Chapter 5 An Empowering Approach to Generalist Practice

Elements of An Empowering Approach to Practice Infusing an ecosystems perspective Applying a strengths orientation Reflecting a social justice imperative Collaborating with clients Constructing an empowering reality © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Assumptions About Human Systems People deserve acceptance and respect Clients know their situations best All human system behavior makes sense in context All human system behavior is motivated Challenges emerge from transactions Strengths are diverse © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Assumptions About Change Change is inevitable Small changes may initiate others Challenges have many solutions Enduring change builds on strengths © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Assumptions About Change Given niches and opportunities, human systems cultivate competencies Collaborative relationships stimulate feelings of power and lead to actions Cultural differences are resources © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Empowering Practice: The Dialogue Phase Practice processes related to –Constructing and maintaining empowering client-worker relationships –Communicating effectively with diverse clients about their situations –Defining a purpose for the work © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dialogue Phase: Forming Partnerships Qualities necessary for building professional partnerships –Genuineness –Acceptance and respect –Trustworthiness –Empathy –Cultural sensitivity © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dialogue Phase: Articulating Situations Use fundamental skills in communication Respond proactively to clients –Clarify their challenges –Help them to define a positive direction –Locate strengths and resources for change © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dialogue Phase: Defining Directions Reorient clients away from describing what is wrong –Toward creating a vision of how they would like things to be Increase client motivation Collaborate with clients who resist Take priority actions © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Empowering Practice: The Discovery Phase Solution-oriented processes for assessing –Client system strengths –Environmental resources Using assessment information in planning Specify goals and objectives Construct action plan Negotiate contract for change © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Discovery Phase: Identifying Strengths Orienting conversations with clients to uncover strengths and potential solutions Workers and clients locate strengths in –How clients cope with challenges –Cultural memberships –Client responses to adversity © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Discovery Phase: Assessing Resource Capabilities Implementing processes and tools to explore potential resource systems Analyze information by applying an ecosystemic view © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Discovery Phase: Framing Solutions Planning Collaborate to –Look at situations –Determine what is useful –Set concrete goals and objectives –Generate possible strategies for change © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Empowering Practice: The Development Phase Implementing, evaluating, and stabilizing change Creating alliances Expanding resources Ending professional relationships © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development Phase: Activating Resources Empower client with their resources and increase access to environment resources – Facilitate processes to enhance interaction – Develop power – Change thinking and behavior – Manage resources – Educate clients © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development Phase: Creating Alliances Empowerment groups Natural support networks Service providers alliances Case management services © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development Phase: Expanding Opportunities Social reform Policy development Legislative advocacy Community change © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development Phase: Recognizing Success Monitor success Practice evaluation Research Single-system designs © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development Phase: Integrating Gains Closure processes Skills workers use to –Complete contracts with clients –Make necessary referrals –Stabilize the progress achieved –Resolve the emotional elements of the relationship © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Phases and Processes of Empowering Practice The Recurring Nature of Dialogue, Discovery, and Development –Application to individual sessions From Solving Problems to Promoting Competence © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Processes in Action: Practice Examples An Example at the Microlevel An Example at the Mezzolevel An Example at the Macrolevel –Engagement: Dialogue –Assessment Discovery –Intervention and Evaluation Development © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Multilevel Practice in Generalist Social Work An Interactive Case Example Social Work Practice at the Microlevel Social Work Practice at the Mezzolevel Social Work Practice at the Macrolevel © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.