Category: Social Work

The Levy video demonstrates that the case has a few symptoms of trauma-related behaviors. This statement refers to the fact that Jake shows disinterest in the environment because he does not care about being late to work. The man also deals with alcohol abuse, an aggressive attitude toward his wife, Sheri, and a depressive mood. Sheri admits that Jake has changed, and it is evident that all these symptoms adversely affect the family.

The problems in the case refer to the fact that Jake focuses on his traumatic experience, and these thoughts adversely impact his everyday functioning. This state of affairs contributes to the fact that Jake has a worsening relationship with his wife. Since his traumatic experience negatively affects the family dynamics, it is possible to suggest that an individual treatment approach would not be sufficient. One can indicate that the combination of individual and family interventions can lead to the most optimal outcomes.

Numerous scholars investigate the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on families, which results in multiple articles on the topic. Consequently, it is possible to choose among many interventions, and the FOCUS Family Resilience Program seems appropriate. According to Saltzman (2016), this intervention “has been administered nationally to thousands of military family members since 2008 and has been implemented in a wide range of civilian community, medical, clinical, and school settings” (p. 647). That is why it is rational to suggest that sufficient data support the effectiveness of this evidence-based program, which advocates for selecting it for the Levy family.

The proposed intervention follows a specific outline to ensure that it positively affects patients. The FOCUS-trained clinicians cooperate with parents, children, and entire families to make them express their stories and build shared goals (Saltzman, 2016). Each family member is encouraged to disclose their stories and create a timeline of their experiences, which should allow the other members to identify areas of pain. This intervention relies on the theory that families have relationship problems when they do not have mutual understanding (Saltzman, 2016). Consequently, the FOCUS intervention aims to solve this issue and eliminate distortion and estrangement between family members.

It is possible to expect that the proposed intervention can result in significant benefits for the Levy family. For example, when Jack understands that his behavior results in an emotional burden for his relatives, he will likely find the internal strength to manage his worries. When Sheri and the children comprehend how significant the traumatic event was for Jack, they will be less critical of his deviant behavior. Consequently, such a comprehensive approach can ameliorate the presenting problems.

In conclusion, evidence from numerous sources justifies the selection of the given intervention. Firstly, Franklin et al. (2013) stipulate that interventions should contribute to positive outcomes within a brief period of time. This condition is met because Saltzman (2016) admits that the FOCUS Program is a brief intervention. Secondly, Wheeler and Bragin (2007) acknowledge that resilience is a necessary resource that people should use to manage trauma. It is possible to state that this suggestion refers to the FOCUS intervention because even its name suggests that it promotes resilience (Saltzman, 2016). Thirdly, the proposed intervention deserves attention because it is an example of evidence-based practice, meaning that many advantages are implied. In particular, positive aspects refer to “reliability, validity, sensitivity, and specificity” (Bellamy et al., 2013, p. 427). Consequently, scientific evidence demonstrates why the FOCUS Program was chosen to address the Levy family.

References

Bellamy, J. L., Mullen, E. J., Satterfield, J. M., Newhouse, R. P., Ferguson, M., Brownson, R. C., & Spring, B. (2013). Implementing evidence-based practice education in social work: A transdisciplinary approach.Research on Social Work Practice, 23(4), 426-436. Web.

Franklin, C., Jordan, C., & Hopson, L. (2013). Intervention with families. In. M. J. Holosko, C. N. Dulmus, & K. M. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-inf ormed assessment and interventions (pp. 265-294). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Saltzman, W. R. (2016). The FOCUS Family Resilience Program: An innovative family intervention for trauma and loss.Family Process, 55(4), 647-659. Web.

Wheeler, D. P., & Bragin, M. (2007). Bringing it all back home: Social work and the challenge of returning veterans.Health & Social Work, 32(4), 297-300. Web.

People of retirement age constitute a sizable share of the total population. Their standards are consistently evolving to meet the demands of the present. In recent years, coming of age has become more of a test in many social structures (Manthorpe and Martineau, 2017). Low income among adults commonly contributes to dependency, depression, social withdrawal, and illness. Increasing numbers of these adults have rethought and redesigned a social work intervention. Their health and happiness are conditional on the specifics of their situation. Compared to more typical advancements, they have been largely ignored in various contexts. Regarding human rights and composure, it is crucial to remember that social work intervention creates a worldview of social improvement through a social union. Significant progress has been made in developing individual or group interventions that support the formation of mindful networks to safeguard elderly arrangements in social and human services zones.

The importance of social work in society cannot be overstated. It is the best way to learn about the full range of aging-related challenges (Manthorpe and Martineau, 2017). The presence of the elderly is often covert, and they do not know how to express the depth of their distress. As such, this kind of commitment depicts a sizable chunk of the enduring issues and the practical arrangements that exist under the current conditions. In another context, many technological advances completely ignore the needs of the elderly. The principles and practices of social work provide a potential road map for tackling such issues. The collective wisdom of these seasoned citizens should be recorded and incorporated into the functioning of the modern social order. It demonstrates an appreciation for their existence and establishes a liberating sphere in which they can make much more significant contributions.

Finally, social work exemplifies extraordinary concern for the welfare of many people (Manthorpe and Martineau, 2017). Some social classes are more deserving of privileges than others. Compared to other social classes, some require more consideration than others. These are the classes. One of these groups is comprised of older adults. People should cooperate to ensure that social gatherings of this kind make the most of them and continue to hold significance. In a similar vein, the legislative branch ought to provide additional subsidies to support social work. It will result in the formation of capable networks that can defend the judgments of the more experienced adults.

Reference

Manthorpe, J., & Martineau, S. (2017). Engaging with the new system of safeguarding adults reviews concerning care homes for older people. British Journal of Social Work, 47(7), 2086-2099.

Why I am applying for a Graduate Degree in Social Work

My motivation and passion to study for a graduate degree in social work is premised on my childhood dream to give service to the community. To realize my dream, I have remained committed to gaining relevant experience in social work settings with emphasis on engaging in programs that aim at social change, problem solving and empowering people through relationships both at micro and macro levels. In these roles, I gained knowledge in capacity building and the ability to focus on not only the mental illnesses, but also how to interact with people suffering with mental problems holistically, including social and political problems that have a bearing on their health (Mailick & Caroff, 2012).

Necessary Background in the Field of Social Health

During my undergraduate studies and upon completion, I have worked as an intern in social work in which I gained various skills and attributes necessary for this profession (Coppock & Dunn, 2009). They include positive attitude, social education, and knowledge in social education theories. Additional skills involved mental counseling and guidance for patients that need primary and behavioral health treatment. Additionally, I gained in-depth skills by talking to experienced professionals in social work, including those with experiences in mental treatment, psychology and counseling. All these professionals offered me invaluable insight into the role of a social worker in delivering solutions to the community.

Relevant Skills that I Possess for Social Work

Having interacted with the clients and experienced social workers handling primary and behavioral health issues, I appreciate the challenges that many social workers face. It requires me to develop the ability to adopt a multi-dimensional and multi-agency approaches to handle complex tasks of this nature (Coppock & Dunn, 2009). I also understand that I shall be required to demonstrate organizational, multitasking as well as problem solving skills.

I have gained all these important skills through my undergraduate studies as well as experience as a social work intern. In addition, I possess strong communication skills, advocacy and research skills—all of which will be essential in pursuing the course and in supporting me throughout my professional career as a social worker. I exhibit several personal qualities, including the ability to handle delicate situations and demonstrated tact. This set of qualities makes me build a strong case that supports my suitability to take on this demanding profession through my graduate studies.

Why I am Interested in Applying at Your Institution

I am particularly interested in applying to your University because of the impressive research on social work that has made the institution become one of the global institutions that contribute to the growth of the field. I have a strong passion to work with people who are disenfranchised by mental-related illnesses with a belief that they can also live a meaningful life once again. Numerous research papers written by professors in the social work department touching on my areas of interest have made me to consciously choose to study at your institution. I am extremely inspired and subsequently made to believe that this kind of research will influence my career and change the way people view mental health and social work.

I plan to utilize the knowledge I shall gain from this course to contribute to the literature in the field, which can be used to improve policy interventions, theory and practice of social work (Mailick & Caroff, 2012). With the professional assistance from one of your highly experienced professors in the field, I hope to qualify in my area and believe that my research findings will serve to motivate me even as I look forward to being part of the global researchers shaping the field of primary and behavioral health.

References

Coppock, V., & Dunn, B. (2009). Understanding Social Work Practice in Mental Health. New York, NY:.SAGE.

Mailick, M.D., & Caroff, P. (2012). Professional Social Work Education and Health Care: Challenges for the Future. New York, NY: Routledge.

The Skills Lab Prep Checklist is significant because it highlights key points that are necessary to prepare for the Skills Lab Intensive. The resource highlights the schedule of the upcoming events, and specific attention is drawn to finding the time in different time zones (Walden Academic Residencies, 2021b). This information is practical because it can help avoid missing events. The checklist also emphasizes the importance of attending all the events organized during the lab. In addition to that, the given resource is helpful because it offers specific recommendations as to how to organize workspace, maintain professionalism, check devices and software, and many others (Walden Academic Residencies, 2021a). Finally, the checklist is of significance because it reveals what actions are appropriate if any technical challenges arise. It is necessary to know proper steps to be taken to minimize the impact of unexpected issues.

All this information makes me understand that significant efforts are necessary to prepare for the Skills Lab Intensive, and I make the required actions. Firstly, I draw sufficient attention to organizing my workspace to minimize background noises, dress business casual, and plan my schedule to ensure that no outside activities will no deflect me. Secondly, I make some efforts to ensure that my computer and Internet connection are in decent condition. This step is required to get insured against various technical issues that can adversely impact my learning experience. Finally, I carefully read the advising requirements and troubleshooting tips. I understand that this information can help me respond adequately to any unexpected issues, which will help me mitigate the challenges and avoid negative consequences. Consequently, I can state that I am prepared for participating in my Skills Lab Intensive.

Since the given session aims to provide social workers with development opportunities, it is reasonable to identify what ethical principles are promoted during this activity. On the one hand, the session promotes the principle stipulating that social workers are encouraged to enhance their professional expertise (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). Competence is highly valued in the social work field, and the Skills Lab Intensive provides all the participants with suitable conditions to improve their professional skills. On the other hand, the principle of behaving in a trustworthy manner is preserved because it implies that social workers should care for themselves personally and professionally (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). Thus, the session under consideration addresses this value of integrity because all the participants are required to dress and behave appropriately during the sessions. It is possible to expect that this skill can be beneficial for further practice.

There is no doubt that being ready to participate in the Skills Lab Intensive can promote positive social change. The rationale behind this statement is that the activity increases the professionalism of social workers. On the one hand, these individuals learn how to behave professionally, which is significant for their successful work with clients. On the other hand, the session is beneficial because it offers numerous learning opportunities for all the participants. This fact means that individuals obtain a perfect chance to cooperate and adopt experience from colleagues, practicing professionals, and staff members from all over the world. Once this occurs, the level of expertise and competence increases across the social work field, meaning that individual professionals have better skills and knowledge to address patients’ problems and promote positive social change.

References

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics. Web.

Walden Academic Residencies. (2021a). Tips for success – Virtual residencies, labs, & intensives [Video]. YouTube. Web.

Walden Academic Residencies. (2021b). Virtual overview [Video]. YouTube. Web.

The position of a social worker is associated with many difficulties and places high demands on the skills of these professionals. These experts devote their lives to serving other people, providing quality and qualified help. However, for the implementation of this work, it is necessary to have, first of all, clear moral principles. Many social questions are complex dilemmas in which it is challenging to give a correct answer. Nevertheless, strict adherence to properly built moral guidelines can allow a person to solve the problem accurately, obtaining the maximum benefit for everyone. In addition, to benefit society, this fixed morality must meet all the requirements and needs of society, reflecting the most correct and just features.

This factor is what attracts me to the position of a social worker. Specialists in this field do not just help people; they set an example of behavior and reinforce positive trends. For example, one of the six moral principles is justice, which consists in the absence of any discrimination against clients, which is highly relevant and essential in the modern world. While many communities suffer from sexism or racism, social workers must set an example in the most responsible attitude towards people. This attitude also includes respect for the autonomy of others and bringing maximum comfort and benefit. Finally, the most crucial element is truthfulness, which demonstrates how social workers treat their clients fairly. It is impossible to find complete solace in lies and illusions, but sincere support can help overcome difficult situations.

Finally, social workers should reflect the most salient features of the society in which they find themselves. Not only does this help them connect more easily with a variety of clients, but it also helps them represent themselves and form closer relationships. These factors, and in particular honest and sincere work with people, are incredibly inspiring to me. The totality of these details shows me that there can be justice and support in society. Watching people being helped at the addiction recovery center, where I sometimes assist, I feel a sense of the right thing to happen. Despite people’s severe problems, they all are treated like human beings, regardless of their status and position. Such equality, honesty, support, and respect inspire hope that spreading these principles through the position of a social worker can make the world around a much better place.

Parents and legal guardians are meant to protect children, but some adults fail to ensure that youths under their care live a comfortable life. I intern at a courthouse and am a special advocate for minors aged five months to eighteen years old and placed in the foster care system. One of the cases I am involved in centers around a teenage boy who is a victim of child neglect and emotional abuse. The client has trouble communicating, especially when in a room with multiple people, so it is difficult for him to voice his problems. The usage of non-Western methods, such as Haitian spiritual practices, can assist the child in overcoming challenges and presenting his case better.

The underage client is challenged with expressing his position as a victim of neglect and abuse, and a non-Western approach can help him due to his cross-cultural heritage. The boy’s mother was a Haitian immigrant who passed away two years ago in a car accident, and his father is a white American citizen with a low income. After the death of his spouse, the father started drinking heavily, and, as reported by the family’s neighbors, the child was often screamed at and left alone at home with no food. Consequently, the client has become quiet, he rarely talks and prefers to remain silent around strangers. The family’s friends state that the boy grew up being quite attached to his mother, who tried to preserve her culture in the US, and that before her demise, he was an active, friendly individual. Therefore, it may be helpful to utilize Haitian practices that the client may associate with his mother to help his emotional well-being.

The primary goal of the presented situation is to assist the client in feeling better and voicing his position in court against his abusive father. The procedures are based on strengthening the child emotionally by utilizing his familiarity with his mother’s culture and identifying relevant Haitian healing principles. Considering the client’s cross-cultural background and resistance to American practices due to his white father’s behavior, the boy may perceive non-Western methods better. The most commonly used ways of psychologically helping someone have been generated by Western specialists based on the analysis of those living in Western-oriented environments (Hendriks et al., 2018). Consequently, many such methods may not be as useful for individuals from non-Western or cross-culture upbringings (Hendriks et al., 2018). Accordingly, helping improve the client’s emotional well-being should not be concentrated solely on the principles that are appropriate for the majority of the US nation.

Furthermore, Western methods of research may not fully apply to the search for relevant Haitian traditional approaches. Therefore, it seemed pertinent to inform the client of the decision to utilize the healing principles from his mother’s culture to aid him in feeling better and becoming more confident in voicing his experience. The child’s initial response to the integration of Haitian practices was puzzled as he looked confused and did not apprehend the reason for such an approach. I told the client that I was looking for ways to help him overcome the emotions caused by neglect and abuse and asked him about his happiest memories of his mother. The boy was reluctant to answer at first, but with some words of encouragement opened up about his mother’s personality. While he struggled to explain the details, it was clear that the client’s mother was spiritual and followed Haitian Vodou. The child shared that whenever he was upset, his mother made him feel calmer by using Vodou beliefs, thus suggesting a course of action for the case.

Upon using the child’s memory as the beginning for integrating the non-Western method, it was necessary to seek an empirical basis for the approach. Haitian Vodou is a unique religious tradition with a three-part conception of identity, one of which is lwa and can help an individual through spiritual possession (Auguste & Rasmussen, 2019). While such a practice is negatively perceived in the West, Vodou offers inner protection from problems (Auguste & Rasmussen, 2019). Vodou can supplement available treatment and shares some goals of Western emotional healing methods (Auguste & Rasmussen, 2019). Some people at my agency are Haitian, so I asked a lady who practices Vodou to consult my client, and she agreed to assist, but the boy was initially reluctant. However, the primary alignments were his understanding of his mother’s cultural worldview and that the invited woman spoke in terms that the child knew from his mother. A current challenge is that addressing the client’s troubles requires more than a single meeting. A solution that may help is scheduling regular Vodou sessions to remind the boy about his mother and how her culture used to help him better.

To conclude, the client is an underaged victim of wrongful behavior from his father and has trouble communicating with people but needs to voice his experience to confront his parent. It is important to appeal to the child’s joyful memories of his diseased mother and integrate her cultural heritage to help him feel better and empowered. As suggested by the utilized above findings, the approach of using such practices as Vodou differs from Western ways but has similar goals. The method is anticipated to be helpful for the client, assuming he agrees to regular sessions with a Vodou healer. Notably, such a strategy may not be relevant to other children I advocate for, as they come from distinct backgrounds and their problems and goals vary. Searching for tactics to assist my client was significant for my professional development because it showed me that non-Western communities can present ways of helping others based on each culture’s modes of coping with difficulties.

References

Auguste, E., & Rasmussen, A. (2019). Vodou’s role in Haitian mental health.Global Mental Health, 6, 1-6. Web.

Hendriks, T., Warren, M. A., Schotanus-Dijkstra, M., Hassankhan, A., Graafsma, T., Bohlmeijer, E., & de Jong, J. (2018). How WEIRD are positive psychology interventions? A bibliometric analysis of randomized controlled trials on the science of well-being.The Journal of Positive Psychology, 14(4), 489-501. Web.

I trust that people create relationships according to the interactions’ risks and rewards. A person deliberates or unconsciously assesses the risks and benefits of action and chooses the most rewarding activity. Money, love, power, or societal approbation are examples of concrete and intangible rewards and drawbacks (Cox et al., 2021). Since people base relationships on rewards, each member of society tends to demand more gains from a relationship. Individuals are never born good or evil; however, they are influenced to develop certain attributes based on particular demands. Individuals are driven to labor for fundamental necessities such as food and shelter (Cox et al., 2021). Others obtain motivation from personal, cultural, societal, or economic conditions.

In this regard, people are not born evil or good but motivated by biological, social, and economic factors. Individuals with quick actions and adaptability use agility to maximize their potential. People may also maximize their potential by adopting a positive attitude toward all events and confronting problems front on (Cox et al., 2021). Contemporary issues such as alienation, poverty, and insecurities significantly influence human relationships. Society must foster equity, cooperation, and respect among cultures and social groups to obtain control and achieve stable relationships.

Administrations have an obligation to guarantee economic and social security to the citizens. To guarantee financial stability, the government in socialist ideology sets preparations for equal income distribution among working people (Cox et al., 2021). Other social provisions include free education, retirement benefits, social grants, and accessible healthcare services in allocated cases, such as maternal care. Additionally, states provide and ensure the maintenance of public goods and services such as roads and security. A state’s responsibility is to safeguard its inhabitants against internal and foreign conflicts (Cox et al., 2021). The government safeguards civilians from economic, social, and political attacks through policies and the law. I think states should cushion vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and youths by providing free services, employment opportunities, and incentives on particular goods and services. The government should also nurture potential talents to help generate income, particularly the youth.

The current government has initiated many programs that work for the welfare of civilians countrywide. For instance, the education for all movement has benefited many people regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. Nevertheless, wealthier individuals and localities profit from the system more than the poor and ordinary Americans. Some shortcomings include the health and safety of the average citizen. The government spends significantly on internal and external security, but many neighborhoods live in absolute fear due to violence and insecurity. I think the capitalist economic system is appropriate for the State. However, it needs reforms in the labor force regarding individuals with less competitive skills. For instance, providing alternative sources of employment to vulnerable groups such as the mentally and physically unstable. My ideal State entails equality and democracy in distributing social and economic services to have healthy and happy citizens willing to boost the economy through hard work and devotion.

My views are inspired by Josephine Shaw Lowell, a social worker during the 19^th century. Lowell is famous for her charitable activities and reform in social work. She always believed in and promoted equality while helping vulnerable groups. Despite coming from a wealthy family, Lowell saw the challenges and hardships of minority groups and dedicated her life to establishing institutions and reforms in social services. She had a realistic perspective of society where the rich and influential continue to flourish despite the lower citizens’ efforts. Her motivation came from empathy and willingness to sacrifice to improve the poor, sick and mentally disturbed lives through better education, health services, and cleaner prisons. Since government systems were not involved in most aspects of citizens’ welfare at the time, Lowell took it upon herself to make a difference. I would like to follow in the footsteps of creating a better society through social work and state reforms in the field.

Sexual orientation, gender, class, and race are significant predictors of social attitudes among populations. These factors may hinder effective community service at institutional and interpersonal levels. Individuals struggling with sexual orientation may have divergent views on social services, such as resolving social interactions (Cox et al., 2021). Race and ethnicity can also challenge fieldwork since most vulnerable groups come from minority ethnic groups and may pose challenges during communication and general interactions. When addressing serious issues affecting their communities, the groups may exhibit xenophobic sentiments and unpleasant conduct (Cox et al., 2021). Discussing personal experiences and thoughts is challenging when people have different perceptions of each other. Nevertheless, social work involves good interpersonal skills, which I possess and will apply.

The liberal principle dictating accessibility of quality services and welfare when needed supports social work principles of serving the community efficiently. It empowers the practice by providing global competence and institutional empowerment, which enhances service delivery. Nonetheless, the liberalization of the social work market may impede successful service delivery (Cox et al., 2021). Social workers operate under the ethics of integrity, social justice, and community development among all populations. Creating dominance by selling social work services depicts an economic-centered approach based on self-interest than community development. The liberal perspective discourages client discretion since purchasing services works on the terms and conditions of the buyer (Cox et al., 2021). Thus, making money the primary consideration in social work may hinder service delivery due to clients giving selective information as they are paying for the services. Alternatively, the liberal approach can be a barrier to helping poor communities since they cannot afford the capital. I anticipate meeting challenges while working with the vulnerable community due to the relative lack of resources on either side.

Reference

Cox, L., Tice, C., & Long, D. (2021). Introduction to social work: An advocacy-based profession (3^rd ed.). Sage Publishing.

The profession of social work is challenging and extremely meaningful, as its subjects are humans and their minds, the most complex and complicated of all existing phenomena. The ability to be a successful social worker requires particular personal and professional qualities. They are necessary not only for fulfilling the professional duties but also for the adequate reaction to the critic, which often appears from the side of the social work supervisor.

In this essay, I will analyze my own social worker’s experience of the interaction with the supervisor, where I had to encounter the situation of seemingly wrong assessment of my work. In my view, my professional skills were undervalued, and the proper credit has not been given. In this case, I observed that some personal characteristics helped me to overcome the difficulties, while the other qualities appeared to be less helpful or even harmful. I am going to discuss the result of my observations further.

First of all, I realized that the qualities, helpful in the professional issues I am dealing with, appeared to be so in the described situation. The most important of them are critical thinking skills, tolerance, and the ability to set boundaries. Critical thinking implies the approach where intelligence prevails over emotions, helping to observe the problem more logically and impartially. In my situation, indulging the negative emotions might prevent my understanding of which part of the critique was adequate, and which seemed to be inappropriate.

Further, tolerance helped me to understand the possibility of diverse opinion; so, the excessive criticism of the supervisor might have been a result of his misunderstanding of alternative professional decisions. Ultimately, the supervision in social work is extra-challenging as it makes to think about things that do not have easy answers (Heslop and Meredith). Finally, the ability to set boundaries prevented me from attributing the negative judgment to my personal characteristics, in addition to the professional, and, thus, eliminated overly emotional reactions.

However, such a quality as sensitivity made the situation more dramatic. The ability to respond to the situation and take it close to heart, being highly beneficial in the professional issues, becomes harmful in the described matter of personal concern. In any case, I must conclude that the mentioned case of the supervision provided for me a possibility not only to evaluate my professional skills but to reconsider the ways of interaction with the people and withstand the challenges of life.

Work Cited

Heslop, Philip, and Cathryn Meredith. Social Work: From Assessment to Intervention. SAGE, 2018.

Introduction

Social work is a discipline and academic profession centered on promoting change and development in the community. The field investigates all factors affecting society and finds ways to overcome them. An example of social work activity is helping individuals and families recover from the impacts of substance abuse through training. The fundamental principles of social work include human rights, social justice, collective responsibility, people empowerment, and respect for diversity (Crisp, 2019). Social workers are critical change agents in society and must be promoted for a better quality of life to be achieved.

Historical Roots of Social Work

The origin of social work can be traced to volunteers who wanted to address the social question in society. The volunteers were concerned about the increasing poverty rates in a prosperous society (Lavié & Fernandez, 2018). The capitalist economy was impoverishing the poor to enrich the business tycoons. Social work in Europe emerged in the 19^th century when Christian social organizations supported struggling working-class families (Zaviršek & Rajgelj, 2019).

The philanthropic movements focused on Western European industrialized countries to aid poverty reduction by empowering penurious workers. In the second half of the 19^th century, the concept of philanthropy to improve the life of workers spread throughout Europe, and the charity organization society was formed (Crisp, 2019). Most of the workers of the philanthropic organization were female. They focused on the suffering encountered by struggling working-class families to improve their quality of life.

However, the need for social work services increased with time as capitalism flourished. The industrialists had unions that offered them legal protection from interference by charity organizations. The philanthropist wondered about the best way of improving charity through rational means and incorporating scientific action. Consequently, workers in charity organizations required basic knowledge in psychology and socio-economic development (Zaviršek & Rajgelj, 2019). The psychological knowledge was to help in lowering the depression suffered by the working class. In contrast, socio-economic knowledge would help in policy formulation to protect the workers using a scientific viewpoint. As a result of the scientific requirement for successful social development, an academic profession to study the field emerged.

Social Work as a Profession

Most social workers in the late 19^th century belonged to the bourgeoisie and wanted to obtain class equality. They came together to lobby for an academic discipline that teaches people to fight for community rights from a professional point of view. Columbia University was the first ever school to offer a degree in social work in 1898 (Crisp, 2019). The class struggle made many people wish to join colleges to be professionals in social work as a prerequisite for instituting societal change. Since the introduction of social work academic qualification, different sectors of the economy require people educated in social work to help make society a better place.

The educated social workers became powerful in Europe as they not only challenged the crony capitalists but also challenged the government to improve the well-being of people. As globalization started, the social work movements lobbied for equality when treating immigrants, worked towards eliminating poverty, and aided all the people in need. Social work started in Europe as poverty relief spread worldwide as the workers became passionate about people’s suffering worldwide. Social work is among the most revered academic qualifications required in various employment platforms. Most governmental appointments require people qualified in social work to help in the public service (Lavié & Fernandez, 2018).

In the hospital setting, social workers are paramount in the health promotion and reduction of lifestyle diseases. Social work today has evolved to be the world’s defender of human rights and a key agent in the development of humanity. One of the most influential social workers in the contemporary world is Joe Kort, who specializes in helping families in the USA through couple counseling (Zaviršek & Rajgelj, 2019). An increase in the number of social workers increases society’s quality of life.

Prospective Future of Social Work

The world is experiencing an exponential rise in population, poverty, and climate change problems. Consequently, the number of societal problems is expected to increase. The future of the social work profession is promising, and more social work jobs will be open for professionals in the field. The rise in population and poverty leads to challenges such as drug abuse, family problems, and crime. The police service will also require social workers in the fight against crime in impoverished societies. The bureau of labor statistics in the USA projects a growth of 12% in social work by 2030 (Crisp, 2019). It is imperative to note that the profession’s growth rate is higher than all other professions worldwide. Social workers are highly needed in nations that are moving from industrialization to a service society.

Conclusion

Social work is a noble profession that aims at improving people’s life. It started as a philanthropic organization in Europe in the late 19^th century by helping struggling working families. The need to help the working class employees was the impoverishment perpetuated by the crony capitalists. The field was turned into a profession as the challenges facing the poverty-stricken workers required scientific tools. Consequently, colleges and universities offered social work as a professional course, and its services expanded worldwide. Social work is expected to grow at a higher rate as the population, and other societal problems increase worldwide.

References

Crisp, B. R. (2019). Social work education: Moving the profession into the future. Australian Social Work, 72(1), 3–7. Web.

Lavié, A. H., & Fernandez, A. I. L. (2018). New social intervention technologies as a challenge in social work: IFSW Europe perspective. European Journal of Social Work, 21(6), 824–835. Web.

Zaviršek, D., & Rajgelj, B. (2019). Anti-refugee sentiment without refugees: Human rights violations and social work in the social context of post-socialist countries of Southeastern Europe. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 4(1), 5-16. Web.

Social workers play a crucial role in the community as they help people address their life problems. As a mental health social worker, one can work as a clinical director, mental health specialist, addictions and substance abuse counselor, or behavioral therapist. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presents informative content on mental health that can greatly benefit social workers, especially mental and substance social workers. The paper highlights various items on the NAMI website that are important to this staff.

Mental well-being is considered a critical requirement for social workers to ensure they deliver quality services. NAMI (2022) avails detailed information on mental illnesses, which social workers are expected to be aware of. Awareness of common illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, suicide, and schizophrenia is crucial to practicing social workers (Chonody & Teater, 2019). Social staff must be cognizant of other mental illnesses, including eating disorders, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Workers need to know the warning signs, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures of these mental disorders (Chonody & Teater, 2019). Such information is readily available and accessible on the NAMI website.

The ability to offer support and requisite knowledge to clients is considered crucial in social work. Workers are expected to have the capacity to provide support and education to their clients and to know where such supportive services can also be accessed (Sichling & O’Brien, 2020). NAMI (2022) provides information regarding mental health education, support groups, and available helplines, considered vital to any social worker. Other available and crucial information to social staff includes updates on mental health status and legislation in the nation.

In conclusion, social workers need to gain knowledge of the common illnesses related to mental health, especially their warning signs, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures. They ought to be aware of the available support groups, services, and helplines that can be accessed whenever needed. Social staff can use the NAMI website as it avails this essential information.

References

Chonody, J. M., & Teater, B. (2019). Exploring how practicing social workers define evidence-based practice. Advances in Social Work, 18(4), 1237–1249. Web.

NAMI, (2022). Home: Nami: National Alliance on Mental Illness. National Alliance of Mental Illness. Web.

Sichling, F., & O’Brien, D. B. (2020). Knowledge that changes Social Work Practice. Advances in Social Work, 19(2), 383–396. Web.