SW 101

Social Work
as a Profession
Instructor:
Ms. Jamilah D. Pamugas

Reporter #6:
Jenelyn Mae G. Gaid
Esah Rose H. Amancio
OUTLINE

Topic: Social Work as a Profession

A.Distinguising Characteristics
B. Professional Image
OBJECTIVES
• Determine the characteristics and professional
images of a Social Work as a Profession
Distinguishing Characteristics
Every social worker is taught right from the very start that the most unique or distinguishing
characteristic of social work is its focus on social relationships and the interaction between man
and his environment. They are as follows:

1. The focus of social work is the wholeness or totality of the person: himself, his
behavior, his environment. This configuration is known as the “person-in-situation”
2. Social work places importance on the family as a major factor in molding and
influencing behavior. Hence the use of such approaches as “family based”, “family
centered”, and/or “total family” when intervening in a problem.
3. The social worker utilizes community resources in helping people. Where
these are nonexistent he creates, taps and/or mobilizes resources.
4. The aim in providing assistance is to enable the person to help himself to the
degree that it is possible. As a general rule social workers do not do things for the
client; they work with the client
5. The social worker intervenes between the client and his problem. The three primary
methods of social work intervention are case work, group work and community work/
community organization. The helping process is generic in all three methods
6. The “social” in social work emphasizes stress or social interaction and the
resultant effect of social functioning & dysfunctioning.
7. The social work process is based on a client-worker helping relationship.

8. Social work places considerable emphasis on understanding people and therefore

is oriented to relevant or pertinent psychiatric concepts.
9. Supervision is extensively used in order to guide and direct the work of
inexperienced direct service workers and the continuing growth of the experienced.

10. Social work has a unique professional educational programs based

on a liberal arts course. Fieldwork is undertaken in selected social
agencies where agency supervisors teach the students how to deliver a
service in the course of learning the helping process. The school
supervisor overseas the student’s integration of theory and practice
 The Professional Image
- In 1915, Dr. Abraham Flexner attempted to answer the question “Is Social
Work a Profession?” during a national conference of charities and
corrections. He listed down some characteristics which he felt a true
profession should posses. He explained that a profession:
1) must involve essential intellectual aspirations
accompanied by large individual responsibility;

2) is learned in nature and its members are

constantly resorting to the laboratory and seminars
for a fresh supply of facts;

3) is not merely academic and theoretical but is

definitely practical in its aims;
4) possesses a technique capable of
communication through highly specialized
educational discipline;

5) is self-organized with activities, duties and

responsibilities which completely engage its
members and develop group consciousness; and

6) is likely to be more responsive to public interest

that are unorganized and isolated individuals and its
members tend to become increasingly concerned with
the achievement of social work
 Thanks!!!

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