Social Work Diego Kravetz What is Social Work?
Presentation by Diego Kravetz
What is Social Work? What defines Social Work? What do Social Workers do? What are the Challenges?
What Defines Social Work?
Why? Because where people live together in societies and communities there are structural sources of inequality that advantage some individuals and exclude others. These are perpetuated both intentionally and unintentionally through discrimination, exploitation and oppression. Social Work starts with proactive mindful awareness, being alongside people to challenge and change these conditions.
The international definition of social work Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), (2014) Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that; 1.Promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and
the empowerment and liberation of people. 2.Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility
and respect for diversities are central to social work. 3.Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences,
humanities and indigenous knowledge, 4.Social work engages people and structures to address life
Rory Truell (Sec. General IFSW) The Guardian - July 2014 “...good social work looks to assist the person to change themselves, and their environment, to construct a better life for themselves immersed in strong and positive relationships�
Values and Ethics BASW Code of Ethics for Social Work 2012 Human Rights Dignity, respect, Self-determination, Participation, holistic view of individuals, Developing Strengths Professional Integrity Upholding Values, Being Trustworthy, Professional Boundaries, Judgements and Accountability Social Justice â—?
Challenging Discrimination, Recognising Diversity, Distributing Resources, Challenging Unjust Policy and Practice, Inclusion
What do social workers do?
Working with people who are vulnerable, marginalised and discriminated against
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Poverty
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Discrimination
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Abuse and Neglect
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Mental Health
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Disability
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Addiction
ASPIRE* Engagement
Engagement
A Balance Between What...
What the service user would like from the social worker
Scope of the role and responsibilities of the social worker
Interpersonal Skills and Communication Therapy Guidance
Reviewing plans
Advocacy
Signposting
Imparting Skills Clear and accurate records
Supervision
Critical Self-Reflection
Within a Legal Framework ●
The Equality Act
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2010 The Care Act -
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2014
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The Mental Capacity Act 2005
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The Children’s Act 1989/2004
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Health and Social Care Act 2008
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Children and Families Act 2014
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Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015
The challenges and Joys
How are Social Workers Viewed in the UK? Two Perspectives from Reddit.com ‘In the press they are either cruel jobsworths stealing babies and children from loving parents, or feckless idiots leaving babies and children in the grasps of abusive parents’ ‘the most stressful, unappreciated, unrespected, difficult job you could
The Children and Social Work Bill
Potential changes to regulation and training at government level
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High case loads, High vacancy rates Increasing demand Everdwindling resources
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Fantastic work being done by social workers People whose lives they’ve turned around.
‘The best place in the world to be a social worker?’ Article By Rachel Schraer on March 17, 2015
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Christopher Hoyle (academic development officer in higher education): ‘Social workers are more than worth their weight in gold, they’re all extremely good people.’ David Akinsanya (broadcaster, journalist and campaigner): ‘I managed to make a success of my life, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without her.’
Thank You