CRM 203: SOCIAL WORK
BY DR. FREDRICK O. OTIENO
WEEK 2 NOTES
FIELDS AND METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK
1.0 Introduction
Social work employs a variety of methods to address the unique needs of individuals, groups,
and communities. These methods are grounded in the profession’s values and are applied
across a wide range of fields or settings, including health, criminal justice, education, family
services, and more.
Each method offers a distinct approach but shares the overarching goals of empowerment,
social justice, problem-solving, and enhanced well-being.
2.0 Methods of Social Work
2.1 Social Casework
Definition:
Social casework is a method of helping individuals on a one-to-one basis to resolve
personal and social problems. It is rooted in establishing a professional helping relationship
between a social worker and a client.
Key Features:
• Individual-focused
• Diagnostic and therapeutic in nature
• Involves assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation
• Builds trust through rapport and empathy
Steps in Casework Practice:
1. Intake – Gathering client data
2. Assessment – Identifying problems and strengths
3. Planning – Developing an action plan
4. Intervention – Providing counseling or linking services
5. Evaluation – Measuring progress
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6. Termination – Ending the helping relationship appropriately
Example (Kenyan Context):
A social worker in a juvenile correctional centre helping a child offender to reconcile with
their family and reintegrate into society.
2.2 Social Group Work
Definition:
Group work is a method through which individuals with similar issues or goals are brought
together in a structured environment to interact and support each other under the guidance of
a social worker.
Purpose:
• Promote social functioning
• Build skills like leadership, cooperation, and responsibility
• Foster peer support and behavioral change
Types of Groups:
• Therapeutic groups (e.g. addiction recovery)
• Support groups (e.g. for victims of GBV)
• Educational groups (e.g. life skills training)
• Task-oriented groups (e.g. self-help or microfinance groups)
Role of the Social Worker:
• Facilitate discussions
• Monitor group dynamics
• Promote inclusivity
• Ensure confidentiality
Example:
Facilitating a support group for women survivors of domestic violence in Kisumu County.
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2.3 Community Organization
Definition:
Community organization is a method aimed at mobilizing communities to collectively
address social issues, promote development, and build capacity.
Key Principles:
• Participation
• Empowerment
• Inclusion
• Sustainability
Stages in Community Organization:
1. Community entry and needs assessment
2. Mobilization of stakeholders
3. Planning and goal setting
4. Capacity building (training, resources)
5. Action implementation
6. Monitoring and evaluation
Role of the Social Worker:
• Community mobilizer
• Facilitator and mediator
• Advocate for resources and policy change
• Capacity builder
Example:
Organizing a youth-led crime prevention initiative in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
2.4 Social Work Research
Definition:
Social work research is a systematic investigation aimed at generating knowledge to improve
social work practice, policy, and education.
Objectives:
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• Identify social problems
• Assess needs of populations
• Evaluate interventions
• Inform policy and legislation
Types of Research in Social Work:
• Descriptive – understanding phenomena
• Exploratory – identifying new issues
• Explanatory – understanding cause-effect
• Evaluative – assessing program effectiveness
Common Methods Used:
• Surveys
• Interviews and focus groups
• Case studies
• Participatory action research (PAR)
Example:
A social worker in Siaya County conducts research to understand the challenges facing
orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in accessing education.
2.5 Social Welfare Administration
Definition:
Administration in social work refers to the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating,
and controlling of social service programs and institutions.
Purpose:
To ensure efficient delivery of services to individuals, groups, and communities.
Functions of Social Work Administration:
• Policy formulation and implementation
• Budgeting and financial management
• Supervision and staffing
• Monitoring and evaluation
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• Public relations and community engagement
Skills Required:
• Leadership
• Communication
• Planning and resource mobilization
• Strategic decision-making
Example:
A program manager at a rehabilitation centre overseeing services for recovering addicts and
coordinating donor funding.
3.0 Fields of Social Work Practice
Social work methods are applied in various specialized fields, including:
Field Application
Probation, parole, juvenile justice, rehabilitation of
Criminal Justice
offenders
Child Welfare Child protection, adoption, foster care, family counseling
Medical social work, HIV/AIDS care, psychosocial
Healthcare
support
School counseling, special needs support, anti-bullying
Education
programs
Disaster and Emergency
Psychosocial first aid, trauma counseling, relief services
Response
Community Development Poverty alleviation, microfinance, peacebuilding
Empowering women, addressing GBV, promoting
Gender and Social Inclusion
diversity
4.0 Integration of Methods
In real-life practice, social workers often combine methods to enhance impact.
Example: A social worker supporting a family affected by domestic violence may use:
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• Casework (with the victim),
• Group work (with survivors),
• Community organization (to raise awareness),
• Research (to understand local trends), and
• Administration (to manage shelter services).
5.0 Summary
• The five key methods of social work are: casework, group work, community
organization, research, and administration.
• Each method plays a unique role in addressing personal, group, and societal issues.
• Social work methods are dynamic, context-driven, and interrelated.
• Understanding these methods is crucial for criminal justice professionals engaging
with individuals, families, and communities in need of psychosocial support.
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