The importance of social work interventions in communities
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Social workers are responsible for helping people experiencing various problems and issues. Strategies for assisting an individual or their family can vary considerably, and multiple approaches may need to be used to resolve a situation fully.
A social work intervention aims to give people the tools and resources to improve their situation. This can include counseling, financial resources, housing, food, substance abuse treatment, medical care, education, and more. In most cases, more than one of these is needed.
The assessment and intervention process
A full assessment is completed with each client before a strategy can be implemented. This means talking to clients and any concerned or associated parties. Any background information can be helpful. Any background information can be beneficial. Any background information can be useful. Any background information can be helpful. For example, a social worker may talk to a person’s teachers, coaches, or doctors to better understand their issues.
More social workers are needed immediately to meet the growing community demand nationwide. Completing one of the many online master’s degree programs in social work available from schools such as Cleveland State University can help teach aspiring social workers the skills they need to connect with clients and conduct a thorough assessment. Analyzing the information gained from the assessment allows social workers to determine what resources and programs are most likely to lead to success.y demand
1. Crisis intervention
Violent crimes such as robberies, rape, and murder can lead to social workers becoming involved with surviving victims and family members. These are typically emotionally and physically traumatic events. A crisis intervention happens when a sudden event is needed for help.
A mental breakdown or substance abuse requiring immediate medical attention are more common examples.
Counseling, medical care, emergency housing, and foster care of children are some services offered in these cases.
2. Case management
This type of intervention is one of the most common. Case management involves working with individuals and families to solve problems. Each case is assessed, and commonly available resources are recommended. Caseworkers assist families in applying for and accessing various resources. Food and nutrition benefits, subsidized housing, childcare, and assistance finding jobs are good examples of community resources that are commonly used.
3. Community organization
Chronic problems within communities can sometimes be solved using strategies that encourage people from all backgrounds to work together. Social workers can help organize community members and educate them on what resources are available to help and what people can do to make things happen faster. Examples include organizing neighborhood watches, setting up Big Brother or Big Sister programs at a community center, or even organizing fundraisers for improvements that benefit the entire community.
4. Advocacy
Social workers help people from all backgrounds obtain the rights and justice they deserve. Having a strong advocate helps encourage others to fight for their rights and work towards positive changes in their personal lives and community. A social worker may provide support and services when they or the organization they work for believes an injustice has occurred. Some social workers may work to have some policies or legislation passed or eliminated to make things more equitable for all.
Challenges of interventions
Creating an intervention plan and strategy becomes easier with more experience. Still, it is important to remember that no matter how much experience a social worker may have, there are often challenges to overcome.
1. Resistance or fear from the client
Some people are afraid to accept help or at least have a hard time believing that their offered service will make a difference. The reasons for fearing service may be related to why they need it in the first place. For example, an abused person may fear retaliation from their abuser. They may also fear getting in legal trouble if a social worker discovers a problem. Those with children often fear having their children removed from their homes or placed in the hands of a family member they do not trust.
2. Wait for florists and paperwork
Some resources may have long wait lists or longer application processes. It can frustrate social workers and their clients to wait for much-needed help. This often means finding short-term resources and reassuring clients that they are not being ignored.
3. Age of clients
Special considerations need to be made when working with minor children and older adults. When working with children, the rights of the parents to be involved come into play. Of course, some exceptions can be made if an abusive relationship exists. Some older adults may have an appointed person to help them make medical or financial decisions. With older clients, the exception would be if there is evidence of elder abuse.
4. False reports
One of the biggest time and resource wasters social workers experience is the volume of false reports of abuse, neglect, or other problems. When someone calls and reports a problem, such as an older adult or child being manipulated or abused, one must make at least initial contact or a visit to follow up. While a phone call or wellness check may not seem like a lot of work from the outside, too many of these calls result in someone else not getting the help or attention they need as quickly. People typically make false reports to cause trouble or to get revenge on someone they have a problem with. False statements of excessive drug use are extremely common.
Conclusion
Social workers play a significant role in their communities by conducting assessments and applying intervention strategies on a case-by-case basis. Crisis intervention allows people to get immediate help when traumatic events happen. In the future, there will be a need for even more social workers to tackle the problems people face every day. Earning a degree in social work is a smart career move for anyone that enjoys working with and helping others.
