Chapter 3 Social Work Practice in the New Millennium

Evolution of Social Work Social functioning and change – fundamental hallmarks Early participants were multidisciplined Development as a distinctive vocation and profession Influence of social and economic changes, as well as other forces such as mental health thinking and psychological theory Development as a contextual profession – influenced by internal and external forces

Social Work Practice Purpose: To enhance, maintain, and restore social functioning and promote social justice Levels of practice: Micro, mezzo, macro Profession’s shared values – a foundation to social work process Code of ethics – a guide for practice and resolve of ethical issues Key models: Biopsychosocial and person-in- environment

Methods of Social Work Practice Social Casework Generalist Practice Clinical Social Work Group Work

Macro Practice Community Organization Social Planning Policy Practice Social Administration and Management

Fields of Practice The Breadth of Social Work Exemplify social work’s breadth of practice Advocacy Behavioral health services Child welfare Criminal justice Education Emergency/disaster Families, couples, singles Gerontology Immigrant/refugee Military Policy/legislation Research Vocational rehabilitation