THE HELPING/PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS IN SOCIAL WORK

Problem-solving framework in social work

 Helen Harris Perlman

 Considered as the originator of the problem solving framework
 She describes social work process as progressive transaction

1. Study - facts that constitute and bear upon the problem must be ascertained and grasped
2. Diagnosis - facts must be about i.e., turned over, probed to, and organized in the mind
3. Treatment - some choice or decision must be made as an end result of the consideration

Well-known authors who follows framework for problem solving:

 Florence Hollis
Casework Process
1. Defining the general nature of the problem presented
2. Psychological study
3. Diagnosis and formulation treatment plans
4. Treatment
5. Evaluation

 Robert D. Vinter
Group Work Process
1. Intake
2. Diagnosis and treatment planning
3. Group composition
4. Group development and treatment
5. Evaluation
6. Termination

 Arthur Dunham
Community Organization Process
1. Recognition of the problem
2. Analysis of the problem or assessment
3. Planning consideration of the action taken
4. Action - is the execution of the plans and initiation of the service or project
5. Evaluation

7 STEP OF PROBLEM SOLVING

By: Dewey and Polya
1. Recognition or definition of the problem and engagement with client system
2. Data collection
3. Assessment of the situation
4. Goal-setting and planning assessment
5. Intervention or carrying out of the action
6. Evaluation
7. Termination

5 STEP OF SW HELPING PROCESS

1. Assessment
2. Planning
3. Intervention or Plan implementation
4. Evaluation
5. Termination
The Helping Relationship

Relationship
 Basic concept in sw.
 Should involve self-discipline and self-awareness.

A. Assessment
 A process and a product on which action is based (max siporin)
 Information/data gathering
 Client - Primary source
 Significant other - Secondary source
 Records and reports - Existing data
 Worker’s own observation - worker’s observations

B. Planning
 Translate the content of assessment into a goal statement
 Goal - are ends
- They are the desired or expected outcomes.
 Interim, Intermediate Goals and objectives
- Specific, short term goals
- Objectives and intermediate goals may relate;that are involved in situation
Goals should have the following characteristics:
Specific, concrete and measurable - Goals are stated in too broad or general terms
Feasible - Goals should be realistic and attainable

C. Intervention
 Concerned with action that would solve the client’s problem.
 Involves the rendering of all specific and interrelated services

 INTERVENTION ROLES
 Resource provider
 Advocate
 Social broker
 Enabler
 Mediator
 Counselor/therapist

 INTERVENTIVE ROLES BEYOND DIRECT PRACTICE

 Mobilizer of community elite
 Document-er/social critique
 Policy/program change advocates

 LIMITATIONS ON WORKER ACTIVITY

 Time
 Skill
 Ethics
 Agency Function

D. Evaluation
 Collection of data about outcomes of a program of action…
Ongoing Evaluation - Continual process where the worker keeps on gathering data…

 PURPOSE OF EVALUATION
1. Dependent variables - Measuring outcomes of programs or specific intervention
2. Independent variables - Measuring the change process or the nature of the intervention
themselves
3. Utilizing a research design that will permit you to attribute the outcome to the change
processes.
 TYPES OF EVALUATION
 Summative Evaluation
 Concerned with outcomes of effectiveness
 Formative Evaluation
 Concerned with looking at the process of the work

E. Termination
 A social worker problem-solving relationship does not go on forever; It has time limit

 WHEN HELPING RELATIONSHIP TERMINATED?

1. When goals set by worker and the client have been reached
2. When after a reasonable period of time
3. When client thinks that the worker has provided sufficient help
4. When an agency does not have resources needed by the client
5. When the system outside the client make it difficult for the client to continue with the helping
relationship
6. When the worker must leave the agency

 2 term were used in relation to the termination of the helping relationship

1. Transfer
 The process by which a client referred by his social worker to another worker
2. Referral
 The act of directing a client to another worker/agency