The article “The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice: Extensions and Cautions” by Dennis Saleebey (1996), relates to the work I do because it speaks on the importance of strengths based practice with multiple populations including “elderly people, youth in trouble, people with addictions” (Saleebey, 1996, p. 296). The population I work with are elderly individuals who are dealing with the aging process, they are dealing with loss of important people in their lives, they are experiencing mental and physical impairments in addition to experiencing feelings of loneliness and depression. From this reading I have been able to learn that strengths based perspective helps clients gain a sense of empowerment, the role of the social worker …show more content…
DeCoster. The reason why I selected this article is because it is very different from the previous article I chose. Furthermore, this article 's main focus is on not on techniques or practice methods needed in gerontology, but rather on why gerontology, social work will become a rather important and immense population. The article also goes into depth as to what aspiring social workers or case managers need to know to be able to work with this population for example “special issues on aging and health” (Oliver & DeCoster, 2006, p. 244). The authors state, “ Implications for social work practice involve education on coping and referral needs” (Oliver & DeCoster, 2006, p. 244). From reading this article I learned to better understand the field of practice I am working with, such as how social workers impact the lives of these clients. I also learned to think beyond the surface as really assess my role as a social worker explore ways to grow as a helping professional in this role. Finally, from reading this article I became more aware on how gender, religion, race, ethnicity can impact the client on a functional level. I can use what I learned in this article to improve in my work placement by being more away and culturally sensitive to my clients. I also learned that gerontology is a relatively new large population in social work and if I want to be successful in helping my clients with their health cares needs I need to read more and gain more knowledge on common health care problems they are facing and health care systemic problems affecting this
Being aware of what life course one’s on and the impact of transitions within a person’s life course is important for social work practice. It is important that social workers reflect on both their own and other’s experiences throughout the life course and support this understanding within the various theoretical frameworks. It helps us to understand the common themes which have affected people through the age and helps us understand why people behave the way they do in certain situations.“Understanding of life course aims to encourage us in the flexibility of imagination which is required in order to enter into the lives of people at different ages and to see the world from their point of view” (Sudbery, 2010, p.231).
Social workers address people’s problems every day, but it’s the identification of people’s strengths that provides clues for how to solve their problems and improve their life situations (Saleeby, 2013, pp.17-20).
Utilizing strengths based perspective with clients enables social workers to focus on the client and family strengths and abilities instead of focusing on the client and family’s problems, bad behaviors and pathologies. The strengths based perspective applies six principles that guide the social worker professional in assisting client’s with the strengths based model; we all have areas of strength, but sometimes it takes an unbiased third party to notice and help others clearly see what they are capable of achieving, even in the midst of their crisis.
This class, Social Work Theory & Practice was made to be able to introduce me to social work theories, ideas, and skills needed to work in the social work profession. This class main tool used was a book called A Brief Introduction of Social Work Theory by David Howe which discusses social work theories in a compressive and explainable way. This class is important to my higher learning because it break down the theories that I will need to use during my practice and a...
This plan is to validate that individuals in needs will continue to receive services from a social worker on a regular basis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow twice as fast as any other occupation, especially in gerontology, home healthcare, substance abuse, private social service agencies, and school social work. Based off the given information about the need for social workers, it is imperative that this reinvestment act become an official law to help promote social advocacy in today’s society. The high expectations of social workers needed in this career field is directed towards those experiencing aging and with aging comes physical and mental changes in health which would require a need for more professional social
There are a few reasons why people select a certain profession. One possibility in choosing a particular career based on a personal experience, personal values, or significant relationships with people. These factors play an influential role when guiding one to decide what profession will best fit him or her. For instance, one who has dealt with a rare disorder such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare condition that weakens the and affects the nervous system, may desire to be a doctor or a physical therapist and provide assistance for those with rare disorders. Regarding social work, there have been factors which guided me into choosing this field as my future profession.
Interviewing and research skills are needed within the social work profession. Effective communication skills are one of the most crucial components of a social worker’s job. Every day, social workers must communicate with clients to gain information, convey critical information and make important decisions (Zeiger, 2017). This interview experience was an opportunity to explore the daily challenges and rewards of a licensed social worker. I was excited for the opportunity to interview a social worker in the gerontology sector as this is a specialty I am considering. This meeting allowed me to explore the educational steps of being a social worker, practices of the agency, the clients who are served, and the challenges the agency has.
Entering the field of social work you must be prepared to encounter many personalities. Knowing this, you have to become aware of people with different backgrounds and morals. By doing this you will be able to help your clients to the best of your ability, without forcing your personal beliefs or values on to them. A value is a set of rules or or beliefs that affect your every day decisions (Sheafor & Horejsi, 2011). Applying your personal values to every situation is very important, however, you must learn to separate what you know and what is in actuality the best outcome for your client. I will be discussing the ways I feel about the “Vignette’s”, while also incorporating different things I have learned from the readings and class discussions.
In addition to professional staff, there are many volunteers working in the field with seniors. One area that I found in my research on the topic of self-empowerment, are the new-age modalities that will spill over into the counselling of the aging demographic. Individuals like myself, who are called “light-workers” have a code they live and teach by. These are people who empower others by setting an example, and are here to teach the joys in living this kind of life. There is a creed we live by, and as more of these individuals begin to emerge to work with organizations, as therapists and social workers, this trend will continue to grow.
Galpin, D. and Bates, N. 2009. Social work practice with adults. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
According to Saleebey (2013), strength perspective focus on the client potential instead of their problems and pathologies. Strength perspective means that social work practice has to concentrate on identifying the clients’ strength, abilities, and resources, in order to help the clients with their issues and goals.
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .
As an upcoming social worker I understand there are certain traits I portray that are strengths in the social work field. I also understand that were there are strengths, there are weaknesses. I did not realize what my strengths and weaknesses were until I began to practice in the field. Some strengths I have found in myself are good listening skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and time management skills. Along with those strengths I have found my weaknesses are speaking what I believe about a situation, procrastination, and taking on too much responsibility.
The work of a social worker is complex and all encompassing. Social workers work in many capacities seeking justice, liberation, and equality. There work is global, as they work to put policies in place to govern practices. To keep up with societal shifts and generational changes there learning is continuous. As new questions rise so does the need for the continuation of research, not only to answer these questions but to implement into
Weick, A., Rapp, C., Sullivan, W., & Kisthardt, W. (1989). A Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice. Social Work, 34(4), 350-354.