Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 26
The Role of Social Work in Modern Social Care Models
independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”
Taking these ideals into the modern models of care, what then is the role of
social work in contributing to achieving these ideals?
It should perhaps begin with supporting moves out of acute care into the
community with agencies supporting the interests of service users. Modern
social work is about promoting choice and control, supporting people to live
independently as active citizens in their communities. In this light, the social
workers’ responsibility for assessment and care management is critical.
Effective Assessment
We must appreciate that assessment is only the start of a new phase for
a service user and social workers will often need to be involved at various
stages of the journey if life chances are to be maximised. Effective assessment
requires highly skilled assessors, otherwise there is a danger of decisions
being made that result in a poor care plan.
Service users often do not come with sets of readily identifiable needs, but
require those needs to be teased out, interpreted and met creatively with the
social assets of the family and local communities. In particular, older people
(who form the majority of the social care assessment population) do not always
present their needs accurately on first or subsequent contacts. Therefore, we
should not underestimate the range, depth and analysis provided by social
work assessments and interventions.
Time is needed for effective assessment to be carried out but time is often not
on the side of social workers or care coordinators. Training, good knowledge
of resources and relationship building are crucial for the work to be done. The
approach that is required is one that uses the skills of relationship-building and
reflecting. This is especially relevant in complex situations, particularly where
there are issues of loss or identity, to look below the surface of presenting
needs and understand more about what is going on. It is about dealing
with the underlying human condition and not just about buying services to
alleviate social distress.
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