Module 6:

The Discipline of Social Work

About the module

This module aims to orient you on social work as a discipline and as a profession. Throughout the
discussion, you will gain not only an understanding but also an appreciation of social work as a
profession and how it can be an instrument in bringing about change in individuals, groups,
communities, and the society through empowering process.

Module Objectives
By the end of this module, learners are expected to:
 Identify the goals and scope of social work (HUMSS_DIASS12-Ie-16);
 Demonstrate comprehension of the principles of social work (HUMSS_DIASS12-Ie-
17); and
 Discuss the core values of social work (HUMSS_DIASS12-Ie-18).

Modules Topics
 Definition of Social Work
 Goals of Social Work
 Functions of Social Work
 Core Values of Social Work
 Principles of Social Work

Discussion
Reading 1: Definitions of Social Work

Social work is defined as a response to a concern or need; a creative blending of

knowledge, values, and skills; a problem-solving process; an intervention into human
transaction; and a developing profession (Johnson 1998). It concerns not just individuals
but also groups and communities.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in the US states that “social
work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups or communities, enhance or
restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to
this goal.”
To set it apart from other helping professions, social work is associated to the term
social functioning, which Sheafor and Horejsi (2012) refers to as key in understanding the
unique focus of social work.
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 Farley, Smith and Boyle (2006), on the other hand, defines social work as an art, a
science, and a profession:
 As an art, social work requires great skills to understand people and to help them
help themselves.
 As a science, it requires the use of problem-solving methods and objectivity in
ascertaining facts and in developing principles and operational concepts.
 As a profession, social work encompasses the attributes of one.

The definitions of social work approved by the International Federation of Social

Workers (IFSW) General Meeting and the International Association of Schools of
Social Work (IASSW) General Assembly in 2014 emphasizes the core mandate of
social work; to promote social change and development, social cohesion, and the
empowerment and liberation of people. It also underlines the core principles of social
justice, human rights, social responsibility, and respect for diversities; and recognizes
the interconnection of social, political, cultural, spatial, and personal factors can provide
opportunities and barriers in attaining human well-being development.
In the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASW). Which was founded
on November 12, 1947, is the national organization for professional social workers in
the country.

Reading 2: Goals of Social Work

Du Bois and Miley (2005) state that social work as a profession and field of study serves
the following purposes:
 Enhance social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities;
 Link client systems with needed resources;
 Improve the operation of the social service delivery network; and
 Promote social justice through development of social policy.

Zastrow (2017) identified the following as purposes of the social work profession:
 Enhance the problem-solving, coping, and development capacities of people;
 Link people with systems that provide them with resources, services, and
opportunities;
 Promote the effectiveness and humane operation of systems that provide people with
resources and services;
 Develop and improve social policies;
 Enhance human well-being and alleviate poverty, oppression, and other forms of
social injustice;
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  Pursue policies, services, and resources through advocacy and social and political
actions that promote social and economic justice;
 Develop and use research, knowledge, and skills that advance social work practice;
and
 Develop and apply practice in the context of diverse cultures

Reading 3: Functions of Social Work

Farley (2003) identified restoration of impaired social functioning developmental and
previous of social dysfunction as the three functions of social work. These functions are
intertwined and interdependence.
Restoration of Impaired Social  Curative/Remedial function aims to remove
Functioning the causes of breakdown in a person’s social
functioning
 Rehabilitative function involves rebuilding
patterns of interaction, e.g., through the
provision of appropriate skills and
psychological support.
Developmental Function This function concerns with meeting the needs of
the people by connecting them to appropriate
social, political, and economic channels. This may
be in the form of advocating policies for
marginalized populations.
Prevention of Social This function involves the early discovery, control
Dysfunction and elimination of factors that could potentially
hamper effective social functioning.

Reading 4: Core Values of Social Work

The core values of social work are primarily anchored on the belief that every human
being has worth and dignity. Social workers should possess the following values to
effectively deliver social work activities and programs.
Service Social work is a commitment to help people in need and to
address social problems. The services provided in social
work aims to inspire change that support people and that
contributes to the betterment of every individual’s quality of
life.
Social Justice Social works challenges social injustice. According to
Segal et al (2004-2021) working for social justice means.
“Striving to create a society in which all people, regardless
of race, ethnicity religion, gender, sexual orientation,
economic status, age, and/or physical or mental ability, have
the same basic rights and opportunities and can develop to
their fullest potential.
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Respect for the inherent Worth Social work puts importance to the worth and dignity of the
and Dignity of the person. person-one’s uniqueness and individuality and his rights
with respect to the interest of the society in general.
Importance of Human Social work values relationship. The practice of social work
Relationship concerns all forms and levels of human relationship – with
set, family, small group, organization and community.
Integrity Integrity is of utmost importance in the practice of social
work. Social work professionals must abide by standards.

Goals of Social Work

The Master of Social Work program, curriculum, goals, and course of study
are designed to prepare students for advanced clinical professional
practice consistent with the goals, course of study, and curriculum
prescribed by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational
Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) for the master's level of social
work education. The MSW program goals are as follows:
 Goal 1: To prepare students with the knowledge, values, and skills of
clinical practice.
 Goal 2: To prepare students to engage in competent and responsible
clinical practice within public and private agencies
 Goal 3: To prepare students to develop and use ethical research in the
advancement and enhancement of social work practice
 Goal 4: To provide service at the university, local, state, regional,
national, and global levels.
 Goal 5: To increase the availability of skilled advanced practice social
work professionals in this region.