Empowerment Approach to Social Work Practice Assignment Sample

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Subject Name : Arts and Humanities

Task 1

The Vision of Social Work Practice: A Holistic and Empowerment-Centered Approach

Social work practice can be defined as a vibrant and complex realm, which intends to advocate social justice, all while facilitating collective well-being by resolving inequality and oppression from society (Payne, 2020). To put it in simple perspective, it can be stated that social work can be regarded as an approach to gain cognizance regarding current impediment, which an individual, a community or a family face and undertake necessary measure to alleviate such challenges, so that an equitable society can be augmented seamlessly (Garcia, 2023). Being entrusted with the responsibility of social work, it is imperative to state that not only it is a holistic approach, but at the same time, the measures inculcated are empowerment centered, which is solely revolving around collaboration cultural humility as well as empathy (Teixeira et al., 2021).

Defining Social Work Practice

Social work practice is a pulsating and multifaceted field that draws comprehension regarding a plethora of strategies and intervention that can be inculcated in order to ameliorate the overall well-being of community, group, family or an individual (Kaushik & Walsh, 2019). The reason being, as to why this is multifaceted in nature, is because it primarily functions across two distinct layers: the first one being micro, followed by macro layer (Maturi, 2023). To begin with, at micro layer, social worker generally tends to resolve impediments experienced by individuals, so that personal growth can be inculcated seamlessly. Besides directly involving in augmenting the life of the concerned individual or family, gaining cognizance regarding their unique circumstances and challenges facilitates the process of determining the journey of recuperation (Khan & Ullah, 2021). Hence, it can be stated that aside from substantiating counselling, micro level social worker primarily concentrates upon immediate needs and undertake necessary measure, so that assistance can be furnished. On the contrary, social workers involved in macro level, undertake challenges of broader perspective, where systemic issues are of primary concern (Germain & Knight, 2020). Delving into social inequality and addressing injustices is one of the characteristic delineating factors of macro level social work. This aspect of social work primarily concerns itself with enacting historic changes by inculcating amendment and legislations and influencing lobbies, so that societal norms and policies can be redefined, which is inclusive and advocate social cohesion (Rickenbrode, 2023). Social worker operating at macro level falls under a continuum, ranging from addressing challenging practices, that are discriminatory in nature, to raising awareness as well as advocating for equitable policies, that can address societal challenges and eradicate root cause of impediment, which act as hindrances between establishing social cohesion across all strata of the society in a holistic measure (Healy, 2022).

From an apparent vision, it would seem that social work inculcates a diverse array of topics and principles that guideline its approach. However, in reality, the central theme of social work revolves around ethical principles that act as beacon for identifying scope, where immediate intervention is required (Garista & Pocetta, 2022). These ethical principles are solitarily rooted in determining challenges associated with infringement of fundamental rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. The magnitude of emphasis on respect in social work, besides empathy, solitarily underpins the integral practice, thereby ensuring that social worker would engage actively with a group, political lobby or government in order to resolve the impediments experienced by their target demography in a non-judgmental as well as compassionate manner (Blackstock et al., 2023).

My Stance and Position in Relation to Malcolm Payne's Triangle:

Malcolm Payne's triangle substantiate template for gaining cognizance regarding the three fundamental dimensions of social work practice which can be listed as values, knowledge and skills (Germain & Knight, 2020). As far as my personal reflection is concerned, regarding modern day social work practice, it is fair to state that not only it aligns with the inculcation of three dimensions mentioned above, but at the same time it also integrally concerned itself with holistic measure, all while being person centered in nature. These measures can only be incorporated in reality, in order to resolve critical circumstances, provided one has acquired necessary knowledge in diverse discipline and hone various skills, so that effective solution can be furnished to individuals as well as communities who are experiencing impediment within a short span of time (Canda et al., 2019). If adequate measures are inculcated with due diligence, then the feasibility of augmenting an adaptable approach that is well-rounded in terms of resolving complicated and multifaceted impediments is inevitable in nature (Pink et al., 2022).

Factors Shaping My Position:

The reason is to why my position is shaped can be attributed to diverse factors, which have contributed significantly in order to shape my stance within the dynamics of modern-day social work practice.
At the outset, it is honest to state that the lively and intricate spare augmented by current practices pertinent with social work predominantly revolves around compassion, empathy and inculcating social justice, which has propelled my commitment to a great extent, so that I can contribute my skill and knowledge for augmenting a better society, which is inclusive in nature and advocate social cohesion, under all circumstances (Healy, 2022).
In the second place my experiential exposure as well as my academic endeavor has assisted me immensely to come in contact with diverse culture, with the help of which I have garnered significant knowledge regarding socioeconomic background and experience their daily struggle firsthand. This experience fostered a sincere appreciation for cultural humility, aside from realizing the gravity of acknowledging uniqueness associated with individual experience (Webb, 2019).
Finally, the main reason which has fortified my conviction regarding my position pertaining to social work has emanated from the limitations attributed with traditional models, pertaining to social work. Apparently, all of these models have success in theoretical perception (Ross et al., 2021). However, during the course of inculcating the limitations of such conventional approach, really prompts the question of adopting a more holistic measure, that not only transcends the existing one, but at the same time can change for the circumstances (Ife, 2019).

Challenges as a Beginning Practitioner:

At the initial phase, being a beginner practitioner, it is quite challenging to grasp the reality that conventional approach, which is attributed with one size fits for all method, is not applicable in order to resolve real circumstances (Olcoń, 2020). Irrespective of the gravity of challenges, circumstances associated with impediment are always ever changing in nature (Banks, 2020). Hence, the notion of flexibility should be inculcated, that is absolutely holistic in nature, in the measures oriented towards social work. This is a challenge that I have personally experienced, in reality.
Aside from that, being creative should be a mandatory trait while undertaking the challenging endeavor of actively taking part in social work (Hall et al., 2020). In order to make social work more empowerment centered in nature, it is imperative for a beginner to inculcate new measures and always look for opportunities, so that the conventional approach of social work can be augmented to a great extent (Ife, 2019). Maintaining an equilibrium between the demands of individualized support with respect to changes that influence is broader systemic mesh, it is imperative to inculcate unconventional measures sometimes.
Moreover, gaining cognizance regarding power dynamics is inherently important in social work (Teater, 2019). Owing to the fact that navigating the power dynamics is precisely influential and necessary when it comes to empowering clients, without unnecessarily perpetuating dependency. This can only be done by self-reflection and adequate education.
Lastly, it is necessary to understand and realize the fact that advocating for systemic change that requires immense political reform, necessarily takes time and resistance during the course should be navigated meticulously (Ladhani & Sitter, 2020). Otherwise, the feasibility of being swayed by political forces and existing power structure is inevitable in nature. Hence, sticking persistently with the commitment in order to inculcate necessary change in society over the long term is the best course of action for a beginner practitioner in line of social work (Maidment et al., 2022).

In essence, an inference can be drawn that social work practice revolves around an empowerment-centered and holistic approach that harmonizes with the principles presented in Malcolm Payne's triangle. For a novice practitioner entering this field, there lies an awareness of several challenges. These encompass maintaining a consistent application of the chosen approach as well as adeptly navigating power dynamics, all while actively advocating for systemic change. Despite these challenges, the commitment remains steadfast to these principles.

Task 2

Responding to the Case Study as a Centrelink Caseworker

Introduction

The case at hand revolves around Joel, a 44-year-old individual confronted with a challenging juncture as he seeks bereavement payment from Centrelink. Joel's situation encapsulates the intricate dynamics that often intertwine when individuals interact with social welfare systems during times of personal difficulty.

In this context, a Centrelink caseworker emerges as a crucial figure with a multifaceted role. Their responsibilities extend far beyond the realm of income support entitlements. Instead, they shoulder the task of comprehensively assessing individual circumstances, intervening to ensure not just financial stability, but also addressing broader aspects of well-being and safety. This holistic approach recognizes that an individual's needs and challenges are multifarious, requiring a nuanced and empathetic perspective. As a Centrelink caseworker, they become a pivotal link in the chain of support for individuals like Joel, tasked with navigating them through a sometimes complex and bureaucratic system. Their role inherently demands not only a keen understanding of policy and procedures but also a deep empathy for the emotional toll that can accompany seeking assistance during vulnerable moments.

The subsequent exploration of Joel's journey, his interactions with Centrelink, and the potential improvements in service delivery will shed light on the transformative potential of the caseworker's role. By delving into this analysis, the aim is to underscore how an approach that centers on clients' well-being and acknowledges their unique circumstances can significantly reshape the landscape of social welfare support, fostering an environment of compassion, responsiveness, and empowerment.

Understanding Joel's Background and Challenges

The endeavor of Joel is attributed by cascade of life circumstances, which ultimately defined his recent landscape. In the late 90s, the initial relocation to QLD in lieu of ex partner’s decision has complicated circumstances in reality, for Joel. Simply put, aside from constantly struggling to adapt to new ambience, Joel also has to undertake challenges from navigating impediments, which emanated from geographical separation from his child. This was detrimental as far as psychological well-being for Joel, in view of the fact that his relationship became quite complicated and can be referred to as characterized with complexity eventually. On top of that Joel's experience worsened after being diagnosed with element of adult ADHD. The diagnosis pointed out that this element was first received during his early 30s. The diagnosis additionally furnished the context of his current struggle. The reason as to why Joel is experiencing challenges in terms of formulating decisions is because his coping mechanisms are also influenced detrimentally by ADHD. Apart from that, the occasional usage of illicit substance, such as methamphetamine and cannabis, complicated existing layer of complexity extensively (Specht & Vickery, 2021). However, it is not worth it that the pattern of drug usage of Joel revolves around a period of abstinence after extensive usage, which can necessarily be translated as a perceived sense of control over his usage.

An evocative facet of Joel's narrative resides in the profound affinity he shares with his grandfather, who used to be a figure of paramount influential figure in nurturing him for a duration of nine years. The reason being that during this course, his father was absent. This intimate rapport serves as an emotional cornerstone for Joel. It is this profoundly entrenched emotional bond that impelled Joel to pursue a bereavement payment from Centrelink, with the purpose of embarking on a final pilgrimage to be by the side of his ailing grandfather prior to his imminent demise.

Centrelink's Bereavement Payment Refusal and Worker's Interaction

The conditions prevailing during the course of Joe's application for a bereavement payment from Centrelink's can necessarily be translated in the fact that the urgency of wanting to bid farewell to his beloved an ailing grandfather. Since the grandfather’s role is a quintessential essence in Joel’s narrative, it was his intention to safeguard the necessary support so that he could visit his grandfather one more time, before his demise. This emblematic gesture of Joel, truly reflect the reverence he has for his grandfather and to honor their meaningful bond. Owing to the reason that, aside from being an emotional cornerstone, Joel’s grandfather also played an instrumental in pivotal role in trying times in Joe's life.

However, these emotional efforts of Joel were experienced by immense impediment, due to an unexpected setback from Centrelink. When Centrelink refused his application, the reason substantiated by Centrelink revolves around the fact that the classification of his grandfather is not categorized as immediate family. As a consequence of which, it is not feasible for the organization to render him an eligible bereavement payment. This decision solitarily not only acted as an impediment, since it is a form of bureaucratic barrier, but at the same time, amplified the emotional distress Joel was going through, thereby exacerbating an existing challenging circumstance extensively. Additionally, the distress of Joel was mounted up with an interaction with Centrelink worker, which can be characterized as unsettling in nature. Throughout the course of the discourse, the worker insinuated that there is a feasibility that Joel was actually trying to direct funds towards substance abuse and plotted this machination with malign intention. This humiliation started the sense of outrage, which is not only hurtful in nature, but even resulted in emotional turmoil for Joel. He was deeply affected, since Centrelink's workforce questioned his genuine intent of establishing connection with his ailing grandfather. Hence, it is fair to state that Joe's experience at Centrelink simply exemplifies that the instrumental role undertaken by Centrelink case worker is not limited to financial support, but at the same time provide necessary emotional validation attributed with adequate empathy, during the course of vulnerability.

One of the interesting aspects that should be taken into consideration in this particular context is that despite experiencing tremendous humiliation from Centrelink, Joel remained composed and opted not to lodge a formal complaint, in view of his distressing experience. From the aforementioned circumstances, it can be inferred that a case worker assigned at Centrelink has the responsibility of playing the role which has the potential of shaping individual’s perception regarding the support system of Centrelink (Okafor, 2021). Displaying such behavior and drawing conclusions, which can be translated as insinuation, only tarnishes the image of Centrelink, thereby maligning its reputation, regarding the authenticity of its support system (Tadic et al., 2020). Hence, it is imperative for caseworkers to embrace a sensitive approach that is also empathetic in nature, so that distress can be alleviated in order to restore trust (Ladhani & Sitter, 2020). This can only be done, provided compassionate support is offered by Centrelink’s caseworker, to individuals like Joel who are seeking assistance during trying times in their life (Munoz Arce & Pantazis, 2019).

Emphasizing Client-Centered Approach

The enactment of a client centered approach constitutes the backdrop of exemplary and effective social work practice, which aside from facilitating empowering interaction between service provider as well as individuals, also employ a holistic measure that is non-judgmental in nature (Todd & Drolet, 2020).

In consonance with this approach, preference of individual is the focal point, where besides acknowledging their agency and autonomy in the process of decision making, it is also imperative for case officers to recognize the gravity of each and individual circumstances, so that an emotional support can be furnished adequately (Park & Shields, 2023). This is a strategic approach that Centrelink should concentrate upon, since if this philosophy is embraced, then Centrelink can seamlessly augment its transactional relationship into a genuine connection, where an ambience of trust is fostered by its workforce. This transcendence would be feasible, provided Centrelink case officer extends absolute non-judgmental communication and empathetic approach of acknowledging the gravity of individual’s experience (Ferguson et al., 2022). This would eventually dismantle any stigmatization which has been erected due to inappropriate behavior of Centrelink's workforce and broaden the horizon of Centrelink to extend support to its intended demographic. This ambience should be attributed with discrimination free space, where the flow of communication should be open and transparent in nature (Berg-Weger & Morley, 2020). By infusing such principle throughout the course of Centrelink caseworker’s interaction, individuals such as Joel would feel empowered and heard.

Addressing Joel's Needs and Emotions

The first course of action that is necessary in this instance is to establish a supportive ambiance where caseworkers should foster a space for Joel to feel comfortable while sharing his concern, without being judged (Agbawodikeizu et al., 2019).
Besides active listening, the caseworker should also gain comprehension regarding circumstances revolving Joel’s experience and address his financial needs, without insinuating any sort of derogatory remarks (Wilson et al., 2023). Besides extrapolating other avenues for emotional support, extending the eligibility criteria for bereavement payment should be carried out as soon as possible.
Aside from that, it is prudent for caseworker foster a sense of rapport that solitarily motivates Joel to share his experience with Centrelink with other, so that they would be able to regain their trust with Centrelink (Cassidy & Poon, 2019). This strategic option should be cultivated by Centrelink in order to establish a foundation for empowering and sustainable partnership with its target demography, where it is prudential to convey that Centrelink not only delve in financial support but assist individuals like Joel adequately.

Improving Service Delivery

Enhancing service delivery at Centrelink necessitates a comprehensive approach that prioritizes client well-being and satisfaction. For the sake of accomplishing this in reality, it is imperative to introduce sensitivity training for staff (Richie & Martensen, 2020). Owing to the fact that such training can sensitize employees to the diverse needs and emotions of clients, thereby equipping them with adequate knowledge regarding manners through which a conversation can be executed empathetically and respectfully, without insinuating any sort of hurtful comments (Ferguson et al., 2022). By fostering a culture of understanding, Centrelink can significantly improve the quality of its interactions. Cultural competence is another vital aspect of improved service delivery, and Centrelink being no difference. Staff should receive training that equips them with an understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and their potential impact on clients' experiences and needs (Beckett & Horner, 2020). This understanding allows staff to provide more tailored and effective support while avoiding misunderstandings or unintentional insensitivity. Furthermore, implementing trauma-informed practices is imperative (Healy, 2019). Recognizing that individuals like Joel may have experienced trauma, Centrelink can create an environment that prioritizes safety and empowerment. This approach revolves around substantiating choices, avoiding re-traumatization, and promoting a sense of agency, which aligns with Centrelink's commitment to holistic well-being. For clients to feel empowered and heard, Centrelink should establish accessible channels for feedback and complaint resolution (Thyer, 2019). By involving clients in the improvement process, Centrelink not only demonstrates its dedication to transparency and accountability but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

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