Table Of ContentCSWE EPAS 2015 Core Competencies and Behaviors in this text
Competency Chapter
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Behaviors:
Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and 3, 6, 8, 13, 15
regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes
of ethics as appropriate to context
Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice 1, 3, 4
situations
Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic 6
communication
Use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes 10
Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior 1, 13, 16
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Behaviors:
Apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life 2, 6, 9, 13
experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
Present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences 4, 7, 14
Apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in 3
working with diverse clients and constituencies
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and
Environmental Justice
Behaviors:
Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights 5
at the individual and system levels
Engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice 4
Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed
Practice
Behaviors:
Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research 15
Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and 9, 15
research findings
Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery 2, 10
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Behaviors:
Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and 14
access to social services
Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services 1, 5, 14
Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and 9, 11
social, economic, and environmental justice
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CSWE EPAS 2015 Core Competencies and Behaviors in this text
Competency Chapter
Competency 6: Engage with individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
Behaviors:
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other 7
multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies
Use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies 5, 7, 12
Competency 7: Assess individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
Behaviors:
Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and 7, 9
constituencies
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other 2, 10
multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies
Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of 5, 8, 11
strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies
Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values 8, 10, 11
and preferences of clients and constituencies
Competency 8: intervene with individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Behaviors:
Critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of 8, 12
clients and constituencies
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other 1
multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies
Use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes 13, 16
Negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies 6, 12
Facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals 16
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with individuals, Families, Groups,
Organizations, and Communities
Behaviors:
Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes 15
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other 2
multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes
Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes 11
Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels 3
Adapted with the permission of Council on Social Work Education
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EIghth EDItIoN
Generalist Social
Work Practice
An Empowering Approach
Karla Krogsrud Miley
Black Hawk College
Michael W. O’Melia
St. Ambrose University
Brenda L. DuBois
St. Ambrose University
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Miley, Karla Krogsrud, 1942-
Generalist social work practice : an empowering approach / Karla Krogsrud Miley, Black Hawk College,
Michael W. O’Melia, St. Ambrose University, Brenda L. DuBois, St. Ambrose University. – 8 Edition.
pages cm
Revised edition of the authors’ Generalist social work practice, 2013.
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
ISBN 978-0-13-394827-1 (alk. paper) – ISBN 0-13-394827-7 (alk. paper) 1. Social service. 2. Social case work. I.
O’Melia, Michael. II. DuBois, Brenda, 1949- III. Title.
HV40.M5223 2015
361.3’2–dc23
2015030088
Student Edition
ISBN-10: 0-13-394827-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-394827-1
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1—EB—15 14 13 12 11
eText
ISBN 10: 0-13-394832-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-13-394832-5
Package
ISBN 10: 0-13-440334-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-13-440334-2
A01_MILE8271_08_SE_FM.indd 4 10/1/15 12:06 PM
Contents
Preface xv
PART I: SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE PERSPECTIVES
1. Generalist Social Work Practice 1
Social Work Values and Purpose 3
Human Dignity and Worth 4
Social Justice 4
Defining Social Work 5
Achieving the Purpose of Social Work 6
Generalist Social Work 7
Levels of Intervention in Generalist Practice 8
Policy and Generalist Practice 10
Research in Generalist Practice 10
Advantages of a Multifaceted Approach 12
Social Work Functions and Roles 12
Consultancy 13
Resource Management 15
Education 16
Integrating Generalist Functions 18
Looking Forward 19
2. Human System Perspectives 20
Key Perspectives for Empowering Practice 20
Ecosystems 21
Social Constructionism 22
Feminist Perspective 23
Life Course Theory 24
Critical Theory 25
Biology and Behavior 26
Trauma-Informed Perspective 28
Applying Theory in Practice: A Case Example 29
v
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vi Contents
Social Systems 33
System Defined 33
Dimensions of Systems 35
Ecosystems: Perspective and Framework 39
Ecosystems Perspective 39
Ecosystems Framework: As an Assessment Tool 42
Ecosystems Framework: As a Practice Model 45
Looking Forward 45
3. Values and Multicultural Competence 47
Professional Values and Practice Principles 48
Acceptance 48
Individualization 48
Nonjudgmentalism 49
Objectivity 49
Self-Determination 50
Access to Resources 50
Confidentiality 51
Accountability 51
Value Conflicts in Practice 51
Personal Values and Resources 52
Frames of Reference 52
Use of Self in Social Work 53
Increasing Self-Awareness 54
Values and Principles in Action: A Practice Example 54
How Values Influence Practice 56
Values and Diversity 58
Multicultural Competence 58
Cultural Diversity and Social Work Practice 59
Cultural Competence 59
Cultural Sensitivity 60
Cultural Responsiveness 60
A Generalist View of Cultural Competence 60
Practitioner-Level Cultural Competence 62
Agency-Level Cultural Competence 65
Community-Level Cultural Competence 68
Looking Forward 68
4. Strengths and Empowerment 69
Strengths Perspective 70
Practice Assumptions 71
Key Transitions 71
Applying a Strengths Perspective 73
Empowerment 74
Personal Dimensions of Empowerment 75
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Contents vii
Interpersonal Dimensions of Empowerment 76
Sociopolitical Dimensions of Empowerment 76
Power 77
Empowerment Social Work and Oppression 79
Empowerment-Based Practice 79
The Paradox of an Empowering Process 80
Collaboration and Partnership 80
Ethical Preferences for Empowerment Social Work 83
Characteristics of Empowerment-Centered Social Workers 87
Empowerment-Oriented Strategies 89
Looking Forward 92
5. An Empowering Approach to Generalist Practice 93
Elements of an Empowering Generalist Approach 94
Infusing an Ecosystems Perspective 94
Reflecting a Social Justice Commitment 94
Applying a Strengths Orientation 95
Collaborating with Clients and Constituencies 95
Constructing an Empowering Reality 95
Phases and Processes of Empowering Practice 96
Engagement: The Dialogue Phase 96
Assessment: The Discovery Phase 98
Intervention and Evaluation: The Development Phase 99
The Recurring Nature of Dialogue, Discovery, and Development 101
From Solving Problems to Promoting Competence 103
Processes in Action: Practice Examples 103
An Example at the Microlevel 104
An Example at the Mezzolevel 107
An Example at the Macrolevel 112
Multilevel Practice in Generalist Social Work: An Integrative Case Example 114
Social Work Practice at the Microlevel 115
Social Work Practice at the Mezzolevel 117
Social Work Practice at the Macrolevel 120
Looking Forward 121
PART II: ENGAGEMENT: THE DIALOGUE PHASE
6. Engagement: Forming Partnerships 123
Engaging with Clients 124
Collaboration and Partnership 124
Making Initial Contacts 126
Recognizing What Clients Bring 126
Beginning Steps: A Practice Example 127
Qualities of Professional Partnerships 131
Genuineness 132
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viii Contents
Acceptance and Respect 132
Trustworthiness 134
Empathy 134
Cultural Sensitivity 135
Purposefulness 136
Constructing Empowering Relationships 137
Recognizing Rights 138
Taking Responsibilities 138
Avoiding Dual Relationships 139
Discussing Rights and Responsibilities 139
Augmenting Power 140
When Clients Feel Powerless 141
Collaborating with Oppressed Clients 142
Voluntary and Involuntary Clients 142
Partnerships with Larger Systems 143
Respecting Confidentiality 143
Absolute and Relative Confidentiality 144
Violations of Confidentiality 144
Informed Consent for Releasing Information 145
Privileged Communication 145
Balancing Accountability and Privacy 147
Looking Forward 148
7. Engagement: Articulating Situations 149
Empowering Dialogue 150
Active Listening and Proactive Responding 150
Proactive Responding: Describing the Current Situation 151
Proactive Responding: Orienting Toward Goals 152
Proactive Responding: Searching for Strengths and Resources 153
Accessing the Client’s Perspective 153
Applying Models of Communication 154
Verbal Communication 155
Nonverbal Communication 156
Influences on Communication Processes 157
Responding to What Clients Say 160
Allowing Space 161
Nonverbal Responses 161
Single-Word Responses 161
Restatement 162
Clarification 163
Summary Clarification 163
Requests to Continue 164
Questioning 165
Combining Responses 166
Practice Example 166
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Contents ix
Special Issues in Responding 168
Responding to Feelings 168
Responding to Anger 170
Responding to Silence 171
Responding to Trauma 172
Responding to Questions 173
Responding to Feedback from Clients 173
Responding to Larger Client Systems 174
Looking Forward 175
8. Engagement: Defining Directions 177
Transforming Challenges into Directions 179
Orienting Forward, Not Back 180
Framing the Search for Resources 181
Integrating Transactional Dimensions 181
Considering Client Motivation 182
Enhancing Client Motivation 182
Motivating Clients Who Have Given Up 183
Aligning Worker and Client Motivations 184
Collaborating with Clients Who Resist 185
Motivating Larger Systems 187
Cooperating with Mandated Clients 188
Constructing Workers’ Expectations 188
Structuring a Working Partnership 189
Defining a Motivating Direction 190
Taking Priority Actions 190
Responding to Trauma and Crises 190
Responding to Large-Scale Disasters 192
Responding to the Threat of Suicide 193
Responding to Threats Toward Others 196
Responding to Child Maltreatment 198
Responding to Elder Abuse 200
Responding to Intimate Partner Violence 200
Responding to Survival Needs 201
Responding to Signs of Addiction 201
Looking Forward 202
PART III: ASSESSMENT: THE DISCOVERY PHASE
9. Assessment: Identifying Strengths 204
Infusing a Strengths Perspective 205
What Are Strengths? 205
Why Identify Strengths? 206
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