Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
FIRST QUARTER: WEEK 5
Competency :  Identify the goals and scope of social work. (HUMSS_DIASS 12 – Ie – 16)
 Explain the principles and core values of social work (HUMSS_DIASS 12 – Ie
– 18)
 Explain the roles and functions of social work. (HUMSS_DIASS 12 – If – 19)
 Identify specific work areas in which social workers work (HUMSS_DIASS
12 – If – 20)
 Value rights, responsibilities and accountabilities (HUMSS_DIASS 12 – If –
22)
 Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors among practitioners.
(HUMSS_DIASS 12 – If – 23)

Reference : PHINMA Southern University Teacher/Facilitator Lesson Plan

Copyright For classroom use only

LESSON 1: Goals and Scope of Social Work

Goals
Social work is concerned and involved with the interactions between people and the institutions of
society that affect the ability of people to accomplish life task, realize aspirations and values and alleviate
distress (Baer and Federico, 1978).
Social work is the profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the enhancement of the
quality of life and the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. It is
a carefully planned move and intervention aiming to pursue individual and social change. Social workers pursue
these goals by working to address the barriers, inequalities, and injustices that exist in society, and by active
involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis. This is achieved by working with individuals towards
the realization of their intellectual, physical and emotional potentials, and by working with individuals, groups,
and communities in the pursuit and achievement of equitable access to social, economic and political resources.
In general, the goals of social work are:

1. Through involvement in research, policy development and analysis, consultancy, and management;
2. Work with individuals, groups and communities to shape and change the conditions in which they live;
3. Advocate for disadvantaged members of society;
4. Work towards the elimination of structural inequalities in society to facilitate a more equitable
distribution of resources;
5. Engage in research to build our knowledge based on understanding of society;
6. and Analyze, challenge and develop social policies.
 Social workers use these goals as their motivator in their career of helping individuals and communities
in making their lives better. They do these by using extensive research and policy development together with
right management. They also serve as speakers for the unheard voices of the marginalized sectors of our society
so the inequalities in the society could be eliminated. Lastly, they make sure that everyone will enjoy equal
distribution of resources within a society.

Scope of social work:

The purposeful and ethical application of personal skills in interpersonal relationships directed towards
enhancing the personal and social function of an individual, family, group or neighborhood, which necessarily
involves using evidences obtained from practice to help create a social environment conducive to the well-being
of all.

ACTIVITY 1
Write the number of the goal that you think fits to each number.

1. Through involvement in research, policy development and analysis, consultancy, and management;
2. Work with individuals, groups and communities to shape and change the conditions in which they live;
3. Advocate for disadvantaged members of society;
4. Work towards the elimination of structural inequalities in society to facilitate a more equitable
distribution of resources;
5. Engage in research to build our knowledge base and understanding of society;
6. Analyze, challenge, and develop social policies.

PROBLEM GOALS

Ex. Conducts trainings and seminars for livelihood. 2

1. Attending meetings with government officials to address issues of

_______
poverty in behalf of farmers.
2. Formulating and executing new studies to understand society better. _______

3. Using existing research and studies to create new policies for the
_______
poor.

LESSON 1: Principles and Core Values of Social Work

PURPOSEFUL EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS. The first principle is about the feelings that are needed to be
expressed for they are a determining factor for the help that social workers can give. The social worker must
always recognize the client’s need to express feelings freely, listen purposefully, and not discourage any
emotion. They can also stimulate the clients to express all the emotions that he needs to emit to feel better.
CONTROLLED EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT. Your emotions sometimes give up, right? A client and
social worker, too. A social worker must be sensitive to the client’s feelings and effort to understand their
meaning. A social worker must also regulate his feelings about the situations that he may undergo. He must
always be calm, controlled, and objective of his emotional involvement no matter how normal or abnormal the
client’s problem. This is very crucial because if the social worker give in to different emotions like anger for
example, he may have difficulties in accomplishing his goals.
ACCEPTANCE. The recognition of client’s innate dignity, worth, equality, basic rights, and needs what we
meant by acceptance. This means that a social worker must accept any client regardless of what is left of the
client. He must not reject a client basing on his worth or needs. Social workers always accept.
INDIVIDUALIZATION. Again, like how we understand counseling, we cannot treat everyone alike. One is
different from the other, therefore, social workers must use different styles and principles in order to achieve
their desired goal of helping individuals and communities.
NON-JUDGEMENTAL ATTITUDE. If you were blamed or being pushed to feel guilty about something,
would you feel comfortable? Of course, not. This also applies to social work. A social worker must not include
assigning guilt or innocence because if the client fears blame and judgment he will not talk about himself,
making the process harder. A social worker must never be judgmental about his clients.
CLIENT SELF-DETERMINATION. We, as an individual with own reason and thinking must not be
interfered with when it comes to decisions unless we are in the course in course of danger. A social worker must
not manipulate the client to make decisions based on how the social worker’s preference. A social worker must
never persuade a client in any controlling way. The client’s ability to make his own decision must always be
emphasized for the process to successfully happen.
CONFIDENTIALITY. Clients always have the right to preserve his private information and it should not be
disclosed by his social worker. It is part of their professional relationship. The client must always remain private.
ACTIVITY 2

Write YAY! if the statement is correct and BOO! if it is wrong. Write your answer beside each number.

1. Social workers shall instruct their clients what to do for the client’s problems.
2. Social workers shall not show respect to a client who is rude to him.
3. Social workers shall always control their emotions.

LESSON 3 Roles and Functions of Social Work

THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL WORKERS
We all now the values, the principles of social workers. The concept of the social work is now concrete
in our understanding. So, since we already are familiar with them, let us get to know the things and stuff that
they do.
Social workers, some would say are superheroes. I know, you also asked why they are called one. They
don’t have capes, no extravagant costumes, and superpowers, but even though they have none, they are still
because of the things that they to help the people that are in need. Here is the list of their roles and functions to
children, to adults, to families, and ultimately to the nation.
1. Social workers use a distinctive range of legal and social work knowledge and skills to help people
to make changes in their lives and get the outcomes needed. Some of our social workers are
lawmakers They are consistently working on different laws that benefit their clients.

2. They are uniquely skilled in accessing a wide range of practical and emotional support and
services to meet individuals’ needs and aspirations. Social workers never treated their clients the
same. The principle of individuality.
 3. They are a collaborative profession, working alongside other professionals but taking the lead in
helping children, adults and families improve and gain control of their lives when their safety or
ability to participate in their communities is restricted. As professionals, social workers will be
needing as well the help that can be guaranteed by other professionals in order to make the effect of
change wide-ranging.

4. They have a lead role in safeguarding people who may be socially excluded, at risk of abuse or
neglect, or who become vulnerable for other reasons. They balance support and protection/
safeguarding roles carefully and in keeping with the specific needs and circumstances of the
person or family, taking protective action as needed and within the context of legal roles and
frameworks. Of course, in our society, we are never equal. That is a fundamental fact, that is why our
social workers do their best in order for social justice to materialize. They make sure that everyone in
society gets a fair share of political, economic, and social rights and privileges.

5. They are educated and trained to engage with people whose age, mental incapacity or ill-health
constrain their ability to protect themselves or others. Social workers work wonders. They can
communicate with everyone. They can talk and make necessary changes to people that may appeal to
have no chance of changing. Social workers work for everybody, the fixed and the broken.

6. In adult social care, they endorse and act in accordance with the principles of personalization,
ensuring that care and support are person-centered and as far as possible put the people with
whom they work in control of their lives. It is not always the children who are in need of attention and
care. Oftentimes, we forgot that even adults feel pain and discomfort. Therefore, social workers also
give them focus.

7. In children’s social care they maintain a focus on the child, ensuring that the child is safe and well,
that families are helped to change where necessary, and that required outcomes are achieved.

ACTIVITY 3

Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is wrong. Write your answer beside each number.

1. They have a lead role in safeguarding people who may be socially excluded, at risk of abuse or neglect, or
who become vulnerable for other reasons.
2. They are educated and trained to engage with people whose age, mental incapacity or ill-health constrains
their ability to protect themselves or others.
3. Social workers use a distinctive range of legal and social work knowledge and skills to help people to make
changes in their lives and get the outcomes needed.

Specific Work Areas in which Social Workers

LESSON 4
Work

Careers in Social Work

Within the field of social work, there are many different specializations and industries that professionals
can pursue and focus on. While these different fields all require practitioners to show the cornerstones of social
work: empathy, flexibility, and persistence, and respect for different circumstances; there are some skill sets and
knowledge that social workers will need to utilize in order to make them effective at their jobs as possible.
Social workers can be required to aid with issues directly caused by trauma, disability, poor family
circumstances, abuse, mental and emotional problems, addiction, and acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses. Some
social workers prefer to focus their skills on one area of expertise by going into specific fields.

● Family, child or school social work involve providing assistance and advocacy to improve social and
psychological functioning of children and their families. These social workers attempt to maximize
academic functioning of children as well as improving the family’s overall well-being. These
professionals may assist parents, locate foster homes, help to arrange adoptions, and address abuse. In
schools, they address problems such as truancy, bad behavior, teenage pregnancy, drug use, and poor
grades. They also advise teachers and act as liaisons between students, homes, schools, courts,
protective services, and other institutions.

● Public health social workers are often responsible for helping people who have been diagnosed with
chronic, life threatening or altering diseases and disorders, helping connect patients with plans and
resources in order to help them cope. One of the most difficult things a person can go through is dealing
with acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses and these social workers provide services to ease these
patients’ process. These services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and
counseling, making referrals to other services, case management interventions, planning hospital
discharge, and organizing support groups. These social workers are often employed at health care
centers, assisted living homes or in hospitals.

● Addictions and mental health social workers offer support and services to those struggling with
unhealthy grounding techniques, connecting them with facilities that serve to teach healthier behaviors
and get patients back on track. These patients often struggle with mental and emotional problems as well
as addictions and substance abuse problems. Services that mental health and substance abuse social
workers provide include individual and group counseling, intervening during crises, case management,
client advocacy, prevention, and education. They also focus on counseling families to assist in
understanding and dealing with the patient’s problems.

Activity 4
Using a graphic organizer, enumerate the roles of a social Worker in fulfilling his function in the
society.

LESSON 5 Rights, Responsibility, and Accountability

Rights, Responsibilities, and Accountabilities of Social Work

The social work profession facilitates social change and development, social cohesion, and the
empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility
and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences,
humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges
and enhance well-being.

Social work foremost rights include the right to fulfill its professional mandates and to live by its values.
Its responsibilities cover those that pertain to the dispensation of its basic functions, roles, professional
standards, and adherence to its local and international codes of ethics. Social work is accountable to the clients,
the general public, and the society.
Responsibilities of social workers working within their field of specialization are to help children, assist
those life-threatening problems, or aid people in addictions. It is a responsibility of social worker to protect and
uphold respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people as expressed in the United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UNUDHR) and other related UN declaration on rights and the conventions
derived from those declarations. Social workers have a responsibility to promote social justice, in relation to
society generally, and in relation to the people whom they work. Social workers have a responsibility to apply
the professional values and principles set out above to their practice. They should act with integrity and treat
people with compassion, empathy, and care.
Accountability of social worker is to the clients, colleagues, employers, professional associations, and to
the law. Social workers are accountable for their actions to the values and principles of the profession, which
require them to act in reliable, honest, and trustworthy manner.

Ethical and Unethical Behavior among

LESSON 6
Practitioners
Some Ethical Behaviors of Practitioners

Nature of Ethical Misconduct

Desperation: Some social workers in difficult financial straits seek to remedy their predicament through fraud
or other illegal activity, such as drug dealing or submitting false insurance claims using documentation for
services never provided to actual or bogus clients. Some of these social workers face personal bankruptcy
because of lavish lifestyles or costly personal crises (e.g., illness that has led to a drastic loss of income and
excessive debt).

Greed: Some social workers are motivated by greed more than desperation. This group includes social workers
who seek a level of affluence well outside the reach of most practitioners. This greed may lead social workers to
engage in fraud designed to enhance revenue. In one case, a social worker embellished DSM codes on a client’s
insurance claim to increase reimbursement. In another case, a social worker billed for clinical services on dates
when no services were provided.

Impairment: Social workers, like all professionals, may experience personal impairment that may lead to
ethical misconduct. In one instance, a social worker in recovery from substance abuse relapsed and became
involved in an ambitious drug dealing operation to support his drug use. In another case, a mental health
practitioner who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder stopped taking his medication, became embroiled in a
rage-filled interpersonal dispute while in the midst of a manic episode, and committed second-degree murder.

The most common forms of social worker impairment include major mental illness, addiction (including
addiction to substances, sex, and gambling), and professional burnout that leads to ethical misbehavior (e.g., a
social worker who feels demoralized about work and is struggling in a troubled marriage throws caution to the
wind and becomes involved in a sexual relationship with a client in an unwitting effort to distract himself from
his troubles or to feel desirable and powerful).

Preventing Ethical Misbehavior

Social workers can take constructive steps to respond to and, especially, prevent unethical conduct. We
must pay close attention to “red flags” in our own lives that might portend impairment and ethical misconduct.
Social workers are trained to master our use-of-self skills, including constant reflection on the way we manage
ourselves in relationships with clients and workplace colleagues. Social workers who are grappling with
personal crises, intense workplace frustration, serious and chronic physical and mental health issues, and
troubling legal and financial problems are at greater risk. As it may be very challenging for social workers to
acknowledge personal struggles and reach out for help, each practitioner is wise to refer back to the mandates in
the NASW Code of Ethics as a guide, as follow:

Social workers should not allow their own personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems,
substance abuse, or mental health difficulties to interfere with their professional judgment and performance or to
jeopardize the best interests of people for whom they have a professional responsibility.

Social workers whose personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or
mental health difficulties interfere with their professional judgment and performance should immediately seek
consultation and take appropriate remedial action by seeking professional help, making adjustments in
workload, terminating practice, or taking any other steps necessary to protect clients and others.

In addition, social workers must pay keen attention to signs of unethical conduct and impairment within
us and among our colleagues. The Code of Ethics also makes it clear that, when feasible, social workers have a
moral obligation to reach out to colleagues who show signs of impairment or who are behaving unethically.
When necessary, social workers must bring their concerns to the attention of people and organizations that are in
a position to support social workers and hold them accountable. These may include supervisors, agency
administrators, colleague assistance programs and, in extreme cases, licensing boards and regulatory bodies.

Social work is a uniquely noble pursuit that clearly attracts extraordinarily compassionate, earnest, and
principled practitioners. The unfortunate reality, shared by all professions, that some social workers—thankfully
a very small minority—engage in profoundly unethical conduct should not detract from what we know to be
true: that the overwhelming majority of social workers give meaning to the word integrity. A critical element of
that integrity is a willingness and determination to confront and prevent unethical conduct in our ranks.

— Frederic G. Reamer, PhD, is a professor in the graduate program of the School of Social Work, Rhode
Island College. He is the author of many books and articles, and his research has addressed mental
health, healthcare, criminal justice, and professional ethics.

ACTIVITY 5

Write A if it is the social worker’s conduct and comportment, B if it is the Social worker’s Ethical
Responsibility to clients, C if it is The social worker’s responsibility to Colleagues, D if it is social worker’s
ethical responsibility to employers and employing organizations, E if it is social worker’s ethical responsibility
to social work profession, F if it is social worker’s ethical responsibility to society.

______ 1. Promoting the general welfare

______ 2. Propriety
______ 3. Primacy of client’s interests

ASSESSMENT
1. The following are considered as social work a secondary discipline EXCEPT:
A. Schools
B. Foster care
C. Correctional facilities
 D. Medical and health care

2. To what kind of services in social work does this belong? “Social workers help them achieve full recovery
toward becoming productive member of the society”.
A. Case work B. Social Action C. Social research D. Social work group

3. What is meant by Civil Society?

A. Foundations B. labor union C. NGO’s D. All of these

4. Social workers constantly develop their skills and knowledge to apply them in professional practice.
A. Competence B. Dignity and worth of the person C. Importance of human relationship D. Integrity

5. Social workers aim to create changes in society to address the plight of the vulnerable and the oppressed.
A. Dignity and worth of the person B. Integrity C. Importance of human relationship D. Social Justice

6. Which of the following shows an ethical behavior of a social worker?

A. Set fees that reasonable.
B. Cater solely to personal interests.
C. Divulge important information about the clients.
D. Committed to responsibilities which he has limited capabilities and resources.

7. John always maintains proper behavior to protect his profession as a social worker. This is
A. Competence B. Integrity C. Propriety D. Service

8. Elisio actively participated in the environmental protection campaign conducted at Punta Cabli to stop the
throwing of garbage in the beach. The goal of social work shown in the given situation is _____________.
A. caring B. changing C. curing D. all of these

9. Social workers are employed in the following civil society EXCEPT:

A. Caritas Manila B. Gawad Kalinga C. GMA Kapuso Foundation D. Philippine Red Cross

10. One of the general principles that form the foundation of social work practice is ____________.
A. people can acquire new behavior
B. continually develop personally and professionally
C. help the client learn self-directed problem- solving skills
D. practice must be bound by the conventions in the profession