1. Other Helping Professions
SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE: AN INTRODUCTION by Ambrosino/Ambrosino/Heffernan/Shuttlesworth
Chapter 2:
Social Work and
Other Helping Professions
Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning .

2. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Why do people have problems?
Genetics and heredity
Socialization
Cultural differences
Environmental factors
Opportunity structure (the accessibility of
opportunities in one’s environment
EP 2.1.3a
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3. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
What is social work?
The primary mission of social work is to enhance
human well-being and help meet the basic needs of
all people, with particular attention to the needs and
empowerment of people who are vulnerable,
oppressed, and living in poverty (NASW Code of
Ethics).
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c
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4. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
The early years of social work
Thomas Chalmers in Scotland – personalized
involvement with the poor
Charity Organization Society (COS) -“scientific
philanthropy” and “friendly visiting,” individual
assessment, coordinated service plan, follow up
Mary Richmond – COS leader, Social Diagnosis,
social casework
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c .
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5. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
The early years of social work (cont’d)
Settlement house movement
Emergence of first schools of social work
Emphasis on social casework, group work, and
community organization
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
established in 1955
EP 2.1.1a, c
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6. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Underpinnings of the profession
Strong emphasis on values and ethics
Liberal arts foundation
Eclectic knowledge base
Skills-based practice
Process of planned change
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) guides
curriculum
EP 2.1.1a, c
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7. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Purposes of the social work profession
Enhance human well-being and alleviate social
injustice
Enhance social functioning and interactions of
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities
Formulate and implement social policies, services,
and programs that meet basic human needs and
develop human capacities
EP 2.1.3a
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8. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Purposes of the social work profession (cont’d)
Advocate for policies, services, and resources
that promote social and economic justice
Develop and use research, knowledge, and skills
that advance social work practice
Develop and apply practice in the context of
diverse cultures
EP 2.1.3a
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9. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Social work methods
With individuals and families
With groups
Community organization
Research
Administration and planning
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c, 2.1.8a
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10. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Professional issues in social work
Impact of economic and technological changes
Impact of expanded fields of practice on historical emphasis on social justice and vulnerable populations
Types of social agencies that serve clients
EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.1c, 2.1.8a
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11. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Education and levels of social work practice
- BSW (entry level, generalist practice)
- MSW (advanced practice)
- PhD and DSW (advanced practice, research,
and teaching)
Importance of licensure
Copyright © 2005 Brooks/Cole, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

12. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Social work careers
One of fastest-growing and robust professions
Growth areas include health care and aging
Many and diverse fields of practice
Includes both public and private practice settings
Closely aligned with other helping professions
EP 2.1.1c .
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13. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Collaboration with other professionals
Psychiatrists and psychologists
Pastoral counselors
Employment counselors
Sociologists
School and rehabilitation counselors
Attorneys
Nurses
EP 2.1.8b
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14. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Need for professional diversity
Clients need attention of practitioners from a
variety of areas
Specialization important given diverse needs of
clients
Cooperation and respect among professionals are
critical
EP 2.1.8b
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15. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Roles of BSW social workers
Advocates
Brokers
Case managers
Counselors
Enablers
Evaluators
Problem solvers
EP 2.1.8b
Copyright © 2016 Cengage Learning

16. Chapter 2: Social Work and Other Helping Professions
Roles of MSW social workers
Advanced practitioners/specialists
Clinical social workers/therapists
Macro social workers/advocates/administrators
Can have private practice after experience and advanced licensure/certification
Roles of PhD social workers
Educators, clinicians, macro practitioners,
administrators
Copyright © 2005 Brooks/Cole, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.