THE UNIVERSITY OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

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SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

SOCIAL WORK STRAND

4.31062: Community Social Work Methods 01/09/20 – 05/09/20

LECTURES # 2: Definition of CSWM & the Profession of Social Work

Objective: By the end of this lecture Students should be able to define what Community
Social Work Method is and the purpose of Social Work Profession.

Lecture Outline

1. Introduction
2. Definition/s of;
- Community
- Social Work
- Community Social Work
- Methods
3. Social Work as a profession
4. Facets of Social Work
5. Conclusion

I. Introduction

Social Work is a profession and through the practice of Social Work those who are
marginalized and find themselves in some very difficult positions/situation seek the help of a
helping profession through the profession of Social Work & its practice.

2. Definitions

The following definitions should be noted:

 “Community” (Roberts H. 1979: 27)

a) Geographically centred and therefore defined boundaries eg. Central
people, Gulf people or Jiwaka people.

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 b) People Centred – A group of people who perceive common needs and
problems acquire a sense of identity, and have a common set of
objectives. (values/goals/aims/aspiration)
c) From a systems perspective, a community is similar to a living creature,
comprising different parts that represent specialized functions, activities, or
interests, each operating within specific boundaries to meet community needs.
(https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/communityengagement/pdf/PCE_Report_508_FINA
L.pdf)
d) Can refer to a group of people contextualized (for business, pleasure, education)
who come together and share a common interest and have the same set of
goals/aims/aspiration and therefore sharing information for many other
gains/reasons. Eg. Social Media especially: Face book, dating sites, learning plat
forms such as Moodle, Piazza or Google applications that allow for virtual
classrooms.

Challenge today: Current Technology – Digital age in Information and Communications

Technology has changed the original meaning of “Community” not only the terms but
practice as well.

 “Social Work”
“Social Work is concerned with the interaction between people and their
environment which affects the ability of people to accomplish their tasks,
alleviate distress and realise their aspirations and values.”(Pincus and Minahan,
1977:78 in Spect and Vickery)

 Social work is immersed in people, families, social relationships and networks for
education, jobs, and values, and how people develop and maintain their social
relationships and networks" (Hardcastle, Powers, and Wenocur). Social work is such an
important part of our lives and has such an immense role in communities.
(https://prezi.com/xkyogogxu_s1/the-concept-of-community-in-social-work-practice/)

 “Community Social Work”

“Community Social Work is one of the main approaches in Social Work. It is the
inter group process that attempts to help communities to understand social
problems that exist and to utilize available community resources to bring about
solutions that will strengthen the total community and enrich the lives of its
members” (Skidmore, Thackeray and Farley’ 1988:116)

 “Method”
The means of accomplishing an end.

Challenge today: Current Technology – Information and Communications Technology has

changed the original meaning of “Community”

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 3. Social Work as a Profession

There are five distinguished attributes/features of a profession. How does Social Work fit
into these five (5) attributes/features? (Sarah Banks 2012(103))

a) A basis of Systematic Theory

Social Work Practice is based on theory and Systems Theory relates to this practice.
b) Authority
Respected by other disciplines and professions and clients who come for help.
c) Community Sanctions
Community and society in general approve and respects Social Work profession -
Welfare Services
d) Ethical Codes
Social Work Code of Ethics was developed in the 1960 by the Social Work Profession.
This was revised in 1979 as National Association of Social Worker Code of Ethics.
There is a Professional Code of Ethics similar to other Professionals –
Accountants/Lawyers/Psychologists/Psychiatrists’ that guides the Practice of Social
Work
e) A Culture
Social Work has its own professional organizations e.g. “National Association of
Social Workers”, PNG Social Workers’ Association”, “Council of Social Work
Education”, UPNG Social Work Student’s Association”
There is a unique focus on certain values, norms and symbols.
Social Work is a career that necessitates dedication and interest in mankind in
society as a personal pre-requisite for those who want to enter the world of social
work.

4. Facets of Social Work

 MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK
 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK
 CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK
 SOCIAL WORK-ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
 SOCIAL WORK- CASE MANAGER
 INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK
 SOCIAL WORK – CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
 SOCIAL WORK IN NURSING HOMES
 SOCIAL WORK IN AN ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
 FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK
 EMPLOYMENT/OCCUPATIONAL SOCIAL WORK
 SOCIAL WORK – COMMUNITY ORGANIZE

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The above list is just a small sample of the responsibilities of social workers in different fields
of practice. But as the list below indicates, social workers are in every aspects of the
community;

Addictions/Treatment, Adoptions & Foster Care, Advocacy, Child Abuse//Child Welfare,

Chronic Pain, Community Mental health, Consulting, Criminal Justice, Crisis
Intervention, Developmental Disabilities, Disaster Relief, Domestic Violence, Eating
Disorders, Employee Assistance, Family Planning, Family Preservation Services,
Genetics, Gerontology Services HIV/AIDS, Homeless & Family Assistance, Hospice
and Palliative care, Hospital /Medical Social Work, Housing Assistance, In -Home
Services, Mental Health, Therapy, Military Social Work, Parent Education, Political
Development, Private Practice, Public Welfare, Rural Social Work, School Social Work,
Veterans’ Services,

5. Conclusion
 In conclusion Social Work is a profession which has five distinguished attributes
of a profession like any other.
 It has three main methods to its operation;
- Social Case Work
- Social Group Work
- Community Work
 These three main operationalized methods will be expanded upon when the topics
are covered in the course of this semester.
6. References

Roberts H. 1979

Pincus and Minahan, 1977:78 in Spect and Vickery

Skidmore, R.A., Thackeray, M.G. and Farley, O.W. 1988. Introduction to Social Work, 4th
edition. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

(https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/communityengagement/pdf/PCE_Report_508_FINAL.pdf)

(https://prezi.com/xkyogogxu_s1/the-concept-of-community-in-social-work-practice/)

7. Tutorial Discussions/Questions
a) Explain/define the term” Community Social Work Methods?”
b) Identify/Explain the five distinguished attributes or features of Social Work
Profession
c) Imagine yourself as a practitioner (Social Worker) with a case before you
involving a University young female/ 20-year-old coming to you for help in
termination of the pregnancy as it is unplanned. (Pair- up for this exercise)

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How would you deal with this in relation to values, ethics and principles?