Social Work Profession and Discipline

Social Work: Definition and Scope

• Social work is a practice-based profession and academic discipline that aims to facilitate the welfare of communities, individuals, families, and groups.
• It promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the employment and liberation of people.

Fields of Employment for Social Workers

• Poverty Relief
• Life Skills
• Community Development
• Forensics
• Industrial Relations
• Child Protection
• Elder Protection
• Women's Rights
• Human Rights
• Addictions Rehabilitation
• Disaster Management
• Mental Health
• Disabilities
• Hospitals

Goals and Scope of Social Work

• Enhancing the people's capacities to resolve problems, cope, and function effectively.
• Linking clients with needed resources.
• Improving the social service delivery network.
• Promoting social justice through the development of social policy.

Principles of Social Work

Principle of Acceptance

• Acceptance implies a sincere understanding of clients.
• Social workers treat clients humanely and considerately, affording them dignity and worth.
• Acceptance is conveyed through genuine concern, listening, receptive acknowledgement of others' points of view, and creating a climate of mutual respect.

Principle of Individualization

• Every client is unique, with a particular problem, religious beliefs, economic position, social status, and caste.
• The worker must accept the client with all their strengths and weaknesses.

Principle of Self-Determination

• The right and need of clients for freedom in making their own choices and decisions.
• Self-determination is a condition in which a person's behavior comes from their own wishes.

Principle of Non-judgmental Attitude

• Social workers do not judge others as good or bad, worthy or unworthy, dignified or undignified.
• Implies a non-blaming attitude or behavior.

Principle of Confidentiality

• The right to privacy, social workers must not disclose client information, such as their identity, discussions with professionals, or records.

Values of Social Work

Service to Humanity

• Social workers acknowledge that serving others is more important than self-interest.
• They put the needs of their clients ahead of their own.

Social Justice

• Social workers help underprivileged, vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, those struggling with substance abuse issues, or victims of domestic violence.
• They aim to improve the lives of people who are less fortunate or unable to advocate for themselves.

Human Dignity and Worth

• Social workers understand the inherent value of every human life, regardless of background or beliefs.
• They respect the differences between their personal beliefs and those of their clients, taking into account ethnic and cultural diversity.

Integrity

• Acting honestly, responsibly, and ethically at all times.