1. Problem Solving in Social Work Practice
Janice Innes, Mike Heninger,
Frank Kelton & Adriana Vlckova

2. Agenda Non-social work problem Historical context
Basic concepts and assumptions
Role Play (Social work problem)
Critique of problem solving approach

3. The Problem-Solving Process
Illustration of a “non-social work” problem and a solution approach using the Problem Solving Process

4. Problem Identification
It is the last day of school prior to convocation. Fifteen minutes before the last group of four social work MSW students is scheduled to present its term project to the class and instructor, one of the students becomes ill and cannot present. Notwithstanding their compassion and concern for their fellow presenter, the remaining three group members are in a panic. Each of the four students was to present their portion of the project using abbreviated powerpoint notes (bullet points) and was to elaborate on the points using the research and analysis each member had studied in her/his area.

5. Analysis
No one prepared to cover the material intended to be presented by the fallen student. There is no way to reschedule the presentation, nor any special consideration expected from Professor Ratched. The student who became ill was to be the fourth of the four presenters.

6. Historical Context

7. Mary Richmond
Richmond outlined a framework for casework practice in her book Social Diagnosis
Study
Diagnosis
Treatment

8. Mary Richmond (Cont.)
Richmond established the idea of helping as the central part of treatment
Richmond’s work also formalized two cornerstones of current social work views of problem solving
Intervention depends on assessment
The key to social work intervention is the relationship between the client and the social worker

9. Helen Perlman
Perlman wrote Social Casework: A Problem Solving Process in 1957
She discussed the use of the problem solving model in modern social work

10. The Foundations of the Problem Solving Model
Richmond and Perlman’s writings laid the foundation for today’s problem solving process

11. Basic Assumptions and Concepts of Problem Solving

12. Assumptions:
help individuals and communities to solve complex problems
build problem solving skills in others
process is the same for solving everyday problems or for professional practice
process of evaluation and feedback

13. Problem Solving Process:
Problems Articulation: problem defined in a way that both the client and worker can understand
Assessment: analyzing the defined problem and translating it into a need
sequential and necessary for taking steps toward a solution

14. Problem Solving Process:
Goal Setting: measurable, communicable, observable, and achievable (outcome based)
Intervention: treatment and prevention, what are we going to do to reach our goals?

15. Problem Solving Process:
Evaluation: mechanism for feedback, evaluate progress at each step of the process, where are we at?
Endings: closing contact between social worker and client, goal of process is to help client to engage in their own problem solving without further need for social work assistance

16. Role Play (Social work problem)

17. Implications of the Problem – Solving Approach

18. Problem Solving and Pathology
Problem – oriented assessments encourage practice based on a framework that emphasizes pathology (disease) and deficits.
Views client in terms of disease and deficit.

19. Individual Orientation: A Limited Scope
Focus on helping people solve specific, articulated life problems for themselves.
Focuses on individual’s behaviors and her or his adjustment to the environment

20. Social Worker as an Expert
Social Worker – Client relationship is built on partnership.
Relationship is unequal in power since the Social Worker is perceived as an Expert.

21. Involuntary Problem – Solving Relationships and the Principle of Best Interest
Social worker has a commitment to the client and their best interest.
Exception – client is presumed to be a risk to him/ herself or their plans are harmful to others.

22. Q&A