Introduction to Social Work – Study Notes
1. What Is Social Work?
| Aspect |
Description |
| Definition |
A professional discipline that promotes social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment of individuals, families, groups, and communities. |
| Core Goal |
Enhance well‑being and improve quality of life, especially for vulnerable and marginalized populations. |
| Key Values |
Service, social justice, dignity & worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence. |
| Primary Settings |
Hospitals, schools, child‑welfare agencies, mental‑health clinics, correctional facilities, community organizations, private practice. |
2. Historical Development
| Period |
Milestones |
| Late 19th – early 20th c. |
Settlement house movement (e.g., Jane Addams, Hull House); roots in charity work. |
| 1910s‑1930s |
Formal training programs appear; first baccalaureate degree in social work (1919, University of Chicago). |
| 1930s‑1940s |
New Deal → expansion of public welfare programs; emergence of “casework” model. |
| 1960s‑1970s |
Community organization, anti‑poverty activism; rise of macro‑social work and advocacy. |
| 1980s‑1990s |
Professionalization: licensure, ethics codes, evidence‑based practice. |
| 2000s‑present |
Focus on trauma‑informed care, cultural competence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology‑enhanced services. |
3. Levels of Social Work Practice
| Level |
Focus |
Typical Activities |
| Micro |
Individual, family, or small group |
Assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, case management. |
| Mezzo |
Small groups, neighborhoods, institutions |
Program development, group facilitation, community outreach, school‑based services. |
| Macro |
Larger systems, policy, societal change |
Advocacy, policy analysis, research, administration, community organizing. |
4. The Helping Process (Generalist Model)
- Engagement – Build rapport; establish trust and a collaborative relationship.
- Assessment – Gather data (biopsychosocial, ecological); identify strengths and needs.
- Planning – Set measurable goals; develop an intervention plan with the client.
- Implementation – Deliver services (counseling, referrals, advocacy).
- Evaluation – Review outcomes; modify the plan as needed.
- Termination – Conclude services ethically; ensure continuity of support.
Note: The steps are iterative; practitioners often cycle back to earlier phases.
5. Core Competencies (per NASW & CSWE)
| Domain |
Competency Highlights |
| Professionalism |
Ethical decision‑making, self‑care, lifelong learning. |
| Engagement & Relationship |
Culturally responsive communication, empowerment, boundary setting. |
| Assessment & Intervention |
Evidence‑based techniques, strengths‑based perspective, trauma‑informed care. |
| Evaluation & Research |
Data collection, outcome measurement, use of research to inform practice. |
| Advocacy & Policy |
Knowledge of legislation, lobbying skills, community organizing. |
6. Ethical Foundations
| Principle |
Application Example |
| Service |
Prioritize client needs over personal gain. |
| Social Justice |
Work to eliminate discrimination and promote equal access to resources. |