Lesson 7:

The Discipline of Social

Work
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
 Define social work.
 Describe the goals and scope of
social work.
 Discuss the principles of social
work.
 Explain the core values of social
work.
What is Social Work?
What is Social Work?
The social work profession
promotes social change, problem
solving in human relationships
and the empowerment and
liberation of people to enhance
well-being.
Goals and Scope of Social Work
 Empower people, individually and collectively, to
utilize their own problem-solving and coping
capabilities more effectively.
 Support a proactive position with regard to social
and economic policy development to prevent
problems for individuals and society from occurring.
 Uphold the integrity of the profession in all aspects of
social work practice.
 Promote social justice and equality of all people with
regard to full participation in society.
Goals and Scope of Social Work
 Contribute to the development of knowledge for
social work profession through research and
evaluation.
 Enhance communication through an appreciation of
diversity and through ethically sensitive, non-exist
social work practice.
 Employ educational strategies for the prevention and
resolution of problems.
 Embrace a world view of human issues and solutions
to the problems.
 Principles of Social Work
O Principles Relative to Respect for
Human Rights

o Upholding and promoting human dignity and well-

being.
o Respecting the right to self-determination.
o Promoting the right to participation.
o Creating each person as a whole.
o Identifying and developing strengths.
 Principles of Social Work
O Principles Relative to Social Justice

o Challenging discrimination
o Recognizing diversity
o Distributing resources
o Challenging unjust policies and practices
o Working in solidarity
 Principles of Social Work
O Principles Relative to Professional
Integrity

o Upholding the values and reputation of the

profession
o Being trustworthy
o Maintaining professional boundaries
o Making considered professional judgments
o Being professionally accountable
 Core Values of Social Work
O Service
O Social justice
O Dignity and worth of the person
O Importance of human relationships
O Integrity
O Competence