Assignment for Social Work
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Added on 2020-05-03
Assignment for Social Work
Added on 2020-05-03
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1Running head: SOCIAL WORKSocial work Name of student:Name of university:Author note:
2SOCIAL WORKSocial work is a diverse profession, and the competencies and knowledge of aprofessional are established based on the dynamic relationship between social problems,institutional construction and disciplines of interpersonal relationships. Theoreticalperspectives from philosophy, sociology and psychology have been included in the disciplineof social work that aims to address the diverse social needs of an individual. Theories ofsocial work are a representation of ideas and concepts that guide us to act appropriately indifferent situations. Using these theories one can infer or deduce connections betweendifferent situations and formulate an action plan that is person-centred. Some significanttheories of social work include Systems Theory, Social Learning Theory, TranspersonalTheory and Psychodynamic Theory (Cournoyer 2016). According to a large pool of scholars,sytems theory includes the narrow field of social systems and acts as a cross-disicplinarybody of thoughts based on scientific rationale. The perspective of the social systems isembedded in a philosophical viewpoint that considers the existant relationship between anindividual and the surrounding social environment. The systems perspective provides themost desirable and suitable theoretical basis for studying human communication in aneffective manner (Payne 2015). The present essay is based on the provided case study that aims to apply thenoteworthy Systems Theory for discussing the course of social work pertinent to the case.Systems Theory is the selected theoretical framework whose application would be evident inthis case study analysis for guiding the assessment and intervention process for the case. Thepaper would critically analyse the core elements of the theory to reflect on how these arealigned to the service user, how the assessment process can be carried out and how the socialworker can seek to intervene for bringing about change. Critical analysis of the theory wouldbe done by understanding its relevance and usefulness as well as drawbacks through
3SOCIAL WORKperspectives drawn from literature. Such an analysis would draw critical perspectives fromother theoretical frameworks as well. The case study to which the systems theory is to be applied as a mode of interventionis on an elderly couple Leo and Rachel who are in their 60s. The couple has been together for40 years and migrated to the UK from Venezuela almost four decades back. Rachel had beenworking as a nurse while Leo was an engineer at initial stages of his career and worked as ateacher thereafter. Leo was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease around half a decade back.Due to this condition, Leo suffered from poor mobility, and body functioning that compelledhim to sit is a similar position for a considerable time and lie down. In addition, he facedchallenges in eating and required help with his food. He had a slow form of speech though hewas able to communicate. Leo’s condition had a negative impact on the relationship and bonding that the coupleshared. There were reports of serious arguments between the couple made by the home careworkers frequently. There was also reports of absence of food in the house. Due to therestricted mobility, Leo became irritable and angry. Further, he had difficulty in rememberingthings. Rachel, on the other hand, was found to be withdrawn from the social bonding andwas found to be shouting at her husband. Rachel’s daughter Daniela used to pay regular visitsto Rachel until some months ago. She had attempted to convince Rachel to seek support toprovide adequate care to Leo such as getting help from the local Age Concern. She alsorecommended a carers group that Rachel could join. To much disappointment, theconversations turned into arguments, and no additional help could be evident. A week agoRachel did not permit the Home Care workers inside their home. After a discussion withinthe home care team, a referral was made to the adult services for social work input.
4SOCIAL WORKThe above-illustrated case study has highlighted the need for implementation ofsystems theory as the posit approach for social work and course of interventions to bedelivered to Leo and Rachel. For delivering the adequate social care and support to Leo andRachel, a social care worker might encounter a number of challenges in his line of work.However, systems theory can help the social worker to deal with these challenges and comeup with positive solutions. The contribution of systems theory in the field of social work ispraiseworthy. The theory has given valuable insights into how service users can be givenoptimal quality vare through multifaceted assessments and interventions. Systems theory asapplied to social work describes human behaviour in temrs of complex systems. The theory isbased on the idea that a proper system is set on the basis of a individual rewards, needs,attributes and expectations of the people living in the system. As per this theory, couplesfamilies and organisation members have a diret involvement in resolving a concern if theissue is an individual one (DuBois and Miley 2013). According to Hepworth et al. (2016),there are six essential features that are recognised within systems theory. The first element isholistic approach given to the service users. The second element is regarding how systems aredefined and build up. The next element is about the significance of boundaries in the divisionof systems. The consecutive element revolves around processes or social change andequilibrium. The fifth element considers circular causality is thinking while the sixth elementis about the identification of goals for achieving betterment. The life system approachoutlined by Germain and Gitterman present a provocative yet challenging integrated model ofsocial work by helping individuals deal with three types of stress generated by maladaptivepatterns of interpersonal relationships, environmental processes and life transitions.According to the philosophers, an assessment is to be carried out of the felt needs andproblems as described by the client for providing social care. The role of the social worker insuch a case is defined in response to the client’s need. Assessment, as per the theory is to be
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