Disciplines and

Ideas in the Applied

Social Sciences
Quarter 1 – Module 5:
Social Work
ACTIVITY:

Read the poem and answer the guide questions in your notebook.

My Life is in Your Hands (From a client's perspective)

by: Stephanie Griffey

I did not choose this life or these struggles that I face

And I don’t know how I got here to such a vulnerable
state. Everyone is quick to judge me yet they offer no
help.
Can’t they see I’m alone here? I’m doing this by
myself. Maybe I’ve made some mistakes but I did
not ask for this.
I don’t know how to get out now. These walls are
caving in. The world seems so big and the
possibilities so small.
There’s no room to breathe here, no one to catch
my fall. So here I stand, no way to cope.
I’ve come to you, my last source of hope.
Please tell me you have an answer to end the hunger and
the pain. Tell me you can help me to finally live again.
Is there light at the horizon; are there brighter days
for me? I stand at your mercy; do you hear this
humble plea?
Can you feed my children and give them
care? Can you give me direction in this
world out there? Can you save me from
myself and heal me inside? Can you explain
this hopelessness I feel inside?
Can you take away this anger; can you throw away this
rage? Can you really show me love? Can you erase this
hate?
Can you explain to me why my body is so
frail? How did I get here in an empty sail?
Why did he hurt me? The answers are
unknown. He took away my innocence. He
invaded my soul. I want to live. I don’t want
to cry.
But I’ve lost the battle for inside I’ve died.
I may not be here by choice but it isn’t by chance;
that you’ve crossed my path and seen my
circumstance. I’ve tried everything else there’s
nothing more I can do. I’ve made the first step.
The rest is up to you.
So here I am. Fix me if you can.
I give it to you; my life is in your hands.
https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/Poetry:_My_Life_is_in_Your_Hands_%28From_a_client%27s_perspective%29/

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Guide Questions:
1. What is the poem all about?

2. What is the mood of the speaker?

3. If you are a social worker, how can you help the speaker?

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Social Work/Social Welfare/Social Development
Definition

What is social work? When we hear the word social work, what
comes to your mind? Some of the people thought it is about Department
of Social Welfare and Development, those who work directly with the low-
income families, individuals, and groups. On the other side, it is also
viewed as the one who brings street children and families to shelters.
Then, what does social work mean?

Social work defined as a profession which is primarily concerned

with organized social service activity that aimed at facilitating and
strengthening basic social relationships and the mutual adjustment
between individuals and their social environment for the good of the
person and society by the use of social work methods. (RA 4373, 195)

Social Welfare defined as a state of well-being of people in the

society. It has two views, namely: residual and institutional. (Melendez,
2018) The residual and institutional models are two different approaches
in addressing social welfare issues, such as poverty, hunger and health
problems, with the government providing funding and social work. The
residual model generally holds that the government should be involved in
social welfare only as a last resort safety net when other avenues fail
while the institutional model favors continuing intervention as needed,
seeing government help as a natural and normal occurrence in people's
lives.

Social development is about putting people at the center of

development. This means a commitment that development processes
need to benefit people, particularly but not only the poor, but also a
recognition that people, and the way they interact in groups and society,
and the norms that facilitates such interaction, shape development
processes. (https://www.indsocdev.org/defining-social- development.html,2016)

Goal

The main goal of social work is to improve society’s overall well-

being, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

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Scope

A basic goal of social work is to facilitate the “social well-being” and

“social functioning” of the “person-in-environment”. Each of the key
concepts in this statement is essential to the understanding of the scope
of social work. The World Health Organization (W.H.O) recognized social
well-being as an integral component of a person’s overall state of health,
complementary to, but different from, physical, mental, and spiritual well-
being. Social functioning refers to the way people perform their social
roles and the way societies provide structural supports to help them
perform their roles. The person-in-environment perspective recognizes the
impact of societal systems such as natural support networks and the
formal structures within communities that may enhance or inhibit
individual social well-being. At the core of social practice, these concepts
guide the work of practitioners in diverse fields of service. However,
depending on the chosen area of practice, the roles and responsibilities of
social workers can widely vary. For this reason, it is proposed that this
scope of practice statement be more clearly defined, to effectively
examine the bounds of the social work profession. The scope of social
work has several defining elements. (Canadian Association of Social Workers,
2016)

Core Values

According to NASW Social Work of Ethics, the six core values of social work are:

1. Service – to provide help, resources, and benefits to help

people achieve maximum potential.

2. Social Justice – to uphold equal rights, protection,

opportunity, social benefits to everyone.

3. Dignity and worth – every person is unique and worthwhile.

4. Importance of human relationships – to value the exchange

between so worker and client.

5. Integrity – maintain trustworthiness.

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 6. Competence – practice within the scope of known skills and abilities.

Focus of Social Work: Social Functioning

Social functioning relates to “fulfill one’s roles in society in general,
to those in the immediate environment, and to oneself. These functions
include meeting one’s basic needs and those of one’s dependents and
making positive contributions to society”. (Barker as cited by DuBois and
Miley, 2002)

Functions of Social Work

a) Restorative – this includes restoration of impaired capacities

either curative/remedial and/or rehabilitative
b) Development – this includes providing individual and
psychosocial resources.
c) Preventive – this refers to prevention of social dysfunction,
social problems, social injustice, and rights violation.

Principles of Social Work

1. Acceptance – Manifested in the professional relationship through the

expression of genuine concern, receptive listening, intentional
responses that acknowledge the other person’s point of view, and
the creation of a climate of mutual respect.

2. Affirming individuality – This means recognizing and “appreciating

the unique qualities of the client,” are starting where the client is. It
requires the professional to
a) accept the client without bias and prejudice;
b)avoiding labeling and stereotyping (e.g. referring to a
client as “deviant” or abnormal;
c) recognize and appreciate diversity (e.g. in lifestyles,
values, sexual orientation, ideological standpoint); and
d) critical knowledge of human behavior.

3. Purposeful expression of feelings – Social workers provide

opportunities for clients to express their feelings freely without fear
of rejection, censure or any form of negative sanction. They must
not limit themselves to “just the facts”.

4. Non-judgementalism – This requires social workers to assume a non-

blaming attitude and behavior, to avoid concluding that others are

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 good or bad, worthy or unworthy.

5. Objectivity – This requires social workers to examine situations and

clients in a manner that is not colored by personal feelings, biases
prejudices.

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 6. Controlled emotional involvement – This has three components:
a) sensitivity to express or unexpressed feelings;
b) understand based on knowledge of human behavior
c) response guided by knowledge and purpose.

7. Self-determination – This is based on the recognition of the right and

need of clients to freely decide/make their choices. As social
workers, we have the responsibility to create a working relationship
where clients can freely choose and decide.

8. Access to Resources – Social workers have the responsibility to

ensure that clients have or linked to the necessary resources,
services and opportunities; “to pay attention to expanding choices,
and opportunities for the oppressed and disadvantaged; and to
advocate for policy and legislative changes that improve social
conditions and promote social justice”.
(Adapted from: DuBois, B. and Miley, K. (1992). Social Work: An Empowering
Profession, Boston: Allyn and Bacon, pp. 135-141)

Function of a Social Worker

1. Engagement – “The social worker must first engage the client in early
meetings to promote a collaborative relationship”. This is where
malpractice liability exposure, cyber liability exposure, and general
liability exposure begin the social worker’s risk exposure.

2. Assessment – “Data must be gathered that will guide and direct a plan of
action to help the client”. This is important core function from insurance
perspective. When information is documented, these records
become client record subject to recent Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 legislation, which holds the
social worker liable for breach by third parties.

3. Planning – “Negotiate and formulate an action plan”.

4. Implementation – “Promote resources acquisition and enhance role

performance”.

5. Monitoring/Evaluation – “On-going documentation through short-term

goal attainment of the extent to which client is following through”.

6. Supportive Counseling – “Affirming, challenging, encouraging, informing,

and exploring options”.
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 7. Graduated Disengagement – Seeking to replace the social worker with a
naturally occurring resources”.

Roles and Responsibilities of Social Work

Roles of a Social Worker

Broker
The social worker is involved in the process of making referrals to
link a family or person to needed resources. Social work
professionals do not simply provide information. They also follow up
to be sure the needed resources are attained. This requires knowing
resources, eligibility requirements, fees and the location of services.

Advocate
In this role, social workers fight for the rights of others and work to
obtain needed resources by convincing others of the legitimate
needs and rights of members of society. Social workers are
particularly concerned for those who are vulnerable or are unable to
speak up for themselves. Advocacy can occur on the local, county,
state or national level. Some social workers are involved in
international human rights and advocacy for those in need.

Case Manager
Case managers are involved in locating services and assisting their
clients to access those services. Case management is especially
important for complex situations and for those who are homeless or
elderly, have chronic physical or mental health issues, are disabled,
victims of domestic or other violent crimes, or are vulnerable
children.

Educator
Social Workers are often involved in teaching people about
resources and how to develop particular skills such as budgeting,
the caring discipline of children, effective communication, the
meaning of a medical diagnosis, and the prevention of violence.

Facilitator
In this role, social workers are involved in gathering groups of
people together for a variety of purposes including community
development, self-advocacy, political organization, and policy

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change. Social workers are involved as group therapists and task
group leaders.

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 Social Workers are involved in many levels of community
organization and action including economic development, union
organization, and research and policy specialists.

Manager
Social Workers, because of their expertise in a wide variety of
applications, are well suited to work as managers and supervisors in
almost any setting. As managers, they are better able to influence
policy change and/or development, and to advocate, on a larger
scale, for all underprivileged people.
(https://www.csc.edu/socialwork/careers/roles/index.csc)

Responsibilities of a Social Worker

1. Counsel individuals, groups or families

2. Maintain case histories and prepare reports
3. Serve as liaison between schools, hospitals or government
agencies and individuals or families
4. Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises
5. Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients
6. Investigate client issues and propose a plan for resolution
7. Supervise other social workers
(Adapted from: https://wurzweiler-online.yu.edu/blog/the-responsibilites-of-social-
workers/Yeshiva-SocialWorker.pdf)

Areas of Specialization where Social Worker can work and

Career Opportunities
No matter the area of specialty that a social worker chooses to enter
into, it is always to his or her best benefit to earn a master’s degree in
social work. Earning this type of credential tends to take about seven
years.

People often go to college with hopes of earning a degree in which

they can use to truly make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Unfortunately, after spending much money and time, a degree is earned
and little difference is accomplished. On the upside, however, this doesn’t
ring true for those who choose to earn a degree in social work. When it
comes to earning this type of degree, it should be noted that there are
several specialty fields that one can enter into. Let’s dive right in and take
a close look at five of the more common specializations.
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Mental Health
A master’s degree is not always required to enter into the field of
social work; however, it can be of the utmost benefit, especially when
going into the mental health sector. When a person has the desire to
perform clinical services, a master’s degree is required, as well as the
appropriate type of licensure. In this line of work, a person will provide a
wide array of mental health services, including therapy, counseling,
diagnosing mental health conditions and much more.

Medical/Public Health
There has always been, and will always be, a high demand for social
workers who work in the medical field. There are many settings that a
person can find employment in as a medical social worker, including
hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, substance abuse
treatment centers, home health agencies and more. In this occupation, a
social worker spends his or her time advocating for the rights of his or her
patients.

Child Welfare
Many people who enter into the field of social work do so with the
intentions of becoming a child welfare worker. This line of work is often
one that is emotionally demanding as well as one that includes working
odd hours. Child welfare workers are often on-call all hours of the day.
They must meet with clients and report changes and updates to judges on
a regular basis. The custody arrangements of the cases they handle are
generally left in their hands, making this occupation one with much
responsibility.

Substance Abuse
Another common area specialization found in the field of social work
is substance abuse. Choosing to enter this sub-specialty can land a person
a job in any of the following settings:
 Juvenile detention centers
 Mental health centers
 Substance abuse treatment facilities
 Non-profit organizations
 Prisons
 Jails

Those who choose to become a social worker who specializes in

substance abuse spend their time helping those who have become
addicted to drugs. The true value of this position should never be
underestimated.

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School Social Work
Another common specialization found in social work is that of school
social work. As a school social worker, a person will work as a mediator
between students,

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teachers and students’ families to make sure everyone is on the same
page. Many times, a school social worker will be in charge of particular
programs, including:
 Crisis intervention
 Behavioral intervention programs
 Health education
 Truancy prevention
 Sexual education
(Adapted from: https://www.socialworkdegreecenter.com/are-there-any
specializations-within-social-work)

Workplace of a Social Worker

Social workers typically in the following settings:

 Hospitals and clinics
 Nursing Homes
 Community mental health clinics
 Private practices
 State and local governments
 Schools
 Colleges and Universities
 Substance Abuse clinics
 Military bases and hospitals

Social Workers’ Code of Ethics

We, the members of the Philippine Association of Social Worker's, Inc. believing:

 In the inherent worth and dignity of all persons emanating from a

Supreme Being who directs our actions of love for one another;
 That every human being has natural and social rights, capacities
and responsibilities to develop his full potentials as human being;
 In the human being's capacity to change and recognize the value of
unity in diversity, individual differences and pluralism in society;
 In free men and women living in a free society where poverty, in all
its forms, is neither a fate nor punishment but is a condition that can
and must be changed;
 In the family as the basic unit of society and its vital role in the
growth and development of the individual, the family system, and
the community;
 That the government, the private sector and the public have a joint
responsibility to promote social justice and to ensure the political,
economic and social well-being of all people;
 In the role of social workers as agents and advocates of change and
in the promotion of professionalism, responsibility and
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 accountability; and;
That our professional practice is deeply rooted in our cultural

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  DO HEREBY DECLARE that we will abide by these in our standards of
ethical conduct.

About Self and the Profession

 To conduct myself in a manner consistent with the philosophy,

principles, values, and beliefs of the social work profession;
 To act at all times with honesty, openness, and transparency
in all my professional transactions;
 To constantly work towards my professional advancement so as to
contribute to the promotion of the social work practice;
 To contribute time and professional expertise to activities that
promote respect for the integrity and competence of social workers;
 To share research knowledge and practice wisdom to colleagues
and other professionals;
 To be vigilant and act to prevent the unauthorized and unqualified
practice of social work;
 To support the professional association duly organized and
constitute for the professional welfare of all social workers;
 To respond and volunteer my professional services in times of emergency;
 To uphold and protect the dignity and integrity of the profession; and
 To promote cultural values that will enhance the practice of
social work profession.

About Clients

 To uphold the basic human rights of client and serve them without
discrimination;
 To accept primary responsibility and accountability to clients,
respecting their right to self-determination and observe
confidentiality in all my dealings with them;
 To seek out the marginalized and ensure equal access to the
resources, services and opportunities required to meet basic needs;
and,
 To expand choice and opportunity for all persons, with special
regard for disadvantaged or oppressed groups or persons.

About Colleagues

 To acknowledge and respect the professional expertise of other

disciplines, extending all necessary cooperation that will enhance
effective services;
To bring any violation of professional ethics and standards to the attention of the
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appropriate bodies inside and outside the profession, and ensure that relevant clients are
properly involved; and

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  To advocate with legislative and policy bodies for the welfare of all
colleague Social Workers’ Code of Ethics (Adapted from http://www.paswi-national.org/?file=about-
us/code-of- ethics, 2016)

ACTIVITY:

Directions: Complete the graphics organizer below by writing in the boxes

that show the different processes and methods involved in
undertaking social work.
Draw the graphics organizer in your notebook and answer it
by writing at least 2-3 sentences describing the different
processes and methods.

Goal:

Code of Ethics:
Scope:

Core Values:
Work Areas: Social Work

Roles & Functions:

Responsibilities:

Principles:

Rubric:
Category 5 3 1
Content The content is The content is The content is
relevant, understandable, irrelevant,
understandabl and substantial unsubstantial
e, complete yet incomplete and incomplete
and
substantial
Readability of All text are Some text are Most of the text
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Text readable and readable and are not readable
not

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 legibly written legibly written and legibly
written
Spelling No errors in 3-5 errors More than 5
and grammar in grammar errors in
Grammar and and grammar and
spelling spelling spelling

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