Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Page 119

Practice Issues
social workers must earn the trust of others so that they are seen as
presenting facts and information to others in an honest, straightforward
manner; acknowledging a variety of perspectives, and pointing out
the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options available.
Influence in the policy process is gained through the relationships that
are developed.
c) Communication skills enable social workers to establish and maintain
relationships with individuals and families. Social workers learn to
“start where the client is” with active listening in order to understand
the world from the individual’s perspective. Likewise in policy practice,
communication skills such as being able to articulate convincingly and
objectively and making a case eloquently, are important when proposing
an amendment to a rule, a law or a policy. Social workers can also use
writing skill s to prepare reports on issues, talking points for networks,
and policy briefs to distribute to policy makers.
d) Problem solving and negotiating skills are essential in direct practice with
individuals and families when working to generate alternative options
for new directions and new actions. Social workers in family work are
often facilitating each party to develop solutions that will result in a winwin situation for everyone. Similarly, in policy work, there will always be
trade-offs from any choice of a solution. Active negotiation, deliberation,
and creating an openness to discuss the trade-offs can enable conviction
and commitment to policy implementation later on. Often, the long term
goal may have to wait, and a more palatable or fiscally practical solution
and interim measure may be implemented. What is important is that
policy makers, practitioners and stakeholders find ways to negotiate and
find common ground to pursue the long term goal.

Social change
Many in the social sector want to see lives improve. Others outside the
social sector including housing, health, education and environment also
play significant roles in improving lives. But what is the space that social
work and social policy interact most to create social change? It may lie
in the never-a-sweet spot where social workers, social service practitioners
and clients share their challenges, advocate for policy change and service
deliveries that keep pace with the complexities that often work against the
efforts of individuals, families and communities that seek improvements.
It takes time, discipline and commitment to influence change. The earlier
we appreciate this and persevere on our goals in the common ground, the
more purposeful we might be.
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