socialworkdictionary booklet updated 2012 oct23

7/21/2019 SocialWorkDictionary Booklet Updated 2012 Oct23

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DICTIONARY OF

SOCIAL WORK

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

BSW AND MSW PROGRAMS

Cindy Garthwait, MSW

October 2012

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What is the purpose of this social work dictionary?

Professional programs like the BSW and MSW Programs at TheUniversity of Montana utilize many terms and professionallanguage, some of which can be confusing and difficult tounderstand. This dictionary offers students and faculty acommon definition of professional terms in a structure that isreadily understood and organized for cross referencing ofoverlapping ideas and terms.

This dictionary will help you integrate terms into yourunderstanding of academic material as well as help you applywhat you are learning in the practicum experience. It will alsohelp you as you prepare your BSW Competency Examinationand your MSW Professional Portfolio.

There may be times when terms used in textbooks, journals andthe classroom are not in sync with each other, which reflects the

ongoing development of knowledge in the profession of soc ialwork. Try not to let this confuse you, and use this resource as away of providing a conceptual framework for your veryimportant profession.


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How is the dictionary organized?

There are two sections to this dictionary, including:

1.

Social Work Academic Terms

This section defines and describes commonly used terms

in soc ial work education and practicum.

2. Social Work Practice Terms

This section defines and describes commonly used termsin soc ial work practice in real client situations.

A number of terms and groups of terms are cross-referenced in the dictionary, which will help you understandsimilar terms and how some terms relate to each other.

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Several sections in the dictionary are expanded andorganized in such a way as to show the relationshipbetween concepts and definitions. The following sectionswill be especially helpful in bringing together thesesometimes abstract terms and how to use themprofessionally.

Conceptual frameworks

Group work

Evaluation of practice

Intervention

Interviewing / counseling

Levels of practice

Organizations

Orienting / explanatory theories

Practice theories / models

Professional perspectives

Research

Social work roles

Theory


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Foundation courses

Required c ourses for the BSW program, including SW 100, SW 200, SW 300, SW310, SW 350, SW 360, SW 400, SW 487, SW 488, and SW 489.

InternshipPlacement in a social services agency that provides experiential learning andacademic credit for students in their freshman, sophomore, or junior years. SW198 or SW 398.

MSWMaster of Social Work

MSW Student Handbook

The compilation of Schoo l of Soc ial Work policies, procedures, guidelines, andcurriculum description for MSW students.http://www.health.umt.edu/schools/sw/documents/MSWStudentHandbook2011-2012forWeb.pdf

MSW Program DirectorFaculty member responsible for the administration of the MSW Program.

Montana Board of Social Work ExaminersThe state board under the Montana Department of Labor responsible for thelicensing of social workers in Montana.

http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/swp_board/board_page.asp

Montana National Association of Social WorkersThe Montana Branch of the NASW, located in Helena, Montana.http://www.naswmt.org

NASW Code of Ethics

The written guide for ethica l behavior for soc ial workers, published by theNational Assoc iation of Social Workers.

Plagiarism

The representation of anothers work as ones own, or the inadequate citing of

sources.

Practice courseA soc ial work course that prepa res students for generalist prac tice, including SW200, SW 350, SW 360.

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Practicum

The internship (BSW =450 hours, MSW =900 hours)completed during the senioryear that provides students with learning agreements, fac ulty and soc ial worksupervision, and integrative experiences that prepare graduates for entry levelsocial work practice.

Practicum Coordinator

Faculty member responsible for the administration of the practicum program,assisted by the Assistant Practicum Coordinator.

Professional PortfolioThe summative, integrative assignment for MSW students which demonstratestheir academic learning and its application to integrated practice

UM Student Conduct Code

The written rights and responsibilities of students at The University of Montana,and the policies governing student ac ademic and nonacademic conduct.


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Absolute povertyThe lac k of income and/or assets which prevents one from obtaining asubsistence level of functioning

ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers)A c redential offered by the National Assoc iation of Soc ial Workers based onmeeting a set of c riteria for advanced prac tice

AccessibilityThe opportunity to obtain or receive services

Action research (see research)

Active listeningThe process of attending to a client through the use of clinica l skills in order tounderstand the clients concerns

ActivistA social worker or other person whose goal is to achieve social change

Activities of daily livingBasic self care activities that allow an individual to live independently, includingbathing, eating, and toileting.See instrum ental a c t iv it ies of dai ly l iv ing

Adult Protective Services (APS)The system of services provided to adults vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, orneglect

Section 2

Social Work Practice Terms

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Advance directives

Written guidelines rega rding end of life care developed by a c lient whilecompetent. This term can include living wills and the designation of a healthcare representative to make medical dec isions for the c lient if needed.

Advisory boardSee organizat ion

AdvocacyRepresenting others individually or in groups in order to protect them oradvance their cause

Agency policies and procedures

The written guidelines of an agency that describe the ways in which services willbe provided, and which provides guidelines that dictate c ertain processes thatwill be used.

Assessment

The process of examining a problem to determine its cause, severity, and coursewhich is necessary to design an effective intervention plan. Assessment is doneat all levels of prac tice.

Attachment disorderInability to form emotional bonds with caretakers, often the results of negative

early childhood experiences.

Behavioral model

The prac tice theory / model based on learning theory which focuses on theprocess of shaping and changing behavior through the use of rewards andreinforcement

Behavioral rehearsalDemonstration of a desired behavior by a social worker or therapist, followed byrole play and rehearsal of the behavior which can then be employed in real lifesettings and situations

Behavioral theory

Orienting / explanatory theory in which human behavior and development areseen as responses to antecedent stimuli and consequences, both positive andnegative


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Macro practice theories / models of practice

(partial listing of examples)

Community development model

Approach which foc uses on enhancing the functioning of acommunity by building strong soc ial bonds, developingleadership, and shared visions so that the c ommunity canaddress the mutual needs of its members

Community organization modelApproach which focuses on addressing specific communityproblems and enhancing c ommunity assets through thebuilding of alliances, setting mutual goals and interventionplans, collective action, and empowering communities toaddress their own issues as an organized unit

Harm reduction modelPractice theory / model in social work and public healthwhose goal is to dec rease harm and consequences of abehavior pattern instead of to cure or eradicate the problem

Policy practiceThe mac ro level ac tivity of developing, enacting, instituting,monitoring, and assessing social policies that address specificsoc ial problems in order to promote social justice and provide

services

Research practice

In soc ial work, the use of a variety of theories and techniquesto study social phenomenon, evaluate prac tice interventions,and integrate this knowledge into practice

Social change modelUsing specific tac tics and approac hes to change a soc iety interms of its laws, policies, attitudes, values and institutions inorder to benefit citizens and enhance soc ial functioning

Social development modelModel of prac tice which uses specific tac tics andapproaches to move communities and societies towardhigher levels of soc ial development and c ivil soc iety,including efforts in the areas of health, education,governance, safety, general welfare and civil rights

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Social justice modelModel of practice which uses a variety of techniques and

approaches to identify and address soc ial and ec onomicinjustice and promote equality and soc ial justice

Social planning modelThe approach to mac ro level practice that works to plan forsoc ial needs and enhance soc ial functioning of soc ialsystems through systematic study, identification of needs andresources, inclusion of projections, and input from clients toplan for soc ial programs, services, and policies

Structural modelThe model in which soc ial structures are the target ofintervention because of their influence on the well-being andsocial functioning of individuals, families, groups,organizations, and communities


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PRACTICEEXAMPLESUSINGPERSPECTIVES ANDTHEORIESTODESIGN

INTERVENTIONS

(See following pages)

MicroPracticeExamplewithIndividual

MicroPracticeExamplewithFamily

MezzoPracticeExamplewithGroup

MezzoPracticeExamplewithOrganization

MacroPracticeExamplewithCommunity

MacroPracticeExamplewithSocialPolicy

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INTERVENTIONPLAN

(PlanofCare,TreatmentPlan,orServicePlan)

Mentalhealthassessmentandtreatment

GEDcompletion

Housingassistance

Parentingclasses

Supportgroup

MICROPRACTICE

EXAMPLEWITHINDIVDUAL(USINGPERSPECTIVESANDTHEORIESTODESIGNINTERVENTIONS)

Theclientisa16yearoldmotherofa3montholdbaby. Sheishomeless,notinschool,

andhasbeenreferredtochildprotectiveservicesforpossibleneglectofherchildbecause

oflackofparentingskillsandmentalhealthissues.

ORIENTING/EXPLANATORY

THEORIES

Eriksonpsychosocialdevelopment

Piagetcognitive

development

Marciaidentitydevelopment

Familylifecycletheory

Medicaltheoryofmentalhealth

Cycleofchangetheory

Socialsystemstheory

Multicausaltheory

PRACTICETHEORIES/

MODELS

Familypreservationmodel

Taskcentered

casework

Cognitivebehavioralmodel

Motivationalinterviewing

Empowermentmodel

PERSPECTIVES

Strengthsperspective

Diversityperspective

Ecosystemsperspective


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INTERVENTIONPLAN

(PlanofCare,TreatmentPlan,orServicePlan)

Geriatricpsychosocialassessment

Brokeringservicesforelder

Referralforfamilysupportservices

MICROPRACTICE

EXAMPLEWITHFAMILY(USINGPERSPECTIVESANDTHEORIESTODESIGNINTERVENTIONS)

Theclientsystemisanextendedfamilythatincludestwoparents,twoteenagechildren,

andawidowedgrandfather,alllivinginthesamehome. Becauseofthegrandfathers

growinghealthneeds,thefamilyneedshelpinmaintaininghimintheirhome.


THEORIES

Biopsychosocialtheory

Crisistheory

Diseasemodel


Socialexchangetheory

Socialsystemstheory

PRACTICETHEORIES/

MODELS

Taskcenteredcasework

Familypreservationmodel

Solutionfocusedmodel

PERSPECTIVES



Generalistperspective

Personinenvironmentperspective


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INTERVENTIONPLAN

Mandatoryattendanceatgroup

Referraltoindividualcounseling

Familyreferredtocounseling

Casemanagementforadditionalpsychosocialissues

MEZZOPRACTICE

EXAMPLEWITHGROUP(USINGPERSPECTIVESANDTHEORIESTODESIGNINTERVENTIONS)

Theclientsystemisagroupofmenmandatedtoattendagroupproviding40hoursof

counselingandeducation.


THEORIES

Behavioraltheory

Multicausaltheory


Sociallearningtheory

Psychologicallearningtheory

Marciapersonalitydevelopmenttheory


Groupdevelopmenttheory

Groupdynamicstheory

PRACTICETHEORIES/

MODELS

Cognitivebehavioral

model

Psychoeducationalmodel

Mutualaidmodel

PERSPECTIVES




Feministperspective


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INTERVENTIONPLAN

Strategicplanning

Programevaluation

MEZZOPRACTICE

EXAMPLEWITH

ORGANIZATION

(USINGPERSPECTIVESANDTHEORIESTODESIGNINTERVENTIONS)

Asocialservicesagencywithahistoryofprovidingqualityservicestoitsclientsis

experiencingsignificantfundingcuts,andthestaffandadministratorsareworkinghardto

continueprovidingqualityservicestoagencyclients.


THEORIES

Biopsychosocialtheory

Crisistheory

Diseasemodel



PRACTICETHEORIES/

MODELS

Harmreductionmodel

Organizationaldevelopmentmodel

Taskforcemodel

PERSPECTIVES






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INTERVENTIONPLAN

Buildalliances

with

agencies

serving

diverse

populations

Offerculturaltrainingtocommunity

Offerculturaltrainingtorefugees

MACROPRACTICE

EXAMPLEWITH

COMMUNITY


Arefugeeresettlementorganizationisworkingtointegraterefugeeswithdiverseethnic

andreligiousbackgroundintoacommunity.


THEORIES

Conflicttheory

Culturaltheory

Criticaltheory

Politicaleconomytheory

Socialconstructionisttheory

PRACTICETHEORIES/

MODELS

Communitydevelopmentmodel

Communityorganizationmodel

Socialchangemodel

Socialjusticemodel

PERSPECTIVES






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INTERVENTIONPLAN

Draftproposedlegislation

Mobilizecoalitions

Utilizelobbyist

Organizesocialworkersandallies

MACROPRACTICE

EXAMPLEWITH

SOCIAL

POLICY


TheMontanabranchoftheNationalAssociationofSocialWorkersisworkingtowardmulti

levellicensureforBSWandMSWlevelsocialworkersinMontana.


THEORIES

Conflicttheory

Criticaltheory

Politicaleconomytheory

Socialconstructionisttheory

Structuraltheory

PRACTICETHEORIES/

MODELS

Policypracticemodel

Researchpracticemodel

Structural model

Socialjusticemodel

Socialchangemodel

PERSPECTIVES



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Third party payment

Monetary reimbursement to an agency by an insurance company or

government agency for services provided to a client

Thought disorderMental disorder in which an individuals thoughts and thought processes aredisturbed in some way, including hallucinations, delusions, flight of ideas, andloose assoc iations

Token economy modelA treatment model in which clients are given tokens as rewards for theirperformance or behavior which can be redeemed or exchanged for privilegesor desired items

TransferenceEmotional reac tions to people in the present that are rooted in previousrelationships with other individuals

Unconditional positive regardAccepting non-judgmental approach to a client based on the soc ial work

value of dignity

Unearned income

Income from non-employment sources such as interest, dividends, inheritanceand c apital gains

Unit of attention

The point of attention for planned change which can include an individual,family, group, organization, community, soc ial program, or social policy

Utilization reviewMonitoring and eva luating an organizations services based on justified needand appropriate

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Values

The standards, beliefs, and ethics upon which an individual or a professionalstructures its functioning and makes its dec isions

Vicarious liability

A legal premise that not only is a defendant liable for his/her actions, but thatliability may a lso extend to that persons employer, supervisor, or instructor.

Vicarious trauma

A psycho-social phenomenon in which a social worker experiencespsychological damage based on exposure to client trauma, usually over aperiod of time

Voluntary c lientA client who seeks services on his/her own belief and without being required todo so.

Voluntary organization

A non-governmental, private organization that seeks to provide services to aspec ific population, often those not served by public services

Voucher systemA system in which clients are provided a subsidy in the form of a c oupon orcredit that can be used to purchase services

Welfare stateA society which assumes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens in the areas of

health, protection, education, and financial security

socialworkdictionary booklet updated 2012 oct23

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