Client Management: Advocacy and Representation - Assignment Solution

This assignment solution explores the critical concepts of advocacy and representation within the context of client management, particularly in social work and community service settings. It differentiates between the two, highlighting that representation involves acting on behalf of a client to express their needs and interests, often through direct communication with decision-makers or the public. Advocacy, on the other hand, empowers individuals to express their views and desires, with a representative supporting their interests and advocating for their rights. The solution references the importance of these mechanisms in community service projects, emphasizing their roles in ensuring that all voices, including those of individuals facing disabilities or other challenges, are heard. It underscores the necessity for clear communication, defining service dimensions, and providing support to the social services sector to effectively meet the needs of clients. The solution also references how advocacy can include actions to influence lawmakers and the government.

Running head: CLIENT MANAGEMENT
Client Management
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

1CLIENT MANAGEMENT
How is representation and advocacy, different to decision-making on behalf of a client as a
community social worker?
Advocacy and representation are two somewhat related forms in social justice. The
discussion below discusses the role of inclusion and activism. All mechanisms are important
elements of community service projects promoting positive change for people, organizations or
the environment. Many people or groups might not be in a role to express them (LeRoux 2014).
That may be for multiple reasons; for instance, because individuals do not have the knowledge or
skills they have to express themselves on the specific issue, or as they may have the disability or
illness this prohibit them from doing so.
Representation programs contact decision-makers, the community or the media to
advance their interests on behalf of the other group or person. Advocacy offers people with the
opportunity to express their views and desires through a counsel who talks, fights and stands up
for the interests, privileges and beliefs to obtain a benefit for them. Any people advocate for
himself or herself, or persons needing advocacy can be a single individual, a resident or parent,
an agency or industry (Clear 2017). Representation agencies need to explain the reach, size and
specifications of the facilities they will be delivering and guarantee that everyone operates within
the defined service dimensions. Workers should also be informed of the terms of reference for
the company. The task of advocacy may include taking any action to impact lawmakers or
governments in decision-making; supporting the priorities of those are served by engaging in
meetings where policies are shaped or made; and fostering and improving the needs of the social
services sector.

2CLIENT MANAGEMENT
References
Clear, A., 2017. Volunteers as social activists: Making a difference. Third Sector Review, 23(1),
p.123.
LeRoux, K., 2014. Social justice and the role of nonprofit human service organizations in
amplifying client voice. Social justice and social work: Rediscovering a core value of the
profession, pp.325-338.