Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Página 49

Social Work and First Principles

Dear Students of Social Work,
You may have been asked what social work aims to do that requires years of
training when what a social worker does appears to be common sense or is
often misunderstood as what volunteers and do-gooders can do. What then
sets social workers apart is derived from their education and training.

First principles
A good start to talking about what social workers do could be the principles
of wellbeing and prevention and the recognition that an individual, his/ her
family, and/ or carer must be enabled to make good decisions regarding their
own care or their roles as parents and guardians. In practising social work,
we are always mindful of cultural sensitivity and the respect of human beings.
As much as possible, individuals should have a choice about their decisions
and manage their own affairs and care. Social workers therefore have a role
in safeguarding people’s rights or civil liberty and in building relationships
to support and empower children, adults and families to make important
choices about the direction of their lives.
When we discuss the application of these principles in working with
individuals or families who need help, the significance of the training shows
up immediately as the dilemmas require creative problem solving, balancing
ambivalence and ambiguity in the midst of action; and balancing between
the individual’s well being and that of any relatives involved in their care. A
common decision that a social worker has to make is about protecting people
from abuse and neglect and exercising individual choice.
As a profession, social work is very values driven in its practice. A social
worker’s primary duty is to use his/ her knowledge, skills and expertise, and
best efforts, for the benefit of people requiring his/ her services. Social work
is about building a relationship of trust and confidence. Social workers are
trained to view the individual in the context of his family and community, and
to draw on evidence and insights from a wide range of social, psychological,
economic, legal, health and justice disciplines as well as social work and social
care research for their interventions.

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