Exercise 1.1.1.4 from study guide

Social Work

Question 1 Shift in Discourse

It is evident that the shift in discourse throughout the last few years has (for the most part) positively impacted almost the entire aspect of social work. Not only do many of those who are professionals in this field look to provide more assurance to their clientele, but by doing so, also raise their own level of job satisfaction. Because most social workers are part of a team of collaborators including medical and hospital staff, community service providers, neighborhood groups and institutions, the individual who participates in such a group setting is sure to learn and grow from the experience. By either integrating or coordinating the various skills and aspects of the group and the individuals in the group, the social workers is able to wield great influence (hopefully in a positive manner) to the professionals in the group as well as the patients, or the citizens in need of help or services.

Question 2 Mutual Obligation/Accountability

Mutual obligation on the part of both the social worker and the client seems to now be playing a much more influential role in society (and specifically regarding the current welfare system) than in years past. Since it now behooves both parties (or all parties) to assume at least a portion of the responsibility of receiving or (in the case of the social worker: deciding who receives) the monetary assistance doled out by the government, the stigma of having received that compensation should be a stronger force than previously thought. Perhaps the ideal of mutual obligation will cause a more positive nature to come to the forefront of societal mores, it can certainly be hoped for anyway. The accountability of receiving those dollars (or being the one to ensure those who receive are necessarily those in the most need) will play a positive role as well. If society can be convinced that the involved individuals overall have a sense of accountability, it will likely be more willing to ensure that those who need the most, will be cared for the most.

Question 3 Personal Values

When articulating personal values I would have to say that many of the values I hold most dear are very similar to the ones adopted by the IFSW general meeting in Canada in 2001.

Those values include the fact that I am very socially conscious and am very aware of my responsibilities and obligations as a social worker. I constantly strive to comprehend and understand the theories of human behaviors and social systems, and in doing so I strive to employ that understanding in order to promote the positive aspects of society and mankind. I am very apt to assist someone in solving the problems faced in their life or lives, and oftentimes see simple solutions even in the most complex scenarios. My strengths are that the values and beliefs I hold dear are the same values and beliefs that will hold me in high regard with the clientele I am most likely to interact with.

Humanism in particular plays a pivotal role in my values since I have always cared for my fellow humans and will continue to do so for as long as I am a social worker (even longer if the truth be known). That caring nature forms the underpinning of my desire to become as good a social worker as

I can possibly become.

Question 4 Social Work Values