Problem Solving in Social Work Practice Janice Innes, Mike Heninger, Frank Kelton & Adriana Vlckova

Agenda Non-social work problem Historical context Basic concepts and assumptions Role Play (Social work problem) Critique of problem solving approach

The Problem-Solving Process Illustration of a “non-social work” problem and a solution approach using the Problem Solving Process

Problem Identification It is the last day of school prior to convocation. Fifteen minutes before the last group of four social work MSW students is scheduled to present its term project to the class and instructor, one of the students becomes ill and cannot present. Notwithstanding their compassion and concern for their fellow presenter, the remaining three group members are in a panic. Each of the four students was to present their portion of the project using abbreviated powerpoint notes (bullet points) and was to elaborate on the points using the research and analysis each member had studied in her/his area.

Analysis No one prepared to cover the material intended to be presented by the fallen student. There is no way to reschedule the presentation, nor any special consideration expected from Professor Ratched. The student who became ill was to be the fourth of the four presenters.

Historical Context

Mary Richmond Richmond outlined a framework for casework practice in her book Social Diagnosis Study Diagnosis Treatment

Mary Richmond (Cont.) Richmond established the idea of helping as the central part of treatment Richmond’s work also formalized two cornerstones of current social work views of problem solving Intervention depends on assessment The key to social work intervention is the relationship between the client and the social worker

Helen Perlman Perlman wrote Social Casework: A Problem Solving Process in 1957 She discussed the use of the problem solving model in modern social work

The Foundations of the Problem Solving Model Richmond and Perlman’s writings laid the foundation for today’s problem solving process

Basic Assumptions and Concepts of Problem Solving

Assumptions: help individuals and communities to solve complex problems build problem solving skills in others process is the same for solving everyday problems or for professional practice process of evaluation and feedback

Problem Solving Process: Problems Articulation: problem defined in a way that both the client and worker can understand Assessment: analyzing the defined problem and translating it into a need sequential and necessary for taking steps toward a solution

Problem Solving Process: Goal Setting: measurable, communicable, observable, and achievable (outcome based) Intervention: treatment and prevention, what are we going to do to reach our goals?

Problem Solving Process: Evaluation: mechanism for feedback, evaluate progress at each step of the process, where are we at? Endings: closing contact between social worker and client, goal of process is to help client to engage in their own problem solving without further need for social work assistance

Role Play (Social work problem)

Implications of the Problem – Solving Approach

Problem Solving and Pathology Problem – oriented assessments encourage practice based on a framework that emphasizes pathology (disease) and deficits. Views client in terms of disease and deficit.

Individual Orientation: A Limited Scope Focus on helping people solve specific, articulated life problems for themselves. Focuses on individual’s behaviors and her or his adjustment to the environment

Social Worker as an Expert Social Worker – Client relationship is built on partnership. Relationship is unequal in power since the Social Worker is perceived as an Expert.

Involuntary Problem – Solving Relationships and the Principle of Best Interest Social worker has a commitment to the client and their best interest. Exception – client is presumed to be a risk to him/ herself or their plans are harmful to others.

Q&A