CHAPTER NINE MANAGEMENT OF GROUP FUNCTION AND PROCESS The Practice of Generalist Social Work (2nd ed.)

Key Ideas Group work requires that social workers be aware of potential roles that facilitators and group members may assume throughout the group process. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Social Worker Roles Facilitator Invites sharing and participation Reframes and links issues Maintains group boundaries and rules Utilizes effective listening skills © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Social Worker Roles Synthesizer Summarizes group members’ discussions Identifies themes and patterns Connects content from one session to the next © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Social Worker Roles Norm Setter Provides information about appropriate group behavior through modeling and feedback Encourages use of direct interactions Sets group rules at the beginning of the group © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Social Worker Roles Educator Provides factual information and content specific to the goals of the group © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Social Worker Roles Collaborator Collaborates with other social workers Works with co-leaders to enhance the group process © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Group Member Roles Silent group member Member who is not engaged Social worker must determine why member is silent © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Group Member Roles Monopolizer Member seems to talk too much Member is eager to share unsolicited opinions often Social worker must address behavior directly and through encouraging group member support © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Group Member Roles Rejecter of help Member consistently rejects help and ideas Member complains often Member seems unable to grow or change Social worker must maintain focus on concrete feedback © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Group Member Roles Caregiver Member strives to care for other members and facilitator Member neglects own needs Member avoids addressing own challenges Social worker must gently confront member’s avoidance of issues through the caregiving behavior © 2011 Taylor & Francis