Reflective Journal: Assumptions in Social Work Practice Analysis

This reflective journal examines the fundamental assumptions that guide social work practice. The author, through a self-reflection and interview with a social worker, identifies key assumptions such as self-actualization and the importance of social relationships. The journal references the AASW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, highlighting the significance of these assumptions in assisting diverse client groups and respecting their rights. The paper discusses the aims and objectives of the practice standards, emphasizing their role in guiding social work practice and professional development. The author concludes that understanding these assumptions is crucial for effective and ethical social work. The author also highlights the importance of understanding that all human beings have their underlying reasons and motives for their choices. The document is a student submission to Desklib, a platform providing AI-based study tools and resources, including past papers and solved assignments, to assist students in their academic endeavors.

Running Head: REFLECTION
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Social Work Practice
Reflective Journal: Assumptions of Social work
(Student details :)
4/17/2019

Reflection
1
Reflection: Assumptions of Social Workers
The reflective journal is going to discuss assumptions about social work practice as social
work practice is based on many important assumptions. Such assumptions really help
societies while shaping the course and direction of the chosen area. According to me after this
interview I got to know that social workers’ assumptions help them in various functions
related to the ideas of assisting diverse client groups in their social work practices. My
learning depicts that knowing and understanding these social work assumptions of social
workers is really important in order to respect the clients’ rights (Miller, 2018).
In addition, before interviewing the social worker, I considered as well as studied the AASW
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the context of Australian social work
practice so that entire picture can be more clear while identifying these assumptions (Miller,
2018). While studying the code of practice, I learnt that there are some important practice
standards such as professionalism, value and ethics, knowledge for practice, applying
knowledge for practice, info sharing and recording, interpersonal and communication skills
as well as professional development and supervision. Besides, IFSW and IASSW have
defined the definition and AASW has defined the practice standards CPD and ASWEAS
(Banks, 2012).
Hence, while assessing AASW this paper has identified the aims and objectives of the set
practice standards of social work practice as follows:
 AASW has offered a guide to social work practice
 AASW has provided a guide to plan professional development of the society
 AASW is the basis of applying practice standards all across the diversity of practice
within Australia.
In order to identify the challenges and assumptions of the social-work practice, I conducted
an interview of the social worker. Afterwards, with the help of the social worker I identified
major social work assumptions as listed below:
My observations during the interview suggested that the main assumption of functioning as a
social worker is the concept of self-actualization (Knott, 2010). Social worker assumes that a
major purpose of a human-life existence is self-actualization. I found that social workers

Reflection
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believe that each and every one has the right of having an utmost potential regardless of their
class and background (Miller, 2018).
Additionally, while taking the interview of the social worker I realized that social work
practice understands the importance of social relationships (Banks, 2012). In addition, social
workers assume that quality life occurs only within the greater context of society. Hence,
social workers consider all possible societal and interpersonal factors while working with
their regular clients (Miller, 2018). In this way, interview of social worker has revealed that
without assumptions social worker can do nothing at their practice.
In conclusion, with the help of conducting interview of the social worker I learnt all
important assumptions of the social work practices in this modern era. I learnt that social
workers assume that all human beings have their underlying reasons as well as motives for
the path they choose for interacting and acting within the social work field.
References
Banks, S., 2012. Professional integrity, social work and the ethics of distrust. Social Work
and Social Sciences Review, 11(2), pp.20-35.
Knott, C., 2010. Chapter 1: Reflective practice revisited. In C. Knott, & T. Scragg (Eds.),
Reflective practice in social work. London: Reflective Practice in social work.
Miller, A., 2018. What Are Some Assumptions for Working as a Social Worker? [Online]
Available at: https://work.chron.com/assumptions-working-social-worker-11836.html
[Accessed 2019].