Occupational Social Work:

No abstract available for this article.     

A Model Curriculum for Occupational Social Work

This paper reports the results of a survey experiment in which a national sample of NASW members was presented with systematically altered versions of a summary of a hypothetical study of casework effectiveness and asked to make judgments about the quality of the research, its importance to social work, and its significance for their own practice. It was found that although respondents distinguished between studies with good and bad research designs, their judgments of the quality of the research and its implications for their own practice were significantly influenced by whether the findings were positive or negative.     

Expanding Educational Assumptions for Social Work Education

Rapid expansion of educational research and conceptualization combined with increased emphasis on relevance and effectiveness as values within the educational institution encourage expansion of the assumptions made by social work educators. Such expansion forces recognition of the complexity of the educational transaction and of the importance of flexibility as a teacher characteristic. But certain new assumptions suggest undeveloped opportunities for facilitating significant student learning. This article identifies four such opportunities based on assumptions about individual differences, cognitive functioning, and affective learning. A complex, growth-oriented view of social work education is emphasized.     

Peer Supervision in Occupational Social Work

No abstract available for this article.     

Education for Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice

Abstract

Little attention has been given to the needs of international and American social work students who are preparing for direct practice outside of the United States. A preliminary model of cross-cultural social work practice is described as the basis for a course in direct social work practice in international settings.     

Integrating Work-Related Issues on Gay and Lesbian Employees into Occupational Social Work Practice

Social workers in employee assistance programs are increasingly being asked to assist employers in responding more fully to minority group members. This paper reviews the current state of governmental and corporate policies and business practices involving gay and lesbian workers. It also proposes practice interventions and change strategies for the workplace to respond more fully to the needs of such a client population.     

Service Users,Social Work Education and Knowledge for Social Work Practice

This paper explores the implications of service user contributions to social work education in the light of historical critiques of disability research. The paper reflects on the authors' dual service user and academic perspectives as well as their dual disability studies and social work disciplinary affiliations. Referring back to early critiques of disability research, it argues that isolated user involvement in social work education can be problematic, particularly where that involvement is under the control of the academy. Drawing on feminist critiques of traditional social science, the authors present arguments for the collective involvement of service users in research and underpinning knowledge for social work as well as in social work education.     

Occupational Social Work Education in South Africa

This paper describes findings from a survey by the author, of twenty Schools of Social Work in South Africa and the neighboring so-called "Black Homelands." In addition, the study sought to establish the content, scope and objectives of curricula and opportunities for field placement in OSW.     

Preparing Social Work Students for Interdisciplinary Practice

Summary

This article reports findings of an MSW interdisciplinary practice curriculum experiment. A diverse group of students at ten schools of social work were provided with specialized fieldwork and training. The agencies represented a broad array of services, fields of practice client populations and professional disciplines. Students encountered frequent interdisciplinary disputes and often found social workers coordinating interdisciplinary teams, a role upon which social work curricula rarely focus. This specialized experience seems to have not only enriched students' preparation for interdisciplinary work, but also deepened their understanding of social work as a unique discipline.     

Ideology and Education for Social Work Practice

Three approaches to social work practice (Personal Deficiency, Ecological, and Political Economy) which emerge from different ideological positions (conservative, liberal and socialistlfeminist, respectively) are summarized. Utilizing a case example demonstrates how the assumptions inherent in each approach result in different problem detinitions and practice interventions. Only one of these approaches (Political Economy) supports methods of intervention which foster social transformation. Guidelines and implications for social work practice and social work education adhering to a political economy approach are discussed. Substantively different practice methods and educational models are required if sociar transformation is to be supported.     

Risk and Social Work Practice

Abstract

Risk assessment and risk management have emerged as central organising principles for an increasing number of health and welfare programs. As a consequence, the language, technologies and imperatives of risk have assumed considerable prominence in the practice of many social workers. The present paper addresses three significant and contemporary explanations for the rise of risk in the day-to-day work of many social workers. In the context of these approaches, the paper examines some of the challenges risk presents to professional and ethical social work practice. Four issues with particular meanings and impacts for social work are discussed, namely the priority of risk over need, changing professional roles, relocation of responsibility to individuals, and the culture of blame.     

Spirituality in Social Work Practice

This article traces the origins of spirituality in clinical social work and psychotherapy from the nineteenth century to contemporary practice. Cases involving bereavement, terminal illness, and immigration often incorporate spirituality into traditional treatment. The author discusses his own spiritual journey, and the incorporation of spirituality into his work with agency-based clients. He also draws a distinction between religion and spirituality, noting the importance of including the latter into work with interested clients.     

Information Technology Foundations for Professional Social Work Practice

Summary

Graduate social work curricula and human service organizations (HSOs) are behind in the use of current information technology (IT) for professional social work practice. Knowledge and use of computer run client advocacy based management information systems (CAMIS) are key prerequisites to the management of professional practice in HSOs. Discussion is augmented by focus on an automated CAMIS (IBM-PC, Rbase) used in the classroom as well as agency settings. Software demos are available.     

A Model for Social Work in Private Practice

These Practice Notes explore some of the consultant services a social worker in private practice can offer to voluntary organisations and community groups. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of private practice are shared.     

Theory for Community Practice in Social Work:

The effort is made to revitalize the search for practice theory which will inform and guide the community practitioner. Ecological theory is used to identify a generic model of community practice and analyze member cohesion in the three traditional modalities. The theory of energy in human ecology is developed to set the stage for an energy assessment, and the selection of strategic energy patterns in phases of organizing. Theoretical propositions with practice implications are offered for research on the relationship between strategic energy-patterns of organizing, energy costs, specialization of function, and styles of intervention.