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DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Disciplines and
Ideas in the Applied
Social Sciences
1st Quarter: Module 5
PROFESSIONALS AND PRACTITIONERS IN SOCIAL WORK

Source: shutterstock.com

Urbano T. Casamina Jr
Module Writer

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
Content Standards:

The learners demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Professionals and practitioners in social work

2. Roles and functions of social workers
3. Value rights, responsibilities and accountabilities and Code of Ethics

Performance Standards:

The learners should be able to:

1. Undertake participant observation ( e. g. A day in the life of a social worker) to

adequately document and critique their roles, functions and competencies

Learning Competencies:
1. Show an understanding of the roles, and functions of social workers
2. Value rights, responsibilities and accountabilities
3. Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors among practitioners

EXPECTATIONS

Have you ever heard of social work as a profession? Do you know how social
workers prepare for their career? Being a social worker is not a popular choice for a
career especially among the young people but at this time of global pandemic, different
front liners hugged the limelight and everyone in the helping career is hailed as a hero.
The front liners work with social workers hand in hand. Are you now ready to know
the social workers up-close?

LOOKING BACK

Q1 Can you give at least 3 approaches that counselors use in counseling?

a.______________________ b. ________________________ c _________________________

Q2 Enumerate the stages in counseling process? There are six of them!

Stage 1 __________________________________________.
Stage 2 __________________________________________.
Stage 3 __________________________________________.
Stage 4 __________________________________________.
Stage 5 __________________________________________.
Stage 6 __________________________________________.

PRE-TEST

Direction:
The following are definitions or descriptions of terms or concepts in Social work.
Choose the best answers in the parentheses and write your answer on the blank before each
number.

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
______________1. Refers to the characteristic that requires social workers to examine clients
and situations without being influenced or affected by their personal feelings, biases or
preferences. (subjectivity, stereotype, objectivity, favoritism)
______________2. This act is shown by the expression of genuine concern, active listening,
purposeful responses, while acknowledging the other persons viewpoint thus resulting in
mutual respect. (Compassion, non-judgementalism, objectivity, acceptance)
______________3. This means ―to refrain from tendency to blame and form conclusions that
others are either good or bad, worthy or unworthy.‖ (Acceptance, non-judgementalism,
Subjectivity, Discrimination)
______________4. It refers to the ability to perform social roles in the society. (Socialization,
social immersion, social functioning, personal development)
______________5. This term is used to denote a ―state of wellness‖ of people in the society.
(Urbanization, complexity, general welfare, development)
______________6. Generally, it means ―a change in quality.‖ (development, maturity, evolution,
growth)
______________7. Basically, this means ―giving what is fair and what is due to a person.‖
(allocation, distributive justice, justice, equity)
______________8. This term assumes that a person should make or decide freely upon his/her
judgement. (self-determination, controlled emotional involvement, affirming individuality,
acceptance)
______________9. This means ―appreciating the uniqueness of the client.‖ (Individuality,
acceptance, appraisal, affirming individuality)
_____________10. This term is almost synonymous to trustworthiness (Dignity, reliability,
competence, integrity).

Lesson 1: Roles and Functions of Social Workers

INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON

A social worker has to adopt ways in doing multiple functions. S/he can be any or all
of the following depending on the situation.
1. Broker – One who gives referral to people needing some resources and makes
follow-up for those people.
2. Advocate—One who helps others fight for their legitimate rights particularly those
unable to speak.
3. Case manager—one who helps locate services and access needed by those people
in need.
4. Educator—As the term suggests, one who teaches people to learn life-long skills for
survival.
5. Facilitator—One who is involved in gathering people like for group therapy and
group tasks.

6. Organizer—One who is involved in multi-level of community organization for

different purposes.
7. Manager—One who manages, supervises and coordinate with fellow social workers.

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Activity 1.1 A day in the Life of a Social Worker

Directions:
1. Watch the video on this link, then answer these questions in a separate sheet of
paper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8CQTJBkJ0Y

a. What can you say about the roles and functions of a social worker?
b. What about the competencies?
c. Do you think Social Work is an interesting job?

Note: If internet connection is not available, this is your alternative activity:

Direction:

Look for news or article in any current newspaper that is about past or on-going social
works involving a person (beneficiary) in a particular location. Then answer the following
questions.

a. What social work was done?

b. Who received the benefit of social work?
c. How was the act of social work made possible?
d. What did you learn from the article or news?

Lesson 2: Rights, Responsibilities and Accountabilities of Social Workers

Social work is not just a job, it is a career. A social worker must at all times uphold
the dignity of their work. The Code of Ethics for Social Workers stipulated the rights,
responsibilities and accountabilities that every social worker must uphold.

Refer to the Code of Ethics: https://aproudprofession.weebly.com/social-work-code-

of-ethics-and-principles.html

Some parts lifted in the Code of Ethics:

1. About Self and the Profession

a. To conduct myself in a manner consistent with the philosophy, principles, values, and
beliefs of the social work profession;
b. To act at all times with honesty, openness, and transparency in all my professional
transactions;

2. About Clients:
a. To uphold the basic human rights of clients and serve them without
discrimination;
b. To accept primary responsibility and accountability to clients, respecting their right
to self-determination and observe confidentiality in all my dealings with them

3. About Colleagues:
a. To acknowledge and respect the professional expertise of other disciplines,
extending all necessary cooperation that will enhance effective services;
b. To bring any violation of professional ethics and standards to the attention of the
appropriate bodies inside and outside the profession, and ensure that relevant
clients are properly involved
c. To advocate with legislative and policy bodies for the welfare of all colleagues

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Activity 1.2 Analyze the Problem

Directions:
1. Choose only one from the given situations below.
2. Make a plan of action using the given format, on how social work can be done.
a. Post -disaster like a strong typhoon, earthquake or fire
b. Court hearing about separation of a famous couple with two children aged 5 and 7.
c. A case of Cyberbullying with one 16-year-old girl as victim
d. A barangay lockdown for an extended period of time

Situation Problems Actions taken Resources Resources

cited needed needed
Ex: A family of Both mother Brought to the a. Professional Between 2-3
four members and daughter shelter by the help from years
was caught in are social worker doctors and depending
a crossfire in traumatized and being psychologist on the rate
Mindanao, attended by b. Possible of recovery
survivors were Daughter is community economic of survivors
the mother quite small for psychologists opportunity for from the
and the 6 year her age and and a the mother as experience
old daughter has difficulty developmental source of income
in oral pediatrician c. nutritious food
communication for the child,
d.Safe shelter
and
e. School for the
child

Workshop: Now it is your turn to fill this out.

Situation Problems Actions taken Resources Resources

cited needed needed

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Lesson 3: Ethical and Unethical Behaviors among Social Workers

Adherence to the highest ethical standards for Social workers is expected to be

maintained however, different situations may give social workers the tendency to be at times
complacent and sometimes serve as ethical dilemmas.

The following is a list of common ethical dilemmas probably not only to Social workers
but also to all in the service industry:

Common Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work

1. Receiving Gifts.
It is a second nature to Filipinos to show gratefulness to people who have done them
great favors hence, a tendency to give tokens or gifts, which under the Code of Ethics should
be avoided at all times.
2. Right to Self-Determination
It is a known fact that every client, even in counseling has a right to self-
determination, which means s/he should determine the outcome of his/her situation or
struggle.
3. Differences in Personal Values.
People maintain different personal values and social workers must remember always
to respect and value individual differences in values.
4. Dual Relationships.
One cannot counsel or advise his/her own self and so does dual relationship shall
never be entertained in the service of social work. Personal matters shall be taken aside in
the course of public service.
5. Confidentiality Involving Minors.
Protection of minors is utmost concern of social workers. Situations that are potential
to harm the welfare of children should at all times be secured in favor of the children.
6. Review Professional Guidelines.
In order follow the professional guidelines, a review is very important and must be
consistently done. When these guidelines are not complied with, the social worker who
violated must be served with a corresponding penalty or sanction.
7. Consult with Others.
Even professional doctors may ask for other’s opinion or a ―third opinion.‖ Social workers
likewise cannot just make decisions if not consulted with fellow social workers or their
superiors.
8. Always Make Sure Professional Decisions Comply with the Law.
Compliance with the law must be maintained at all times. Social workers make sure their
decisions are always based on professional standards and shall comply with the law.

Source :
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1AVFC_enPH829PH832&sxsrf=ALeKk03fyAFAX1k5te
8XDE5xTaXgzAva3Q%3A1593589940735&ei=tED8Xo2pLJL7-
QbDgpmwDg&q=ethical+and+unethical+behavior+of+social+worker&oq=ethical+and+unethic
al+behaviors

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
Activity 1.3 AGREE OR DISAGREE?

Direction:

The following are situations and decisions done by a social worker. Read carefully and
write AGREE or DISAGREE with the decision or action done by the social worker.

____________1. A couple asks for assistance by the social worker to help decide whose
custody of their two kids shall be followed. The social worker decided to take sides with the
mother because as a mother herself, the social worker knows that it is best that the kids be
with their mother. Agree or Disagree?

____________2. An elderly woman being beaten by her own daughter and son-in-law was
reported to the Social Work office by concerned neighbors. When a group of social workers
went to rescue the old woman, they brought some police escorts with them and the necessary
papers to pursue their ―Operation-Sagip.‖ Agree or Disagree?

____________3. Victims of typhoon Yolanda were brought to Manila by an airplane which

landed at Villamor Airbase. Upon arrival, the group of Social workers welcomed and attended
to the needs of the victims. Without asking yet for more questions, the social workers gave
the victims basic necessities like bottled water, warm food to eat and dry clothes to wear.
Until the victims are settled that’s only when the social workers decided to conduct
counseling interviews. Agree or disagree?

____________4. The waiting line of patients in the hospital is getting longer. Nurses and
doctors are not enough. The social workers decided to tell the patients to go home in the
meantime and just gave them priority numbers and instructed them to call the receptionist if
it is already their number that is next in line. Agree or disagree?

____________5. It is the last batch of giving Ayuda to the poor residents in a barangay. The
people are getting more and more while the persons assigned are getting upset and irritated.
The social workers guided the people to fall in line properly and offered seats to the senior
citizens while the younger ones are made to stand or sit down on the ground. Agree or
disagree?

Remember me!
Social work is a noble profession but may not be as financially rewarding. The truth is
that Social workers are always hand in hand with other professionals like medical doctors,
psychologists, nurses, lawyers, and even policemen. This collaboration is called
“interprofessional working.”

Social workers are found in various settings doing work in the areas of mental health,
medical /public health, and schools. Their behaviors are expected to comply with the Code of
Ethics for Social Workers which can be divided into three namely, to the Self and Profession,
to the Clients and to their Colleagues.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Question: Can you give the ―ultimate goal of Social work‖ in your own words and
understanding?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

Post- test:

Directions:

Fill in the blanks with the correct answer. Choices are given below.

______________1. is almost synonymous to trustworthiness.

______________2. refers to the ability to perform social roles in the society.
______________3. assumes that a person should make or decide freely upon his/her
judgement.

______________4 is shown by the expression of genuine concern, active listening, purposeful

responses, while acknowledging the other persons viewpoint thus resulting in mutual
respect.
______________5. is the characteristic that requires social workers to examine clients and
situations without being influenced or affected by their personal feelings, biases or
preferences.

______________6. is the collaborative work of social worker with other professionals.

______________7. means ―to refrain from tendency to blame and form conclusions that others
are either good or bad, worthy or unworthy.‖
______________8. means ―a change in quality.‖
______________9. means ―giving what is fair and what is due to a person.‖
_____________10. denotes a ―state of wellness‖ of people in the society.

Justice / Development/ Non-judgmentalism / Interprofessional working / Objectivity /

Acceptance / Self – determination/ Integrity / Social functioning / general welfare /
subjectivity / intelligence

Reflection!

In at least 100 words, write an essay on ―Why our nation needs more social workers?‖

Rubric:
5 pts.= The essay is complete, demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic, ideas are well-
organized and no major grammatical/spelling error.

4 pts.= The essay is missing in slight details, content demonstrates understanding of the topic, ideas
are organized, no more than five minor errors.

3 pts.= The essay is missing multiple details, there is basic understanding of the topic, content is easy
to read, with errors but still explain the point.

2 pts.= the answer suggests lack of comprehension, there is less than basic understanding of the
topic, ideas are unorganized, error weaken the quality of communication.

1 pt.= None of the answer shows comprehension, understanding of topic, organization of ideas, lots of
errors.

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