Social Work
Linda Brown defines Social Work as,” a series of procedural tasks, with 80% of time taken up doing administration work. Social work as I would like to be is working with individuals and their families to promote positive changes in their lives and having the time to get to know these individuals property”. Social work is a profession and academic discipline committed to the pursuit of social welfare, social change and social justice.
The profession of social work promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their well- being by utilizing theories pertaining to human behavior and social systems. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work. Social work, an interdisciplinary field, is very flexible in nature with borrowed theories from economics, education, sociology, medicine, philosophy and as well as anti- oppressive and anti- racist discourse.
Social Work and Social bonding
Social work is concerned and involved with the interactions between people and the institutions of society that affect the ability of people to accomplish life tasks, realize aspirations and values and ease distress. Therefore, three major purposes of social work may be identified:
To enhance the problem- solving, coping and developmental capacities of people, to promote the effective and humane operation of the systems that provide people with resources and services and to link people with systems that provide them with resources, services and opportunities.
Who is a Social Worker?
A social worker works with people who have been socially excluded or who are experiencing some kind of crisis, which affects them from leading a normal life in the society. The role of a social worker is to provide support by maintaining professional relationships acting as guides, advocates or critical friends.
Social workers work in a variety of settings within a framework of relevant legislation and procedures, supporting individuals, families, and groups within the community. Settings may include the service user’s home, schools, hospitals and the premises of other public sector and voluntary organizations. Qualified social worker professionals often supported by social work assistants and also health and social care staff.
Professional Associations
These associations are distinguished in international, continental of semi- continental, national and regional. The main international ones are the International Federation of Workers (IFSW), International Association of School of Social Work (IASSW) and the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). However the largest professional organization for social workers is in the United States known as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
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