Social work is a practice that is based on an academic discipline and profession that is meant to encourage social unity, freedom and empowerment of all, and social development and change (Glisson, Dulmus, Sowers, 2012). An interview was done so as to have a deeper understanding about the profession and the people involved. This essay summarizes the views and issues raised in the interview taking a social work perspective.
Three respondents were kind enough to answer our questions with patience, and they thus proved resourceful. Katherine Johns is a social worker in research, policy, and administration. Marc Legend is a health and medical social worker. Lastly, Mario Knowles is a substance and mental health social worker. Six similar questions were asked all, and they all answered satisfactorily.
Firstly, the interviews sought to find out the models and theories of practice that social workers use when they are at work with their clients. Katherine Johns said that she generally view her clients from the perspective of the system. At time when she is required to implement or and develop interventions during her research and administration activities, she applies a lot the theory of Cognitive Behavior. On the other hand, Marc Legend uses numerous models and theories in his practice. Because of the nature of his job of working with people who have experienced trauma in the past or present because of substance abuse and mental health issues, he works from a model that is trauma informed. Mario Knowles uses the theories from Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, and Babette Rothschild (Glisson, Dulmus, Sowers, 2012). Additionally, he also uses the work of Dan Siegel's so as to work from a nonscientific and mindfulness perspective. Integrating all these models and theories with the Theory of Cognitive Behavior through Dr. Aaron Beck helps make his work easier.
Secondly, we sought to find out what makes their job stimulating and interesting. For Johns, it is her love and passion for her work such that mostly it does not feel like work. She even feels grateful because she has a privilege to do it daily. This, she says, passion and self-drive make her work more interesting. Mario Knowles is stimulated and truly enjoys being an agent for change with and for her clients in the community. The work is made exciting by the fact that the people he deals with are always evolving and changing. Knowles also ensures that he brings the most current perspectives to his clients by trying to be current in her field via news and literature (Glisson, Dulmus, Sowers, 2012). Marc, on the other hand, likes that his job makes his clients his friends. His clients view him as a trusted confidant when they face trials and make accomplishments. He likes that he is usually able to follow them through the journey of healing and sees that their mental health improved.
Social workers face some challenges in their line of duty while working with their clients and delivering services. The answers obtained from interview question three proved this. Johns stated that the biggest one was having a client who was not committed or not ready for therapy. She also hates feeling overwhelmed when she gets high caseloads. Mario Knowles faces the challenge of having unsupportive program administrators. Marc’s challenge is finances especially when he gets a client without insurance to treat his mental health issues. At times like those, the treatment for mental health is usually ignored, and other similarly important heath needs catered for.
We also sought to find out how these social workers evaluated the effectiveness of their work and how they perceived it (Glisson, Dulmus, Sowers, 2012). For Johns, her effectiveness depends on the client she is handling. She has however had more successes with her clients than failures. She evaluates her effectiveness through the kind of feedback she gets from her supervisor, coworkers, and clients. Knowles finds out whether or not he is performing well by the way clients achieve their treatment goals within the planned time frame. For Marc, consistently asking at each session for the opinion of progress from the client helps him measure his effectiveness. This way, he gets to know what he can improve on, and what is right, or not.
All social workers must demonstrate some professional values in their practice. Johns constantly work on promoting and recognizing the worth and dignity of all the clients she works with. In Marc’s professional and personal life, he has placed a high priority on human relationships (Glisson, Dulmus, Sowers, 2012). He, therefore, ensures that he always maintains boundaries between his clients and coworkers that are healthy. For, Knowles, having integrity in his practice helps him be a better practitioner.
In conclusion, to stay current in their work and engage in learning that is lifelong the three social workers have to take some measures. Johns attends CEU training regularly. She also reviews articles that are spread through LinkedIn and emails to enlighten her. Knowles, on the other hand, consults current podcast that talk about his practice. Marc constantly reads and researches for his Ph.D. program.
Social work requires tremendous devotion, passion, and self-drive. Without these characteristics, the work becomes difficult, less enjoyable and strenuous. The three respondents dissipated robust passion for their job and ability to integrate theory into practice. In essence, social work theories may be viewed as abstract concepts; however, practitioners need to merge theoretical propositions into practice in order to optimize outcomes for the benefit of the clients and the organization. Essentially, social work is also faced with challenges such as non-committal client towards therapy and unsupportive administrations. However, efficiency is derived from human relationships and ability to collaborate teams.
For all subjects I have recommendations. For Johns, I would recommend that she uses critical theory because it would help her recognize the different methods of being vigilant in her job as a social worker while maintaining her status. I also think that Marc should gain more interest of working with clients from minority groups because they are often ignored. This would help him get even more satisfaction from his job than he already does. Lastly, Knowles should avoid taking up more projects than he can already handle because this would only result into a disservice to his clients.
I think this interview would have been more effective if it also sought the answers as to how one can become a social worker and last long. The solutions to the challenges that social workers face should also have been sought.
Work cited
Glisson, C., Dulmus, C. N., & Sowers, K. M. (2012). Social work practice with groups, communities, and organizations: Evidence-based assessments and interventions. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
