Introduction
In many different settings, social workers work in groups. Such settings include neighborhoods, traditional clinical or therapeutic venues as well as community settings. Such workers who work in groups are strictly bound by code of ethics to ensure that they display proficiency in their work. Due to this, it is therefore evident that social workers working in groups should and must understand the basic principles behind group work and how to for effective and efficient groups that will effectively meet the clients’ as well as the members’ needs. Working in groups enhances the relationship and association between two or more people.
According to Garvin, Gutierrez & Galinskey (2004), social work groups represents a broad domain of direct social work practice. Social work with groups mirrors workers participation in their different capacities. Further, Middleman and Wood (2008) recommend that for any practice to qualify as social work with groups, it must fulfill the following 4 conditions. First, the worker should emphasis devotion on assisting group members to develop a system of shared aid. After helping the members develop a system of mutual aid, it is then necessary that the group worker understands the role of the group process itself as the primary force behind collective and individual change. This will help the group worker to seek and augment self-sufficiency and this same group worker helps the members to experience their togetherness (Middleman & Wood, 2008). Middleman and Wood (2008), further points out that if the criteria is met and less is done to improve the working of the group there will be little success at the end of the entire process. They point out that the groups can only work “where the worker is the expert and her knowledge has been imparted to the group" (Middleman & Wood, 2008). Moreover, these social groups do not exist in a vacuum and must therefore unceasingly interact with their environs. Commonality therefore demands that when forming a group one needs to identify the groups or associations that they will be continuously working with as this has the potential to greatly affect how the group functions as well as its success in the various matters that the group undertakes.
Before starting any group, one must consider a setting and combination that will allow maximum utilization of skills, knowledge and capability. The abilities, understanding and experience possessed by the potential members of a social work group must therefore be called to question before the group is formed as this is very crucial in the overall performance and wellbeing of the group. The contingency of the group must also be considered. Within an organization, working in groups can also be adopted as a means of carrying forward on the organizations goals and objectives as it is common that even within any particular organization, the employees have different skills that interact on a daily basis in the organizations operations (Garvin, Gutierrez & Galinskey, 2004). Before joining any group, one must ensure that the group will help them enhance their social functioning through purposeful group experiences, able to establish a rapport with the kind of people in the group and to more excellently handle their personal, group or community challenges. The group must also have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. However, Garvin, Gutierrez & Galinskey (2004) points out that many group workers do more than just helping an individual solve a certain problem. The community interests are at their heart.
After establishing people that one can work with in a group, they then start the group by following the following chronological steps.
- A meeting is called where the boundaries and guidelines of the group to be commenced are discussed. The spirit, reasons, structure and leadership of the group must also be set forth. Additionally, summit times, determination, responsibilities and decorum are made known to all members so as to fight any anxiety that they might be having (Garvin, Gutierrez & Galinskey, 2004). Important rules and the behavioral expectations of the members are unequivocally clarified.
- A sense of trust, togetherness and belonging is fostered so that members can develop a sense of cohesion (Middleman & Wood, 2008). An environment that emboldens members to feel integrated and accepted is developed. Additionally, all group members must be listened, treasured and their contribution taken into account.
- A very crucial factor that hampers the effectiveness of social work groups is the emergence of conflicts between the members. These conflicts can be daunting and uncomfortable and challenges the steadiness of the group. Due to this, a clear method of resolving conflicts must be provided and the group allowed to resolve conflicts that might arise.
After this, Middleman & Wood (2008) points out that the group is ready to function. However, one must continuously devote their time, efforts and resources to the group if at all they want the group to succeed. However, the groups might not last forever and the members will feel a sense of loss when the group is terminated. The group must therefore be ready to support each other especially psychologically. They should be invigorated to feel good about what they have accomplished despite the small hitches that has caused the termination of the group.
References
Garvin, C., Gutiérrez, L., & Galinsky, M. (2004). Handbook of Social Work with Groups. New York: Guilford Press.
Middleman, R., & Wood, G. (1990). Skills for Direct Practice in Social Work. New York: Columbia University Press.
