Empowerment is at the core of social work. Social workers attempt to aid people in overcoming individual difficulties, such as addiction, eating disorders, physical and mental illness, and the emotional consequences of divorce, abuse, or the death of a family member. However, social work does not limit its scope to individuals. It also works to empower groups and communities that have been subjected to discrimination and marginalization.
Social workers should take a stand for policies that promote social justice and equity. As traditional frameworks such as politics and religion become less influential, the role of the social worker gains more importance. Using a variety of approaches and strategies, social workers can assist individuals, families, and communities in times of need.
As the world progresses, social workers must also move forward, striving to provide compassionate care and working with clients and other organizations to achieve the most beneficial results for everyone involved. To accurately determine the needs of those you serve and to identify the most effective action, social workers must draw upon the necessary theories, knowledge, and methods. The master’s in social work online program from Cleveland State University can help anyone seeking a meaningful career in social work with 100% online coursework and field placement services.
Today, we will look at the strategies social workers use to empower communities. But first, let’s see how they choose the appropriate strategy.
How to choose a suitable strategy and intervention?
The process of selecting an effective method and intervention requires careful consideration. It is necessary to assess the needs of the situation to determine the best approach to take. Factors such as the target population, existing resources, and desired outcomes should all be taken into account. A simplified perspective on social work practice was proposed by Parker (2013) and is composed of three facets: assessment, intervention, and review.
Prior to an assessment, the social worker should work with the person in need of support to discuss the purpose and come to an agreement on how to conduct it. They’ll then gather and analyze data to further comprehend the circumstances. After collecting information, the social worker should interpret it and evaluate any predictions they may have made. To come to a shared understanding, further analysis and discussion are necessary. It could offer the client a different perspective on the issue. Finally, a collaborative action plan should be developed.
Rather than passive approaches, intervention strategies involve encouraging the client to take responsibility for their circumstances and find solutions. Counseling, crisis intervention, case management, community organization, advocacy, and active listening are some examples. In active listening, the social worker or counselor pays close attention to what the person is saying and reflects on it to aid in clarifying their feelings and thoughts. Doing so can make the client feel heard, understood, and validated, which encourages a trusting relationship between the client and the social worker.
Eight outstanding social work strategies
Social workers have a wide range of methods and theories to choose from when it comes to selecting an intervention to help their clients overcome their life challenges, whether it’s mental health issues, addictions, death of a loved one, etc. Here is a list of our favorites, which are derived from a few different approaches. They can be incorporated and customized to fit the user’s needs.
Problem-free conversations
When engaging in an intervention, it can be beneficial to recall that “the individual is more than their struggles” (Rogers et al., 2020, p. 246) by utilizing problem-free discussion. He points out that social workers can encourage their clients to bring up issues in their lives that are not causing any challenges, providing a refreshing, more optimistic outlook in contrast to concentrating on the difficult issues of their existence.
Miracle question
Solution-focused social workers often utilize the miracle question to help individuals imagine their lives without the issue they are presently facing (Rogers et al., 2020). Visualizing a brighter tomorrow can be a great way to keep an optimistic attitude and inspire transformation.
Vision statement
Rogers and Cooper (2020) suggest that the vision statement, similar to the miracle question, encourages the use of imagination to contemplate a potential future. It can be utilized by social workers to help families compare their present circumstances to what they aspire to achieve. Through this method, families can become conscious of the alterations necessary and the difficulties that must be tackled to achieve a more content family life.
Creating a personal vision statement can be a great way to bring clarity to your goals and aspirations. It is a tool that allows you to focus on what you want to accomplish and how you want to live your life. Through a vision statement, you can pursue your ambitions and strive for fulfillment. By designing a statement that resonates with your values and desires, you can set yourself on the path to achieving contentment.
Circular questioning
Clients can greatly benefit from shifting their point of view on an issue. Utilizing circular questioning can uncover new insights and lead to a deeper understanding of a situation (Rogers & Cooper, 2020). This approach can be extremely advantageous, as it can inspire novel ideas and an appreciation of different perspectives. One possible way to enhance one’s comprehension of one’s position in the family is to inquire about how a relative would view or feel about a certain situation. Expressing these thoughts can assist in comprehending how others perceive them and advance their understanding of their part in the family.
A storybook about one’s life
A kid who has been negatively affected by social services can be bewildered and uncertain about the events that transpired and why they had to happen (Cooper, 2020). A narrative can be composed for them to elucidate why they were adopted or placed in care in order to generate candid dialogue and make certain that the circumstance was not their responsibility. It is crucial to keep in mind that the tale should be appropriate for the age group it is intended for.
A future letter
It might not be appropriate to share the reasons for a child’s being removed from a family. A letter can be written that gives a comprehensive overview, as opposed to a heavily edited version of their life story, for them to read when they reach their 18th birthday (Cooper, 2020).
Exceptional seeking
We must not assume that the issue has existed forever or that the person cannot cope with similar issues. Rather, by paying attention and actively listening, it is possible to discern coping techniques or approaches that have been useful in the past and can be applicable to both current and new situations. Ask the client about their coping methods to recognize when they have “dealt with an issue or figured out how they deal with a persisting problem” (Rogers et al., 2020, p. 247).
Competence seeking
In order to prepare for potential issues, people should take the time to recognize and comprehend the characteristics, capabilities, and resources they possess (Rogers et al., 2020). If you are stuck in a challenging predicament, it is easy to forget the beneficial qualities that could be of help (Rogers et al., 2020).
