interaction of a family dinner. Jensen (2018) states that this perspective might also study the interactions among group members who identify themselves based on their sharing a particular diet, such as vegetarians (people who do not eat meat) or locavores (people who strive to eat locally produced food). The exchange theory can also be applied in trying to understand the desire of people to aim for maximum benefits at a minimum cost. That is why they desire to use production methods leading to the destruction of the ozone layer causing climate change.

The different theories in social work including the practice of collective actions and civil movements play a significant role in explaining climate change. They enable the society to understand the roots, dynamics, and impacts that have facilitated or suppressed adaption to and alleviation of climate change. However, it is vital for social workers to deeply examine the problem of climate change to enable people to understand better the impacts of social structure and political thriftiness on greenhouse gas emissions (Rogers, 2019). This also involves the interplay of superiority and politics in the corporate world and policy development. The involvement of sociologists in finding solutions for environmental concerns also supports the use of interdisciplinary teamwork. The collaboration will go further in ensuring the world is safer for organizations and people to freely undertake their operations.

References

Brown, R. (2017). Understanding industrial organizations: Theoretical perspectives in industrial sociology. Routledge.

Davidson, D. J. (2017). Wanted: More climate change in sociology; more sociology in climate change (policy). Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews, 46(2), 145150. Web.

Franklin, L. D., Kratz, J. R., & Gray, K. A. (2019). Next steps: Decision cases for social work practice. Routledge.

Hodgson, D., & Watts, L. (2017). Key concepts and theory in social work. Red Globe Press.

Jensen, L. (2018). Understanding rural social class in an era of global challenge. Rural Sociology, 83(2), 227243. Web.

Krysik, J. L. (2018). Research for effective social work practice (new directions in social work) (4th ed.). Routledge.

Lata, P. (2019). Cultural sociology in practice. Shikhar Publications.

Radloff, T. L. D. (2018). Sociology in practice: Our prescription for living. Cognella Academic Publishing.

Rogers, A. (2019). Human behavior in the social environment: Perspectives on development and the life course (new directions in social work) (5th ed.). Routledge.

Scott, S. (2017). A sociology of nothing: Understanding the unmarked. Sociology, 52(1), 319. Web.

Introduction

Todays social environment is characterized by the high degree of its complexity, which adds new dimensions to the context in which people live. These intricacies pose additional challenges for counselors and people seeking to preserve their mental health. The pressure of the surroundings can reach extreme levels without being obvious, often making it difficult to discern its detrimental impact. However, effective social work requires a complete understanding of all the environmental factors influencing a patients life. It is natural to seek the roots of all issues in the nearest surroundings, such as families, but, in reality, the external influence is conditioned by a complex combination of factors. They encompass all layers of a persons social context, intersecting and complementing one another in surprising ways. The multidimensional theory of social work acknowledges these complex relations, providing effective instruments for counselors. The purpose of this paper is to review the potential means of the practical application of the multidimensional theory in social work.

Multidimensional Theory in Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation

The reality of 21^st-century social work demands a comprehensive approach to assessment, intervention, and evaluation. In other words, it is vital for the specialist to acquire a complete understanding of all environmental factors shaping the behavior of a client. In fact, while social workers often feel inclined to investigate the familial level as the source of possible issues, whereas outer layers of society may also contribute to problems development. The concept of multidimensional theory acknowledges this reality, proposing an effective framework within which specialists can discern and investigate the connections between various factors. These relations were described, for example, by Urie Bronfenbrenner, who adapted the multidimensional model when designing his theory of bio-ecological development (Houston, 2017). Therefore, in the assessment stage, a social worker should demonstrate their broad view and divide the clients surroundings into corresponding layers, from family to peers, organizations, and entire communities. In addition to improving the accuracy of the assessment, this approach facilitates the process by making it more structurally coherent.

The effectiveness of the multidimensional model spans across all stages of the social work cycle, making its application justified in intervention, as well. According to the model, society can be categorized into several major layers surrounding a person, and each of them has specific characteristics (Cassells & Evans, 2020). Therefore, the intervention should also be adjusted in accordance with the social area from which the issue originates. Familial problems are the most delicate ones, and the strategy is to be devised and implemented with caution. Simultaneously, issues stemming from the outer layers of society require a larger scale of discussions, which may, in fact, discourage a social worker to an extent. Many of these problems are related to greater issues, which exist on institutional and systemic levels. Accordingly, a social worker may feel daunted by the prospect of dealing with problems, which have existed for decades and are unlikely to disappear solely due to their efforts. However, the purpose of counseling, in this case, is not to tackle these global issues but to mitigate their effects on one certain individual, and the evaluation of the outcome should be done accordingly.

The Value of the Multidimensional Theory

The range of contexts in which the multidimensional theory appears appropriate is quite broad, making it even more valuable. The very nature of the model promotes the versatility of social work, encouraging counselors to pursue various context-fitting routes in therapy. Through the implementation of the multidimensional theory, social workers can devise a clear framework showing the complex relations between the elements of each social level. This way, the links between personal and systemic levels, as well as all the layers in-between, can be thoroughly examined for an effective action plan. Moreover, the immense potential of the multidimensional theory becomes particularly valuable in the case of working with children.

People at a young age may experience immense pressure from an array of sources, ranging from parents and closest friends to competition at school and global, nationwide disparities. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (n.d.), over 66% of all children report at least one traumatic experience by the age of sixteen. Therefore, the correct identification of risks to their mental health is essential for the well-being of society, in general, and the multidimensional theory is instrumental for this purpose. It helps social workers identify the ways in which profound underlying issues affect young people. This way, they will have an opportunity to address these problems at an appropriate time, contributing to the well-being of society in the long term.

Multidimensional Theory in Comparison

Social Learning Theory

The benefits of the multidimensional theory reveal themselves when it is compared to other dominant models and theories of todays social work. For example, the social learning theory is widely accepted in the professional community, and it dictates that people, especially children, seek role models around them. Next, having identified those admirable figures, young people, both willingly and subconsciously, begin to imitate their behavioral patterns in certain situations. Horsburgh and Ippolito (2018) view role modeling as an important social mechanism, which is particularly valuable in learning. However, the multidimensional theory extends beyond that, viewing the social relationship as more complex than the process of role model selection. This framework acknowledges the convoluted nature of society, and its approach to learning is multi-faceted, as well.

Social Exchange Theory

At the same time, the social exchange theory adds a different perspective on the interaction between people. Cropanzano et al. (2017) state that it has become one of the leading models in contemporary management studies. According to this theory, each person is expected to make a decision based on internal cost-benefit analysis. Therefore, most people act in a way, which can lead to their preferred outcomes at the lowest cost possible. As per the models proponents, correctly identifying ones paradigm of values is the key to effective social work. However, this model presents significant flaws when compared to the multidimensional model. In fact, the social exchange theory is largely bipolar, meaning that it mostly considers such categories as positive and negative, the latter simply being the lack of the former (Cropanzano et al., 2017). Furthermore, the very basis of a persons system of values may be altered by the social landscape. The multidimensional theory is significantly more complex, as it provides deeper insight into the underlying processes behind interpersonal interaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the multidimensional theory demonstrates excellent potential in the actual social work environment. Its principles are highly practice-oriented due to the broad scope of the theory and its complex methodology. While it demands substantial efforts on behalf of a therapist, the results can lead to significant improvements mitigating the impact of major systemic issues on the development of a person. The high level of applicability to children forms the primary advantage of the multidimensional theory as early stages of life are often affected by traumatizing experiences, which translate into mental health issues in the future. The correct implementation of the multidimensional theory in social work has immense potential, making it more beneficial than alternative models in the long term. Overall, it is demanding in terms of professional expertise, but the efforts are rewarded by positive treatment outcomes.

References

Cassells, R., & Evans, G. (2020). Concepts from the bioecological model of human development. In L. Tach, R. Dunifon, & D. L. Miller (Eds.), APA Bronfenbrenner series on the ecology of human development. Confronting inequality: How policies and practices shape childrens opportunities (pp. 221232). American Psychological Association. Web.

Cropanzano, R., Anthony, E. L., Daniels, S. R., & Hall, A. V. (2017). Social exchange theory: A critical review with theoretical remedies. Academy of Management Annals, 11(1). Web.

Horsburgh, J., & Ippolito, K. (2020). A skill to be worked at: Using social learning theory to explore the process of learning from role models in clinical settings. BMC Medical Education, 18. Web.

Houston, S. (2017). Towards a critical ecology of child development in social work: Aligning the theories of Bronfenbrenner and Bourdieu. Families, Relationships and Societies, 6(1), 5369. Web.

National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. (n.d.) Understanding child trauma. Web.

Introduction

When working with a diverse population of clients, a social worker encounters different types of issues from people representing varying worldviews and backgrounds. While the basic principles of cultural sensitivity in practice have been omnipresent in academic and professional fields related to social work, diversity-related issues are more difficult to unveil. Indeed, there has been a broad discussion of implicit bias as an unconscious disliking or preference of one group over another based on unreasonable grounds. Marginalized groups suffer from discrimination and oppression in contemporary society, which poses a high level of stress and a sense of exclusion that a client expects to avoid in social work sessions. Thus, implicit bias might have a significant negative impact on social workers achieving equity, inclusion, and justice in their practice. Therefore, it is essential to detect, raise awareness, and eliminate implicit bias in order to ensure unprejudiced service delivery to all clients regardless of their background. This paper is designed to analyze the dimensions of oppression served communities might face, the role of cultural competence in social work practice, and the role of implicit bias in it.

Dimensions of Marginalization and Oppression of the Served Communities

The communities that are most likely to be served include a variety of vulnerable populations. They might be patients with a terminal illness and their families, refugees, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ clients and their community, individuals with low-socio-economic status, the elderly residing alone, and others. All of these communities are exposed to insecurities in their daily lives, which is related to their marginalization and oppression (Craig et al., 2020). These phenomena are frequently observed in diverse modern societies where the merge of cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, and worldviews triggers a spectrum of perceptions by others (Sereno et al., 2022). Since the exemplified vulnerable clients and communities often constitute a minority, it is likely that they might experience discrimination and stereotypical attitudes from the majority. Thus, vulnerable groups are frequently stigmatized in their daily lives across multiple settings (Craig et al., 2020). The level of stigmatization is dependent on the dimensions of marginalization.

Marginalization is a broad and complex issue characterized by diminishing or superiority-induced attitudes of others toward a vulnerable group. This concept develops within three core dimensions identified in the scholarly literature. In particular, according to Dorrance Hall and Wilson (2021), marginalization is a multidimensional construct composed of difference, disapproval, and exclusion (p. 2100). Thus, the first dimension of marginalization and oppression is a difference, which entails mere recognition of a person representing a vulnerable community as different from the majority. As a dimension, difference entails that on the opposite side of the spectrum, there is a similarity, implying that when a member of society is recognized as similar to others, they are not marginalized or oppressed (Dorrance Hall & Wilson, 2021). An example of marginalization within this dimension might be an experience of a transgender teenager at school where the dominating conventional gender peers ask questions or express their difficulty relating to the individuals identity. In this case, a persons sense of being not like others might be triggered and lead to consecutive stigmatization.

The second dimension of marginalization of vulnerable populations in a variety of settings is disapproval. As stated by Dorrance Hall and Wilson (2021), this dimension spans from approval as the form of unconditional acceptance of an individual or a community by others to disapproval as a conditional acceptance. To exemplify, one might draw on a situation where peers will only be friends with a woman from Arab culture if she does not wear a hijab. Such a condition is the manifestation of disapproval of her identity and cultural difference, which is a sign of marginalization.

The third marginalization and oppression dimension is exclusion, which, on the contrary to inclusion in a group, entails the elimination of any communication or acknowledgment of an individuals existence. As the scholars state, the exclusion type of marginalization is characterized by ostracism and ignoring of a person (Dorrance Hall & Wilson, 2021, p. 2103). For example, a young male from an impoverished Black community might be denied access to education or employment based on the stereotypical perception of such individuals as unreliable. This marginalization at the exclusion level leads to even more severe oppression since it diminishes vulnerable populations access to essential services and opportunities, further worsening their well-being.

The sense of belonging to a group is hindered by marginalization, which might be explained by referring to the Confirmation Theory. As Dorrance Hall and Wilson indicate, confirming messages communicate acceptance of another while disconfirming messages deny anothers experience, discredit their feelings, and reject their communication (p. 2101). Thus, the different dimensions of marginalization entail the lack of acceptance of a person by the majority, which stigmatizes the former and leads to a vicious circle of concerns. Moreover, there are several spheres where these groups might be marginalized and oppressed. They include healthcare, socialization, education, employment, community participation, legal field, and others (Craig et al., 2020). However, it is the field of social work where such communities seek and should find the protection, recognition, and support necessary to heal and find social security. For that purpose, social work practice must be deprived of bias and injustice to ensure positive client outcomes.

Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility in Social Work

Given the frequency and the far-reaching effects of marginalization of the vulnerable population served by social workers, it is imperative to identify the role of cultural competence and cultural humility in social work practice. Overall, culturally sensitive social work practice entails professionals objective perception and appreciation of others backgrounds, traditions, languages, religions, economic status, and worldviews without prejudice. Such attitudes are developed on the basis of an analytical and aware perception of a social workers culture that is viewed as equal to any other. Cultural competence is behaviors, attitudes, and policies that can come together on a continuum that will ensure that a system, agency, program, or individual can function effectively and appropriately in diverse cultural interactions and settings (Greene-Moton & Minkler, 2020, p. 142). As for cultural humility, it might be defined as a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and critique, to redressing power imbalances for continuous improvement of service delivered to diverse populations (Greene-Moton & Minkler, 2020, p. 142). Thus, competence deals primarily with mastery of method and technique usage, while humility entails slef-involvement and awareness.

Due to such a difference between these two concepts, the social work community has been concerned with substituting cultural competence with cultural humility for its greater appeal to the self-awareness of a social worker. However, the findings obtained during the study by Danso (2018) indicate that it is irrelevant to substitute competence with humility since Cultural humility appears not to add more value to social work practice than cultural competence (p. 410). Therefore, given the benefits of both concepts and the incompleteness of culturally sensitive practice without either of them, it is imperative for both cultural competence and humility to be implemented by social workers. Indeed, the relevance of cultural competence to social work practice is difficult to overestimate since, as the previous section of this paper demonstrates, people who need social services often represent cultural minorities. The recognition of diversity in clients is essential for providing culturally sensitive care to vulnerable populations. Thus, competence as the ability to use methods and humility as a form of cultural self-awareness, are essential tools for eliminating discrimination and bias in social work practice.

To exemplify a case of applying cultural humility and competence in interaction with a client, one might refer to the rapport building between a white female social worker with an African American transgender client. In this case, the social workers gender and ethnicity should not impose any stereotypical perception of the experiences of the client. Instead, the professional is expected to adjust her communication style to the background and needs of the client, demonstrating respect and recognition of their cultural identity. However, conducting a culturally sensitive practice might be challenging due to the complexity of biases of which a social worker might not be aware (Sereno et al., 2022). Indeed, implicit biases are stemming from past experiences and related to a category of stimuli that function outside of an individuals awareness (Sereno et al., 2022, p. 73). Thus, they strongly influence ones attitudes and behavior toward others without one acknowledging it.

In social work practice, like in any other field or service, implicit bias is inherent in the human factor. According to Sereno et al. (2022), because implicit biases are outside of an individuals awareness and are activated automatically, an individual may not recognize the impact these biases have on their patterns of behavior (p. 73). Thus, to pursue cultural competence, one should profess cultural humility through self-exploration with the purpose of detecting implicit biases. The awareness of potential inner challenges to delivering just and equality-based client-centered service to the diverse population will unfold the areas for professional growth. Such training might be initiated with the use of implicit bias tests aimed at eliciting unconscious prejudices and stereotypes in relation to some populations. In such a manner, a social worker gains an opportunity for critical self-reflection that will ultimately benefit their clients outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of implicit bias in social work practice is predetermined by the unconscious influence of ones individual prejudices on the character of the interaction with clients. Since the ultimate goal of a professional social workers performance is clients healing and well-being, it is essential for the interaction, communication, and therapeutic techniques to be deprived of biases. For that matter, it is in a social workers best interest that proper training and self-assessment means are implemented to profess objectivity and non-stereotypical judgment of the diverse population of clients. In such a manner, the awareness of ones implicit bias will eliminate the risks of injustice or discrimination in social work practice. Moreover, culturally, ethnically, economically, and religiously diverse clientele will obtain high-quality service congruent with the principles of care.

References

Craig, K. D., Holmes, C., Hudspith, M., Moor, G., Moosa-Mitha, M., Varcoe, C., & Wallace, B. (2020). Pain in persons who are marginalized by social conditions. Pain, 161(2), 261-265.

Danso, R. (2018). Cultural competence and cultural humility: A critical reflection on key cultural diversity concepts. Journal of Social Work, 18(4), 410-430.

Dorrance Hall, E., & Wilson, S. R. (2021). Explicating dimensions of family marginalization and types of marginalized family members. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(7), 2099-2120.

Greene-Moton, E., & Minkler, M. (2020). Cultural competence or cultural humility? Moving beyond the debate. Health Promotion Practice, 21(1), 142-145.

Sereno, M., Quigley, J., & Smith, G. S. (2022). A systematic review of the use of the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) to assess implicit biases held by professionals toward client populations. Research on Social Work Practice, 32(1), 73-91.

Treatments and recovery can take various forms, and the critical component of offering good services is envisioning the patient as a part of a broader system while providing personalized therapy. Because of the widespread social discrimination and misunderstandings around substance use disorders (SUDs), a patients professional qualifications, social position, and livelihood may be impacted by diagnosis and treatments. Substance abuse problems can also substantially affect a clients family. Understanding the impacts of SUDs on parenting skills and the implications for the kids involved in such an essential component to address. Individual, family, and group therapy are all options for the treatments. Social workers are constantly taught to uncover and assess their clients interests beyond the confines of their presented problems. Clients are often embarrassed or discreet about their drug abuse, making it the most challenging issue to detect.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) practice standards are a collection of professional rules with specific goals for the various social workers. Unless the patient does report the problem themselves, social workers should conduct a thorough investigation of the patient, taking into account multiple factors. Substances and alcohol abuse disorders are prevalent; social workers should complement such goals in assessing clients for substance abuse concerns, both voluntary and involuntary. The role of education, timely interventions, and substance abuse treatment are emphasized throughout social work practices (NASW, 2005). Social workers must constantly be updated with changes throughout legislation provisions, regulatory standards, and public health insurance regulations to meet the needs of clients with substance misuse difficulties (NASW, 2013). Substance abuse disorders, co-occurring abnormalities, mental illness, and the use of many substances concurrently are prevalent.

Social workers can significantly enhance the treatment programs for patients and families by designing and implementing evidence-based approaches. Such strategies may include proven interventions and emerging techniques from new scientific studies (NASW, 2012). They should only offer services and embody themself as experts within the limits of their schooling, training, certification, licensure, consultancy, mentoring programs, or other appropriate professional expertise. Social workers should also be mindful of substance abuse-based tactics and habits, such as misuse, dependency, and recovery (NASW, 2012). According to the NASWs objectives, social workers should learn to collaborate with patients to design successful treatment strategies that include current and emerging resources, such as scientific proof approaches. They should also have a helpful mentality consistent with the existing tenets of social work-based practices.

Generally, these standards shall encourage the creation of defined guidelines, aims, and objectives throughout social work-based practices, research, policy-making, and education connected to services related to the field. The explicit goals are to set standards for social work-based practices for patients who have substance abuse problems. They should also ensure that the NASW Code of Ethics is followed when working with clients with substance abuse disorders (Walters and Hurst, 2021). Moreover, another goal is to ensure that patients experiencing substance abuse problems and their families receive the best quality social work-based services possible. They should also aid in providing a basis for campaigning for patients interests to be handled with decency and consideration, to have their privacy respected, to have accessibility to supportive resources, and be appropriately included in decision-making.

Another goal is to provide a foundation for social worker-based preparations and continuous education resources and programs relating to social work-related services for substance abuse disorder patients. Finally, the last goal is to encourage social workers who work with patients with substance use problems to get involved in the formation and refining of public policies at the municipal, regional, and national levels needed to aid them in succeeding.

The person-in-environment strategy based on social work highlights the importance of understanding individuals and their behaviors concerning the settings where they operate and live. The NASW set of goals anticipates the social workers participating in critical-based self-reflection by recognizing and rectifying their own biases. The person-in-environment method also helps the social workers acknowledge consumers as external consultants, commit to continuous learning, and make institutions accountable for growing cultural competency. Additionally, the person-in-environment strategy helps understand cultures importance in human-centered behaviors and society and the inherent strengths of all cultures. Moreover, social workers use this approach per the NASW set of rules to demonstrate culturally informed solutions that strengthen marginalized individuals and organizations. This is possible through demonstrating knowledge that improves interaction with patients of various cultures and capabilities. Lastly, it obligates the social workers to consider cultural, economic, environmental, mental, and physical abilities that could enhance the implementation or use of such services.

Indeed, these standards frameworks support the achievement of social, economic, and human rights justice through their practices and policy activity. The standards goal is to improve human health and fulfill the standard human requirements of all individuals, with a particular focus on the interests and empowering of vulnerable adults, the disadvantaged, and the poor. The policy proclaims social-based justice to become a fundamental tenet of the sector and highlights the ethical responsibility of dealing with social problems regarding human rights atrocities. Social justice is a basic idea that encourages change and fosters equity, implying that the area is devoted to various human rights. Human rights are universal, regardless of ethnicity, color, age, nationality, religion, economic or other beliefs, cultural or social heritage, ownership, citizenship, or other circumstances. Social, cultural, and economic rights and collective actions are interdependent, equal, and linked. Regarding these standards, clinical-based social workers should support and advocate the patients right toward self-determination while also helping them develop and articulate their goals.

As a newly graduated MSW transitioning to a social work practice setting intending to handle those patients mental disorders, one of the standards that will be my strengths includes values and ethics. While acknowledging the distinctive forms concerning social work practices with patients experiencing substance abuse disorders alongside the interests of their households, social workers should abide by the various social work-centered professional values and ethics. This will also entail the usage of the NASW ethical standards in guiding all the decision-making processes (Walters and Hurst, 2021). Based on values and ethics, some critical principles that social workers must exemplify will include social integrity, respect, understanding of the needs of others, recognition of the essentials of interpersonal relationships, and competency. Furthermore, social workers will follow the NASW Ethical standards, which outline their professional and ethical duties.

From the perspective of the moral and constitutional rights of grownups, adolescents, and their families, social workers will be aware of and adapt to local, national, and international mandates about explicit consent, confidentiality, and privacy. Whenever services are started, patients, their families, and professionals should be notified of the set confidentiality boundaries (NASW, 2013). Corporations and governments will be mindful of the responsibilities of social workers. They shall be encouraged to make decisions based on the NASW moral codes whenever competing goals collide.

Qualifications are one of the standards that I would like to strengthen when handling patients experiencing substance abuse disorder. Concerning professional practices with patients with substance abuse problems, social workers should meet the requirements set forth by the NASW and local and national laws and acquire experience and expertise fundamental to social work practices (NASW, 2013). Certification in the social work program, which is authorized, shall be required for all social work-based practices.

Working with patients who have substance abuse problems shall be a separate specialty and standard of practice within the field. This is because caring for patients with drug abuse disorders necessitates specialized awareness and expertise of mental and emotional aspects, physiological concerns, clinical diagnosis, legal implications, and the co-occurrence of mental well-being. This information shall entail an awareness of familial relationships and the impacts of SUDs on parenting capabilities (Waltz, 2021). Social workers should also be up to date on the most up-to-date evidence-based techniques and methodologies for providing services to patients with psychiatric disorders. As needed, social workers must actively attempt to keep up to date with advanced training. When necessary, state agencies for social work should certify and provide licenses to various social workers. The different social workers must keep changes in national, state, and municipal legislation, rules, and regulations up to date by the various social workers. Moreover, social workers must stay updated on HIPAA and third-party payment policies and guidelines.

References

National Association of Social Workers. (2005). NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice. National Association of Social Workers.

National Association of Social Workers. (2013). NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Clients with Substance use Disorders. National Association of Social Workers.

Walters, W., & Hurst, D. J. (2021). Xenotransplantation and the NASW Code of Ethics. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 18(5), 500-509. Web.

Waltz, T. J. (2021). Scope of Practice and Standards of Training Across the Clinical Professions. In Applications of Behavior Analysis in Healthcare and Beyond (pp. 13-42). Springer, Cham. Web.

Being a social worker is essentially draining work, but acknowledging that and still having unfettered love for the profession helps one attend to their clients in most ways, which indeed leads to a significant improvement for the clients. Burnout is mainly brought forth by the draining experience of concurrent clients who the social worker is expected to help through their trauma (Jimenez et al., 2021). One should try these coping mechanisms to lessen the hazards if they believe they may be experiencing vicarious trauma. Increased self-observation enables people to identify and track stress, vicarious trauma, and burnout symptoms.

The essential thing that helps, especially if one feels overwhelmed, is to get supervision. To avoid being duped by individuals who do not practice self-care, social workers must be supervised by someone with whom they share high-quality working methods. Taking care of ones emotional needs is essential through nurturing self-care, relaxing, and self-soothing activities. In social work, taking care of ones physical and mental health can assist reduce stress.

Engaging in extracurricular activities, such as reading captivating novels, listening to music, and doing yoga, promotes a healthy work-life balance. Having realistic expectations for ones potential in social work is very important. The best course of action is to steer clear of wishful thinking and keep a safe distance from anyone in their industry who chooses not to be practical. Creating time and a safe space for oneself helps most social workers be in a stress-free mode, as they can get to focus on things that would help them feel better. The bravery of social workers admitting they need help assists them in facing their clients with more empathy and helps them shape their practice.

Reference

Jimenez, R. R., Andersen, S., Song, H., & Townsend, C. (2021). Vicarious trauma in mental health care providers. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 24, 100451. Web.

The child labor is among the most terrible life issues that children face today around the world. According to the International Labor Organization Statistics, 211 million children between five and fourteen years old work globally. 120 million children work full time while others work part-time to support their families (Staff, 2009). In addition, some children are coerced to work despite their young age. An example is child bonded labor in which parents use children to pay debts or as collaterals.

They are taken away from their families and put in brothels or sweatshops. Furthermore, some children work secretly in domestic service and are given out to provide labor force for other families. The children acquire little or no employment despite working for an extended period of time. The working environment is unacceptable and puts their safety, health, and development in danger. In addition, their freedom of movement and suppression are stifled. Young children are vulnerable to physical and verbal abuse.

Relation of the Issue to the Course Content

Child labor is mostly linked to poverty which is a life cycle pressure where poor families and children rely on child labor as a means of meeting their daily needs. UN statistics shows that more than a quarter of the world population is destitute hence promoting child labor (University of Lowa Labor Centre, 2015). The second point of the link is environmental pressure related to institutional and legal weakness.

Some of the industries that use child labor have complexities that make it hard to control child labor. Corruption in relevant officers is a major issue of child labor practices. The anti-child labor legislation in some of the countries also has exemptions thus promoting the vice. Such laws include Nepals laws that exempt brick kilns and plantations and Bangladeshs laws that exempt agricultural and domestic works.

Social Worker Intervention

The role of a social worker when it comes to child labor includes conducting research on the subject and supporting the victims. Research helps social workers to get a good understanding of the child labor in the area. The social worker supportive role entails psychological and material support. In addition, they also can serve as counselors and educators to the affected individuals. As counselors, they offer psychological support and advice to the victims. Besides, they take part in rehabilitating the victims and planning projects that can save their lives (Collins et al, 2013).

Social Workers Professional Boundary

Codes of Ethics govern the practices of social workers and determine the way they interact with the victims. It is not advisable for social workers to counsel a friend, but they can refer him or her to another counselor. In addition, they are not to develop relationships with the clients or participate in the same advocacy group. They also should not borrow or lend money to their customers (Collins et al, 2013).

Cultural Issues

Issues related to gender will be a more important factor when dealing with Islamic community. For instance, male social workers may be given more consideration in Islamic community compared to females. Another issue of concern, specifically for the Islamic community, is that a social worker from a different religion would not bind in. Social workers might find it hard to conduct their activities in Muslim states if not a Muslim, because Muslims underestimate other religions (Collins et al, 2013).

References

Collins, D., Jordan, C., & Coleman, H. (2013). An introduction to family social work. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

Staff, L. (2009). Top 10 Terrible Issues Facing Children Worldwide. Web.

University of Lowa Labor Centre (2015). Child Labor Public Education Project. Web.