Narrative Outline
I. Generalist Practice: A Definition
Generalist practice is both a process and a method which seeks to improve, restore, maintain, or enhance the client's social functioning. Although generalist practice had its origins in the early work of pioneers such as Mary Richmond and Florence Hollis, many changes have occurred as new knowledge has been generated. However, the face-to-face relationship between the social worker and client continues to be a prerequisite to intervention, as is emphasis on process (study, assessment, intervention objectives, intervention, evaluation and follow-up). Democratic decision-making, coupled with the belief in the dignity, worth, and value of the client system continue to undergird generalist practice philosophy.
II. Preparation for Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups
The practitioner not only must be armed with an understanding of personality theory and a knowledge of the life cycle but must also be able to assess the effects of the social systems context within which behavior occurs. Generalist practice also incorporates social work values.
The generalist practice process involves a more or less orderly sequence of progressive stages in engaging the client in activities and actions. Each step in this process is guided by the application of theory and knowledge of human behavior.
A. Social Study
The social study consists of obtaining relevant information about the client system and perceived needs.
B. Assessment
Assessment consists of making tentative judgments about the meaning of the information derived in the social study, providing the basis for initiating and establishing intervention objectives, and formally engaging the client in the intervention process.
C. Goal Setting
Goal setting is the process in which the client and practitioner ascertain intervention options that have the potential to address the client’s needs, with consideration given to the client's abilities and capacities, leading to both short term and long term goals.
D. Contracting
In contracting, the practitioner and the client agree to work toward the identified
intervention goals. The role of the practitioner is identified explicitly and the client agrees to perform tasks related to addressing client needs.
E. Intervention
The focus of direct practice intervention is derived from the social study and assessment and is sanctioned by the contract. Implementing the intervention may involve counseling, role playing, developing resources, family involvement, or related strategies.
F. Evaluation
Evaluation is a process in which the practitioner and client review intervention activities and assess the impact upon the client's needs/problem situation. Based upon the evaluation, intervention may continue along the same lines or be modified as implied by the evaluative process.
III. The Social Worker-client Relationship
The generalist practice relationship is the conduit through which assistance is extended by the social worker and is received and acted upon by the client. Trust is established only if the relationship principles are a distinctive aspect of the client-social worker interaction. Elements of the social worker-client relationship include:
Client’s rights to self-determination
Confidentiality
Individualization and acceptance
Nonjudgmental attitude
Freedom of expression IV. THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICE SKILLS
Development of competencies in using the generalist practice method is acquired through study, role playing, and supervised practice.
A. Conceptual Skills
Conceptual skills involve the ability to understand the interrelationships of various dimensions of the client's life experiences and behaviors and to place them within an appropriate perspective, providing a framework for the establishment of intervention goals. B. Interviewing Skills
The interview is a goal-directed activity used to assist clients with their problems. Empathy, or the ability to "put oneself in the client's shoes," is central to the helping relationship. Zastrow, Gebo, and Concilla (2003) identify three types of interviews used to facilitate the helping process in social work: (1) informational interviews, such as the social history; (2) diagnostic (assessment) interviews with a more clinical focus, allowing the practitioner to make initial judgments; and (3) therapeutic interviews designed to help clients make changes in their lives.
C. Recording
Maintaining case records that include social study data, assessment information, and social worker-client activity is essential to ensure an appropriate focus of ongoing activities with a client. Properly maintained records enable the social worker to review the nature of the problem, objectives, and progress in each case. Case records are also useful for accountability and research purposes.
V. PRACTICE THEORIES AND SKILLS: INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES A. Systems/Ecological Framework
This framework is based on the observation that individuals and their environments are in a continual state of interaction and that problematic behavior is the result of disequilibrium between these two entities. It directs the attention of the social worker to the necessity of not only reviewing the adaptive responses of the client system but also to examining the
environment within which that system interacts. B. Ego Psychology
Ego psychology stresses the interplay between the individual's internal state and the external environment. A main feature of this framework deals with the individual's ability to cope with external pressures and to respond in such a way as to produce satisfaction and feelings of security and self-worth. Knowledge of stress management, personality
organization, and effective coping mechanisms is essential. A key principle is that of enabling clients to develop more adaptive coping skills.
C. Problem-Solving Approach
This approach emphasizes that successful intervention is based on the motivation, capacity, and opportunity of the client systems for change. The problem-solving approach stresses the need to facilitate the client's identification of the problem and to develop options to resolve or alleviate the discomfort produced by the problem.
D. Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches 1. Behavior Modification
This is an action approach based on the assumption that all behavior is learned, and thus it is possible to assist the client in discarding faulty behaviors and acquiring new and more appropriate response patterns. This approach treats the objective, definable dimensions of human response patterns.
2. Reality Therapy
This approach is based on the assumption that individuals are responsible for their behavior. The goal of reality therapy is to enhance the client's self-concept. The focus of intervention is on the client's actions as opposed to feelings, and change is facilitated by confronting clients with irresponsible behavior and encouraging them to accept
responsibility for their behavior. E. Task-Centered Social Work
The task-centered method exemplifies a short-term therapeutic approach to problem solving and stresses the selection and establishment of specific tasks to be worked on within a limited time period. Other models of intervention may be combined with this one. F. Social Work Intervention with Families
Social workers often focus on the family as the unit of intervention with the recognition that all family members are affected by the problems of any one member. This approach recognizes that the attitudes and emotions of each family member are significant components in moving the family toward healthier functioning.
G. Other Approaches
Other intervention approaches include rational emotive therapy, role therapy, client-centered therapy, feminist therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
VI. PRACTICE THEORIES AND SKILLS: GROUPS
Many of the problems encountered by clients or client systems can be more effectively addressed and resolved through the group work process.
VII. SOCIAL GROUPS: DEFINITIONS AND GOALS
Chess and Norlin (1996) define a group as a form of social organization whose members not only identify and interact with one another on a personal basis but also have a shared sense of the group as a social entity. Group work is a process and an activity that seeks to stimulate and support more adaptive personal functioning and social skills of individuals through structured group interaction. Group work can be used most effectively when goals and objectives are related to the needs of the group members.
A. Group Focus
Social workers engage in practice with groups to accomplish a variety of tasks. Generally, groups may be classified in terms of a specific purpose.
B. Effective Group Development
The achievement of desired outcomes of the group process depends on several key considerations: purposefulness, leadership, selection of group members, and size.
1. Purposefulness – involves the establishment of specific goals and objectives and access to their achievement by the group.
2. Leadership – is essential in helping the group maintain its focus and in encouraging maximum participation.
3. Selection of Group Members – is an important factor in achieving group cohesion.. The type of group being formed (e.g., recreational, educational) will determine the criteria for the selection of members.
4. Size – The size of a group is to a large extent determined by its purpose. The number of members selected for the group depends on the desired effect on its individual members, the needs of the members, and their capacity to participate and support group purposes. VIII. THEORY FOR GROUP WORK PRACTICE
Social group work is a direct social work practice method requiring the social worker to be familiar with theories related to group behavior. Group theory provides a framework for promoting guided change through group interaction. Social group work can be distinguished as a professional social work method by the informed application of theory in helping groups achieve their objectives and goals.
IX. SOCIAL GROUP WORK AS A PRACTICE
Although it is unlikely that group members derive equal benefit from the group experience, all can be expected to experience some measure of growth. Positive group work is a planned change effort. The social worker is responsible for ensuring that the principles governing social work practice are included in the process. Each group also has its own life cycle, characterized by developmental stages.
A. Group Settings – Traditionally, social group work was practiced in recreational settings, such as the YWCA or YMCA, settlement houses, and community centers. With the growing popularity of group work, along with the redefinition of the scope of social work practice, group work has become a valuable practice method within most social service agencies. B. Group Termination – Groups are terminated when they achieve the purposes for which they
were established. The social worker must be sensitive to the needs of group members at the time of termination and assist them in phasing out their attachment to the group.
X. PRACTICE EFFECTIVENESS WITH INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND GROUPS
Like all professionals who are engaged with clients in efforts to strengthen their ability to function, social workers have a profound interest in assessing the effectiveness of their work. Professional practice with individuals, families, and groups must include an evaluative process. Evaluation includes an assessment of all activities and behaviors related to the client system’s performance. On the whole, research has been encouraging with respect to the effectiveness of social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. As techniques are refined through practice and as new knowledge is gained through research, social workers should become even more effective in helping individuals and families meet their needs.
XI. SUPERVISION OF GENERALIST PRACTITIONERS
Supervision is typically thought of as a management function – that of overseeing and ensuring employees are fulfilling the purpose and goals of an agency or organization. Although this function may be one of the responsibilities of social work supervision, supervisors must do much more than supervision (help practitioners develop practice skills, regulate the flow of cases assigned to social workers, present the need for resources to agency executives, and maintain standards for excellence in the performance). Supervisors play a vital role in helping an agency achieve its purposes.
XII. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE AND THE MSW SOCIAL WORKER
Most social workers work directly with individuals, families, or groups, although contemporary practice requires that the social worker become involved in other aspects of social work practice as well. Competence in the use of all social work methods enhances the effectiveness of the social worker in helping client systems seek solutions to problems at all levels of the environment.
XIII. THE BSW SOCIAL WORKER IN PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
As generalist social workers, practitioners at the baccalaureate level typically find employment in social agencies, specializing in direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. Direct practice with individuals, families, and groups does not always demand in-depth psychotherapeutic intervention – social work practice with individuals, families, and groups
extends far beyond psychotherapeutic involvement. The skill of the BSW practitioner in articulating community resources in the problem-solving process also must not be underestimated – the knowledge of resources and the preparation of clients to use those resources are paramount in problem resolution.
XIV. SUMMARY
Social work is a multifaceted profession that requires its practitioners to be familiar with theories of human behavior and social intervention. Social workers must also have knowledge of the logic of the social work process. They are also a catalyst for promoting societal change that is designed to enrich people’s lives. The goal of social work practice with individuals, families, and groups is to empower client systems to take charge of their lives and to act on their environment in such a way as to produce positive change for themselves and those with whom they interact.
