Maatschappelijk Werker als Beroep (Lessons 1-12)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the role of the social worker, professional ethics, reflection models, self-care, and mental frameworks like the Window of Tolerance and Mindsets.

Associate Degree (Graduaat)

A practice-oriented education focusing on workplace learning, fewer theories than a bachelor's, and specific professional qualifications needed to exercise the profession.

Social Worker (MW'er)

A bridge figure between the client, their environment, and society, aiming to strengthen people and promote social participation.

Low-threshold work (Laagdrempelig werken)

Ensuring that people can easily obtain help without obstacles.

Microniveau

The level of social work focusing on interpersonal problems between individuals, such as within a family, among friends, or relatives.

Mesoniveau

The level of social work focusing on the relationship between people and organizations, such as schools, the OCMW, or health insurance funds.

Macroniveau

The level of social work focusing on the relationship between people and society, including legislation, policy, and social developments.

Social Cohesion

Connecting people with one another to create a sense of belonging and to combat social exclusion.

Empowerment

A process where people become stronger, gain control over their situation, and participate in society while keeping control of their own direction.

Equivalent (Gelijkwaardig)

Having equal value despite differences, as opposed to being 'equal' (the same).

MORE-professional

A Thomas More graduate who is Socially engaged (M), Takes action (O), Looks at the world (R), and is the Owner (E) of their learning.

Reflecting

Looking back on an experience and thinking about acting, thinking, feeling, and wanting to give meaning to what happened and learn for future situations.

Korthagen's Spiral Model

A 5-phase reflection model consisting of: 1. Situation/Action, 2. Looking back, 3. Awareness/Learning goal, 4. Alternatives, and 5. Trying out.

Social Engagement

A voluntary choice to commit to a social goal, aimed at social change and impact rather than self-interest.

Positive Study Choice

Choosing a degree program because you genuinely want to follow it (e.g., 'I want to help people').

Life House (Levenhuis)

A method to reflect on the positive and negative building blocks/experiences that shaped your personality, choices, and development.

Professional Secrecy (Beroepsgeheim)

The legal obligation, established in Article 458 of the Criminal Code, for caregivers to keep client information confidential to protect the trust relationship.

Necessary Confidant (Noodzakelijke vertrouwensfiguur)

A person who cannot perform their function (like a doctor or social worker) without a guarantee of confidentiality.

Discretion Duty (Discretieplicht)

The obligation to not pass information to unauthorized people, primarily to protect the organization rather than the trust relationship.

Deontological Code

A set of values, norms, and behavioral rules for professional conduct within a profession or organization.

Duty of Silence (Zwijgplicht)

The basic rule that a caregiver must remain silent about information known through their profession.

Right to Silence (Zwijgrecht)

The right to remain silent before the police or a judge if protecting the trust relationship is deemed more important.

Right to Speak (Spreekrecht)

The ability to share information without sanction in specific cases, such as defending oneself or testifying in court.

Duty to Speak (Spreekplicht)

An exceptional obligation to speak when failing to do so would result in culpable neglect.

State of Emergency (Noodtoestand)

A situation where there is acute/serious danger, immediate intervention is necessary, and no other possibility exists to avert the danger.

Culpable Neglect (Schuldig verzuim)

Failing to offer help to someone in great danger when one is capable of helping.

Joint Professional Secrecy (Gezamenlijk beroepsgeheim)

The exchange of information allowed between colleagues within the same team or organization.

Shared Professional Secrecy (Gedeeld beroepsgeheim)

The exchange of necessary information between different care providers (e.g., OCMW and CLB) with client consent and in the client's interest.

Competence (Wilsbekwaamheid)

The ability to assess what is good for oneself and understand the consequences of decisions; children from age 12 are usually presumed competent.

MANO (Maatschappelijke Noodzaak)

A situation where a child's safety is in danger and help can no longer remain voluntary.

Resilience (Veerkracht)

The ability to continue functioning positively and developing despite difficult circumstances.

Load and Capacity (Draaglast en Draagkracht)

The balance between energy-consuming burdens (stress, illness) and energy-giving strengths (support, rest).

Fixed Mindset

The belief that intelligence and talent are static, leading to the avoidance of challenges and seeing mistakes as failure.

Growth Mindset

The belief that one can grow through effort, seeing mistakes as learning opportunities and challenges as ways to improve.

Fear of Failure (Faalangst)

The anxiety about failing in situations where one is being judged or evaluated.

Self-image (Zelfbeeld)

The image one has of oneself, consisting of beliefs, thoughts, and judgments.

Active Fear of Failure

Coping with anxiety through extreme hard work, perfectionism, and over-studying, often leading to exhaustion.

Passive Fear of Failure

Coping with anxiety through procrastination, avoidance, and not participating, causing the fear to grow.

Window of Tolerance

The tension level at which emotions remain manageable and one can function well using the 'human brain' (rational thinking).

Hyper-arousal

A state of too much tension ('mammalian brain') resulting in panic, anger, or 'fight or flight' reactions.

Hypo-arousal

A state of too little tension ('reptile brain') resulting in freezing, shutting down, or apathy.

Self-care (Zelfzorg)

Consciously caring for oneself to remain physically and mentally healthy, categorized into physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social forms.

Learning Zone

The ideal zone for growth where one tries new things and feels motivated, situated between the Comfort Zone and Panic Zone.

Secondary Traumatization

Stress caused by constant contact with the traumas of others, characterized by feeling powerless or being unable to let go of client stories.

Burn-out

Prolonged work stress combined with the way one handles it, leading to exhaustion.

Box Breathing

A technique to reduce stress: inhale 4s, hold 4s, exhale 4s, wait 4s; repeat for 5 minutes.

4-7-8 Technique

A relaxation and sleep technique: inhale 4s through the nose, hold 7s, exhale 8s through pursed lips.

5G-schema

A framework for event analysis: Gebeurtenis (Event), Gedachten (Thoughts), Gevoelens (Feelings), Gedrag (Behavior), Gevolg (Result).

Boundary vs. Obstacle

A boundary (grens) is something unchangeable, while an obstacle (hindernis) is something one can work on and change.

Assertiveness

Standing up for oneself and setting clear boundaries with respect for both oneself and others.

I-message (Ik-boodschap)

A communication technique: 1. Name behavior, 2. Name consequence, 3. Name feeling, 4. Ask for recognition, 5. State what is needed.

Structural Work (Structureel werken)

Addressing the underlying causes of social problems (e.g., better legislation) rather than just helping individuals.