DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

QUARTER 3: WEEKS 3&4

MELC: describe the clientele of counseling

illustrate the different processes and methods involved in counseling
distinguish the needs of individuals, groups, organizations, and communities

CLIENTELE AND AUDIENCES IN SOCIAL WORK

Social work is a profession is concerned with helping individuals, families, groups, and
communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. The discussion below
clarifies the characteristics and needs of these clienteles.

Working with Individuals

In casework, the individual is the principal client and efforts of helping are focused on her/him.
De Guzman (1992) explains that the person’s inability to manage stress which may have been
a result of a distressful situation or problem caused her/him or those concerned with her/him
to seek professional help. The social worker then needs to acquire basic knowledge of human
behavior, of stress and the human being’s response to it in order for her/him to understand
the situation of the client and eventually help the latter.

For a start, the worker must understand that the person is a person “biopsychosocial being”
wherein s/he is made up of at least three parts or subsystems-the physical, the psychological,
and the social. The worker also needs to understand that the person’s present behavior is a
manifestation of her/his own mode of adaptation to her/his current condition that has caused
her/him stress.

A person who faces a threatening situation, s/he will likely try to use her/his accustomed
modes of adaptation and if these fall, s/he will revert to modes s/he previously used. Samples
of modes of adaptation include fight, flight, and pairing.
• Fight – means physical or verbal projection of angry feelings on others especially when
encountering difficult circumstances, frustration, disappointment, or even anxiety
• Flight - this is manifested when the person physically moves away from the problem like
resorting to drugs, alcohol or substances that will make one forget the current stressful
situation
• Pairing – it entails the entry into a relationship with another person who is perceived to
be stronger, stable, or who has the capacity to provide help over her/his problem

Below are some of the clients who may need the social worker or the agency’s help through
casework. This may include the following but not limited to:
 • Children who are either abandoned, neglected, orphaned, abused, or exploited;
• Children in conflict with the law, street children, children living with or affected by HIV;
• Out-of-school youth
• Socially disadvantaged women;
• Solo parents;
• Persons with disabilities, physically, and mentally challenged individuals;
• Elderly;
• Indigenous peoples;
• Internally displaced persons;
• Survivors of natural calamities and disasters, or those affected by armed conflicts;

The typology of clients may include the voluntary clients, those involuntary clients and those
who are being assisted by another person’s or agency.
• Voluntary clients are persons who opted to voluntarily seek the assistance of the
worker or the services of the agency due to a problem or a difficulty which s/he think
s/he cannot do anything by her/himself.
• Involuntary clients are those certain types of individuals in need who may not even
consider asking for help because they think that they are doing fine and will survive
somehow or they are unaware of the agencies that can provide with them some
assistance.
• Other clients are being assisted by another person, group/organizations, or community
leaders/workers who are concerned about the client’s situation. They are also called
referred clients.

De Guzman (1992) also introduced factors that may affect or influence the helping relationship
between the client and the workers. These relationship components or factors:
• Transference – this means that the client’s responds to and relates to the worker
unconsciously in the manner that s/he used to react to that familiar figure and
sometimes the client becomes unaware that s/he is already re-enacting some of her/his
early behavior.
• Counter-transference – are the worker’s relationship reactions that s/he may project on
the client and usually it is the worker who transfers previously experienced feelings on
the client.
• Reality – is the realistic and objective perception of existing condition or situation.

In casework process, there are certain ethical considerations that govern the client-worker
relationship that were put together by Biestek (1957) as cited in De Guzman (1992). These are:
• Acceptance – the worker’s recognition of the individual’s worth as human being imbued
with inherent worth and dignity.
• Nonjudgmental attitude – means without labeling, no stereotyping, and non-condemnatory
act that refrains from assigning blame or failure to the client.
• Individualization – characterizes that every individual is unique and possesses certain traits
or attributes specific only to her/himself. This simply means that “no two persons are exactly
alike” and this distinguishes a single human being separately from a group.
• Purposeful expression of feelings – refers to the worker’s allowing and facilitating the
client’s purposeful expression of feelings.
• Controlled emotional involvement – refers to the worker’s way of responding to the client’s
purposeful expression of feelings. It must involve sensitivity, understanding, and responding.
• Confidentially – refers to the preservation of secret information concerning the client which
is disclosed in the professional relationship.
• Self-determination – it is derivative of the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of a
person-that s/he is endowed with a reason and a free will and is capable of making her/his
own choices.

Working with Groups and Organizations

Social group work is rooted on the sociological concept that a person is a social being who has
the inclination and need to associate with other human beings. Another concept of social
group work is that a group can be utilized as a target for change, as a medium for change, and
as agent for change.

As a target for change, members in a group are clients of an agency who have common
problems, needs, and concerns that match the agency’s or worker’s group service orientation.
As a medium for change, the group is used to facilitate the growth and development needs of
some members of the group as the need for self-expression, communication, relationship,
developing self-confidence and modifying negative attitudes, behavior, and values. As an
agent of change, the group is used to effect the desired change needed outside the group.

The purposes of social group work include the following:

• To enhance the social adjustment of the individual and developing the social
consciousness.
• To provide opportunities for planned group experiences that are needed by all people;
• To provide experiences that are relaxing and that give individuals a chance to create, to
share and express themselves
• To help individuals in groups to take responsibility for their own behavior, relate with
others and how to become participating members of society

Working with Communities

The philosophy of community organization is the acceptance of the right of the community to
decide what it wants rather than having the organizer’s views imposed upon it, belief on the
capacity of the people to find richer and more satisfying ways of living if they are helped to use
the resources within themselves and their environment which are and could be made
available for them. The following are the focus of community organization:
• Removal of blocks to growth
• The release of potentialities in the individual, group and communities as a whole
• The development of the capacity of indigenous leaders to lead, to manage, and function
in their assigned social roles in the community
• Developing the ability of different sectors in the community to function as an integrated
whole
• Strengthening people’s capacity for problem-solving, decision-making, and cooperation.
• The full use of inner/indigenous resources before tapping external resources
• The purposes of community organization include the following:
• To solve certain problems and meet needs
• To achieve selected social goals
• To strengthen the people’s capacity in dealing with their problems, needs, and
aspirations.

PROCESSES AND METHODS INVOLVED IN COUNSELING

Counseling process and methods are planned and structured dialogue between a counselor
and a client. It is a cooperative process where a counselor helps a client to identify sources of
difficulties or concerns that he or she is experiencing. Together, they develop ways to deal
with and overcome these problems. It enables the client to have new set of skills and
increased understanding of themselves and others.
PROCESSES METHODS
Step 1: Relationship Building a. Introduce yourself.
b. Invite client to sit down.
c. Ensure that client is comfortable
d. Invite social conversation to reduce anxiety.
e. Watch for non-verbal behavior as signs of client’s
emotional state.
f. Indicate that you are interested in a person.
Step 2: Problem Assessment a. Collect and classify information about the client’s life
and situation.
b. Find out the reason why the client is seeking counseling.
c. Try to determine the client’s strengths and weaknesses.
Step 3: Goal Setting a. Establish goals that are feasible and measurable.
b. Define goals in explicit terms.
c. State goals in positive terms.
d. Emphasize the need for growth and development during
the process.
 Step 4: Counseling Intervention There are different approaches that can be used as
methods:
a. Person-centered Approach- Get involved by placing
emphasis on the relationship with the client that
intervening.
b. Behavioral Approach- Initiate activities that help alter or
change the behavior of the client.
Step 5: Evaluation, Termination a. Terminate the counseling with sensitivity with the client
or Referral knowing that it will have to end.
b. Be mindful of avoiding fostering dependency in the part
of the client by empowering him or her.
c. Open door or plan for possibility of future need for
counseling.

ACTIVITY 1:
Direction: In your locality, Identify the needs and characteristics of the following clientele of
social work.

ACTIVITY 2:
Write your strengths and weaknesses as a prospective counselor.
 WEEK 4
MELC: identify the goals and scope of social work
explain the principles and core values of social work
explain the roles and functions of social workers
identify specific work areas in which social workers work
value rights, responsibilities, and accountabilities
distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors among practitioners

SOCIAL WORK
Is an academic discipline and practice-based profession that concerns itself with individuals,
family, groups, and communities in an effort to enhance social functioning and overall well-
being by aiding them in finding their own solutions that lads to self-reliance. Social functioning
defines as the ability of an individual to perform their social roles within their own self, their
immediate social environment, and the society at large. Social work practice is often divided
into micro-work, which involves working directly with individuals or small groups; and macro-
work, which involves working with communities, and –within social policy- fostering change on
a larger scale.

Goals and Scope of Social Work

The goal and scope of social work as laid down here is noble and broad- to help an
individual be included in society and to transform the very society that creates structures that
marginalize individuals from full participation in the enjoyments of social services and
resources of the community.

The following goals and scope of social work calling them tenant.
• Empower people, individually and collectively, to utilize their own problem-solving and
coping capabilities more effectively.
• Support a proactive position with regard to social and economic policy development to
prevent problems for individuals and society form occurring.
• Uphold the integrity of the profession in all aspects of social work practice.
• Establish linkages between people and societal resources to further social functioning
and enhance the quality of life.
• Develop cooperative networks within the instructional resource system.
• Facilitate the responsiveness of the institutional resources systems to meet heelpath
and human service needs.
• Promote social justice and equality of all people with regard to full
 • Contribute to the development of knowledge for social work profession through
research and evaluation.
• Encourage exchange of information in those systems in which both problems and
resources opportunities are produced.
• Enhance communication through an appreciation of diversity and through ethnically
sensitive, non-sexist social work practice.
• Employ educational strategies for the prevention and resolution of problems.
• Embrace a world view of human issues and solutions problems.
The principal goal of social work:
1. The goal on caring
2. The goal on curing
3. The goal on changing

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL WORK

The social work profession is guided by a distinct set of abstract values and a Code of Ethics.
These principles are:
• ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance is a fundamental social work principle that implies a sincere understanding of
clients
• AFFIRMING INDIVIDUALITY
To affirm a client’s individually is to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities of that
client. It means to “begin where the client is.”
• PURPOSEFUL EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS
Clients need to have opportunities to express their feelings freely to the social worker. As
social workers, we must go beyond “just the facts” to uncover the underlying feelings.
• NON- JUDGEMENTALISM
Communicating non- judge mentalism is essential to developing a relationship with any client.
• OBJECTIVITY
Closely related to non- Judge mentalism, objectivity is the principle of examining situations
without bias.
• CONTROLLED EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT
There are three components to a controlled emotional response to a client’s situation:
sensitivity to expressed or unexpressed feelings, and understanding based on knowledge of
human behavior, and a response guided by knowledge and purposes.
• SELF – DETERMINATION
The principle of self- determination is based on the recognition of the right and need of clients
to freedom in making their own choices and decisions.
• ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Social workers are implored to assure that everyone has the necessary resources, services, and
opportunities for the oppressed and disadvantages; and to advocate for policy and legislative
changes that improve social conditions and promote social justice.
• CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality or the right to privacy implies that clients must give expressed consent before
information such as their identity, the content of discussions held with them, one’s
professional opinion about them, or their record is disclosed.

CORE VALUES OF SOCIAL WORK

There are more than five core social work values that encompass everything from integrity to
individual dignity to compassionate service to social justice to human relationships. These core
values are inherent to the effectiveness of social work activities and programs
• Services
The primary goal of social workers is exemplary public service through helping needy people
address, manage and resolve various social problems.
• Social Justice
Social workers advocate for social justice and fight against social injustice. They offer social
support and resources for vulnerable individuals and oppressed groups.
• Values
Social workers value the dignity and worth of each person. They treat each client in a
compassionate and respectful way that is mindful of individual differences, cultural norms and
ethnic diversity. They promote client’s socially responsible self- determination based on their
individual values.
• Human Relationships
Social workers recognize the primary importance of human relationships. They understand
that relationships between people are important vehicles for change, advocacy and equity.
• Integrity
Social workers must always act in trustworthy ways. They must maintain as continual
awareness of their organization’s mission, their profession’s values and their individual ethical
standards

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL WORKERS

Broker
The social worker is involved in the process of making referrals to link a family or person to
needed resources.
Advocate
In this role, social workers fight for the rights o f others and work to obtain needed resources
by convincing others of the legitimate needs and rights of members of society.
Case Manager
Case managers are involved in locating services and assisting their clients to access those
services.
Educator
Social Workers are often involved in teaching people about resources and how to develop
particular skills such as budgeting, the caring discipline of children, effective communication,
the meaning of a medical diagnosis, and the prevention of violence.
Facilitator
In this role, social workers are involved in gathering groups of people together for a variety of
purposes including community development, self advocacy, political organization, and policy
change. Social workers are involved as group therapists and task group leaders.
Organizer
Social Workers are involved in many levels of community organization and action including
economic development, union organization, and research and policy specialists.

Manager
Social Workers, because of their expertise in a wide variety of applications, are well suited to
work as managers and supervisors in almost any setting.

10 FUNCTIONS OF A PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER

• Help Children
• Help Parents
• Help Teachers and School Administrators
• Help the Elderly and their Caregivers
• Teach Life Skills
• Talk Therapy
• Provide Referrals and Access to Community Resources
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Research and Starting Programs
• Community Education

SPECIFIC WORK AREAS IN WHICH SOCIAL WORKERS WORK

Where Social Workers Work?
Most social workers work in an office setting, though many spend a large portion of their time
visiting clients in their homes, schools, and in the community. Social workers most often work
in the following settings:
• Hospitals, Medical Clinics, And Nursing Homes
• Community Mental Health Agencies And Substance Misuse Clinics
• State And Local Governments Including Child Welfare Agencies And Departments Of
Health And Human Services
• Schools And Other Youth-Serving Organizations
• Military Bases And Veterans Affairs Clinics
• Correctional Facilities
• Private Practices

RIGHT, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES OF SOCIAL WORK

What are rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of social works?
It is not only about the fact that social work is always concerned with the clients and service
oriented but it’s also about the social work’s rights, responsibilities and accountabilities like
any other professions.

It is the right to achieve professional mandates or what is asked for the social worker to do in
order for the social worker to help the clients, general public and the society and live by its
value. A social worker must respect the clients. Social work responsibilities involves those
situations that concern of its basic functions, professional standards, roles, and adherence to
the local and international code of ethics. Lastly it is accountable to the clients, general public
and the society. A social worker must not only entertain but also accommodate them by
interviewing them and processing other necessary documents that the clients, general public,
and the society submitted to the social workers. And then social workers will finally assure the
positive results in the said transactions.

ETHICAL AND UNETHICAL BEHAVIORS AMONG PRACTITIONERS

What are the difference between ethical and unethical behavior among practitioners?
Ethical is the branch of knowledge that deals with the moral principles per which a person
should or may lead their life. It is a Principles and Standards" which consists of two documents,
International Declaration of Ethical Principles of Social Work, and International Ethical
Standards for Social Workers. These documents present the basic ethical principles of the
social work profession, recommend procedure when the work presents ethical dilemmas, and
deal with the profession's and the individual social worker's relation to client's colleagues, and
others in the field.
On the other hand, something that does not get considered as right in the society or an act
that may create confrontation among people becomes known as unethical.

ACTIVITY 1:
In a one whole sheet of pad paper, Explain this Comprehensively in a paragraph form. (2
Paragraphs)

“ A social worker’s job is never done, but the most successful professionals relish the
challenge”

ACTIVITY 2: Fill me
Give at least three Codes of Ethics as a Give at least one rights, responsibilities
Practitioners of Social Workers. and accountabilities of a social worker.
1. Rights of a social worker

2. Responsibilities of a social worker

3. Accounatbilities of a social worker

POST TEST
1. It is a profession is concerned with helping individuals, families, groups, and
communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being.
A. Social Work B. Case Work C. Guidance Counselling
2. It is a fundamental social work principle that implies a sincere understanding of clients.
A. Acceptance B. Self-Determination C. Objectivity
3. It is based on the recognition of the right and need of clients to freedom in making their own
choices and decisions
A. Acceptance B. Self-Determination C. Objectivity
4. Social workers value the dignity and worth of each person.
A. Services B. Values C. Integrity
5. Social workers must always act in trustworthy ways.
A. Services B. Values C. Integrity
6. In this role, social workers fight for the rights o f others and work to obtain needed resources
by convincing others of the legitimate needs and rights of members of society
A. Facilitator B. Organizer C. Advocate
7. In this role, social workers are involved in gathering groups of people together for a variety of
purposes including community development, self advocacy, political organization, and policy
change.
A. Facilitator B. Organizer C. Advocate
8. Social Workers are involved in many levels of community organization and action including
economic development, union organization, and research and policy specialists.
A. Facilitator B. Organizer C. Advocate
9. It is the branch of knowledge that deals with the moral principles per which a person should or
may lead their life.
A. Ethical B. Social Work C. Unethical
10. Something that does not get considered as right in the society or an act that may create
confrontation among people becomes known as __________.
A. Ethical B. Social Work C. Unethical