Social Work Roles Of Macro Practice

For this paper, I have decided to research two social work theories and how those theories apply to residents in long term care facilities. The primary focus will be those residents who are alert, oriented, and showing minimal symptoms of dementia.

“Macro practice is the term used in the USA for an aspect of social work that focuses on building new organizations and influencing existing social institutions for the benefit of people who are excluded from, or neglected by, powerful interests in society” (Payne, 2014, p.217). Social worker in the macro practice level advocate for policy changes, by arguing for changes in community services. Social worker practicing within the macro level are servicing clients from many different cultures. A social worker must be culturally competent and willing to refrain from personal bias. The United States population is growing at an exceptional rate and is becoming one big melting point. It is projected that the Hispanic/Latino population is the fastest

Gamble, D. N., & Soska, T. M. (2013). Macro Practice Competenicies. Encyclopedia of Social Work Online. doi:10.1093

Social work agencies strive to provide access to services that promote well-being for those most in need in society. Different agencies may vary in regard to their specific purposes, missions, or foundations. Two agencies that provide assistance in diverse ways to individuals in need are the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and The Mayhill Hospital. The following discussion will explore comparisons and contrasts between these agencies with regard to their focuses, interventions, and roles.

Needs assessments are essential to both micro and macro social work practice, and the ability to understand this process will enhance our effectiveness as social workers in many areas. A needs assessment allows an individual or group to gain an understanding of the specific needs of consumers and the communities in which they reside. These assessments identify opportunities for further research, improvements for current services, as well as strengths that are already present. This process will also allow us to gain a practical understanding of the work involved when completing a needs assessment. Furthermore, this project will present opportunities for exploring an area of social work in which we all have no experience. This knowledge

One of the most useful models for social workers to implement is the generalist model. Since the goal of social work is to work with individuals and assist them in solving their problems, the generalist model seeks to create three levels of practice to better aide the individuals in direct practice service (Farley, Smith, & Boyle, 2011). These three levels are the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The micro level refers to the systems that directly impact a single individual, whereas the mezzo level refers to the small groups (such as marriages and families) that impact the individual. Furthermore, the macro level refers to the large systems, such as cultures and large organizations, which can influence the person. With the establishment of the generalist model, the social worker can better aide the client and work directly with him to help him solve any problems or concerns he may have, and this model has become the most common operational model in social work, though it does have both advantages and disadvantages.

I will then list areas I have identified as my own personal weak points for further development.

Social justice and social services have always played a vital role in my life. From leading canned food and toy drives in middle school to volunteering in school settings and soup kitchens, I am dedicated in assisting others to meet their goals and removing obstacles that may present as a disability or create discrimination. Through the experiences of engaging with individuals from different populations, I have realized the importance of working on a macro-level of social services. An individual’s presenting problem often develops from a systemic issue. From a social work perspective, disabilities are a result from society’s understanding of a person’s impairment or level of functioning. Adults with developmental delays have atypical experiences due to their interaction or lack thereof with their environment. Institutionalized discrimination or negative myths can prevent not only the person or consumer from achieving their goals, but large groups that are similarly labeled may face the same issue.

There are various differences between micro, mezzo and macro levels of practice. The micro level consists of a one on one session with the social worker to strengthen the client’s coping skills and self-esteem. The micro is based on an individual level referring to the day-to-day setting inhabited by the person and people they live with. It focuses on the individual or family. Examples include finding housing for the individual, healthcare or substance abuse help. It expands as the person grows. An example would be drawing a diagram with the individual or family being the focus and everything outside of that circle would be affecting the family or individual in several ways. The focus is on the micro level because it pertains to either the individual or the family.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national association of educational programs and individuals that confirms and improves the quality of social work education to become a professional job. CSWE puts in a countless amount of effort to strive for this mission by setting up a bachelor's and master’s degree programs in social work. On the other hand, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with approximately 132,000 members. To be more specific, NASW has a determination to intensify the maturity and developmental process of its members. The main goal is to retain professional standards and to create fair social policies. NASW progresses

Typically after graduating with bachelors in social work, students will practice in a micro setting. Micro setting work for social work can consist of department of social services, health department, caseworker, correctional facility, or in a school. However, within these micro level work agencies a macro change can be made in the community. A social worker can weave in macro practice in a micro practice setting through ethical principles that outline advocating for the vulnerable, creating a healthy environment, and problem solving.

In looking at the historical development of social work, I think it is fair to say that the profession started with a focus on micro-level practice. For some time a variety of different people groups such as women and African-Americans were oppressed and discriminated against. “The effects of discrimination, ideological shifts, and economic and technological changes created social pressures, and the first organized efforts to respond to these pressures formed the basis for the creation of social work” (Netting, Kettner, McMurtry, & Thomas, 2012, p. 39).

The two key elements in successful practice are the social workers ability to guide clients through the phases of the change process and assist clients in making decisions that will result in enhancement of their social functioning or the improvement of a social condition (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 52). Social workers select and use specific techniques that have been individualized to the needs and situation of the client or client group being served, and the resources that are applied to help resolve the client’s problem or concern (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 51).

These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective: services, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.” (p. 1) In addition to; being in the social work profession you will work with three general practice skills, which are Micro skills, Mezzo skills and Macro skills. According to Ashman &

A social worker requires knowledge in HBSE to handle practical issues in the community as he/she interacts with people. One needs to be adequately informed, practical and active while responding to contexts in the community that are constantly evolving, society and organizational settings. It is essential to learn, assess and meet the needs of the changing populations, science and technological advancement in the society to provide the essential services. While practicing HSBE, one should provide leadership with regards to the provision of quality service delivery and practice and also promote changes that are sustainable. An example is when I was in the field, and we had to develop a policy/program that would help organizations dealing with the elderly cut costs while still providing a good quality life for the elderly. This required the engagement of the affected parties, i.e., the elderly, their families and friends, and social workers working with them. This engagement was at a macro level where we came up with ideas involving the engagement of the elderly in doing various jobs or tasks as their capabilities allow. This included mainly volunteering, care, artistic or consultation services to help the elderly with no other sources of income earn a small income. We engaged the organizations and institutions management at the macro level to help in designing a way that the program will be effected, ensuring the participants have the necessary resources and support as