SW 160 Chapter 3: Generalist Practice at the Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key terms, levels of practice, roles, steps, and group types from Chapter 3 of SW 160.

Generalist Social Work Practice

Practice where social workers serve as change agents who assist in promoting positive change across micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Micro Level Practice

Social work practice that focuses on direct work with individuals to address personal problems, emotional issues, crisis resources, and relationship or work conflicts.

Mezzo Level Practice

Social work practice that focuses on working with families and small groups.

Macro Level Practice

Social work intervention provided on a large scale that affects entire communities, organizations, social policy, and systems of care.

Systems Theory

A foundational knowledge base in social work emphasizing interaction between the individual and major resource systems (family, school, employer, agency, community, government), positing that a person's problem is rarely located only inside the person.

Engagement

The first step in the social work change process, which focuses on building the working relationship with the client.

Assessment

The second step in the social work change process, which involves gathering details about the situation, including person, family, systems, strengths, and risks.

Intervention

The third step in the social work change process, where the action plan is executed with the client rather than for the client.

Evaluation

The fourth step in the social work change process, which involves assessing whether the plan worked and changing course if it did not.

Broker

A social work role that links individuals or groups who need help with community services.

Advocate

A directive social work role borrowed from the legal profession in which the worker argues the case for a client or a citizens' group.

Mediator

A social work role that intervenes in disputes between parties to help them find compromises, reconcile differences, or reach mutually satisfactory agreements.

Negotiator

A social work role that brings together those in conflict over issues and seeks to bargain and compromise to arrive at mutually acceptable agreements.

Initiator

A social work role that calls attention to a potential problem before it turns into a crisis.

Empowerer

A social work role involving the process of helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities increase their personal, interpersonal, socioeconomic, and political strength and influence.

Social Conversation Group

A mezzo-level group type characterized by a relaxed environment with no set agenda, used primarily for building relationships.

Recreation Group

A mezzo-level group that provides activities for enjoyment and exercise.

Recreation Skills Group

A mezzo-level group designed to improve a specific skill set, often hosted through leagues at organizations like the YMCA, Scouts, or recreation centers.

Education Group

A mezzo-level group focused on enabling members to acquire knowledge and complex skills, such as stress management or parent training.

Therapy Group

A mezzo-level group for members with severe emotional or personal problems, requiring a highly skilled leader to continuously read group dynamics and maintain a constructive atmosphere.