CHAPTER THREE ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE The Practice of Generalist Social Work (2nd ed.)

Key Ideas The beginning of the practice relationship is crucial with regard to establishing trust and respect and opening clear lines of communication. There are several important engagement skills and worker qualities that help to establish a positive working relationship. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Perception Skill: Looking with Planned Emptiness Purposeful effort on the part of the social worker to remain open and curious about the client’s situation Social worker maintains a “not knowing” stance in work with client Social worker makes no assumptions about client’s situation, problems, perceptions, etc. Requires social workers to put aside biases, judgments, and preconceived ideas to listen carefully to and fully explore client’s situation and point of view to understand © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Perception Skill: Looking at the Old As If New Ability to utilize openness to help reduce or eliminate cynicism that can affect practice Helps social workers to remain optimistic about client situations Helps social workers to not prejudge or classify clients and situations in preconceived ways Helps social workers and clients remain creative and open-minded about solutions © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Perception Skill: Looking From Diverse Angles Recognize that perspectives other than the social worker’s exist Strategy to help keep an open mind and to recognize alternative view points Helps social workers to be more culturally competent practitioners and to work with diversity © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Core Relationship Qualities Warmth Empathy Genuineness Unconditional positive regard © 2011 Taylor & Francis