Chp. 3: Generalist Practice

Goal of Generalist Practice

Address problematic interactions between persons and their environment.

Direct Practice

One-on-one interactions with clients

Profession’s Code of Ethics

Highlight human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

Self-determination

The right of people, groups, and communities to make choices, design a course of action, and live as independently as possible

Critical thinking

Ability to reflect on and integrate information from an array of sources to form a position, opinion, or conclusion.

Systems theory

Dynamic understanding of client interactions from various perspectives and in several settings.

Client system

Can consist of an individual, important family members and friends, relationships with work, church, and other organizations, and elements of large-scale institutions such as the economy.

Ecological Map

A diagram that visually represents a client's relationships and interactions with their surrounding environment, including people, groups, and organizations

Ecological Perspective

Focuses on people and their (physical, social, etc.) environments.

Person-in-environment perspective

Highlights how people are affected in positive and negative ways by their surroundings.

Social workers assess ______ through the person-in-environment perspective:

• political-economic systems

• faith-based organizations

• education and employment systems

• family, fictive kin, and social support systems

Empowerment Theory

Set of ideas that generalist social workers use to increase change possibilities. Help people access resources on their own.

Empowerment

Provides people with the means to attain their goals either directly or indirectly, through the help of others.

Strengths Perspective

Idea that every person has strengths to call on in solving their problems

• listening to ideas of clients and communities

• collaborating with clients as an equal partner

• recognizing the unique potential and resilience of clients

• understanding that communities offer untapped resources

Evidence-based practice

1. the client’s situation

2. the client’s goals, values, and wishes

3. clinical expertise/expert opinion

4. external scientific evidence

Group work

Mode of intervention at the meso level. Generalists practice with groups. Group members experience and lend mutual aid to on another

The Change Process

1. Engagement

2. Assessment

3. Planning

4. Implementation

5. Evaluation

Engagement

Sets the tone for the change process. Social worker interviews client to learn as much as possible about the person in context of his/her environment

Assessment

The social worker is assessing the problems and strengths of the client, while the client is assessing the personality, professional skills, and demeanor of the social worker.

Planning

Figuring out what to do given the situation

Written case plan

Contract, designed collaboratively by the social worker and the client. Are comprised of short and long term goals and strategies.

Implementation

The actual performance of the activities outlined in the plan for reaching stated goals.

Evaluation

Monitor implementation of the plan and ensure that designated activities are effectively accomplishing intended goals.

Influence through case/cause advocacy can be seen through:

• defining the problem

• recognizing the strengths

• raising awareness

• developing partnerships

• lobbying and negotiating

• generating and consuming research

• facilitation social mobilization

• planning events