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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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