SW Methods Handbook 2011

Department of Social Work & Social Care

BA (Hons) Social Work Level 2

Social Work MethodsSWK 204

2011-2012 Semester One

8th September to 24th November 2011Thursdays 2pm to 4.30pm

Gill ConstableModule Co-ordinator : [email protected] ext: 6354. Seminar Group: UH8

Sam Baeza: [email protected] ext: 6201. Seminar Group: UH1

David Gaylard: [email protected] ext: 6236. Seminar Group: UH7

mailto:[email protected]



This module is designed for students to work in seminar groups. Week one is a large group session, from week two onwards students will work in their designated small groups.

How to use this handbook

The handbook contains the following:

An overview of the content of the module A breakdown of the weekly sessions. A description of each session A note on preparatory work for each session – with specific study tasks where relevant Assessment details. Reading Guide.

The handbook is an important reference for you through until Christmas and during your preparations to complete the assignment. It will be particularly important to use the handbook as you prepare for each session. The description of each session usually includes a section entitled ‘preparatory work’. Your studies, and the learning experience of the whole group, will be greatly enhanced by ensuring that you prepare yourself to contribute to the sessions.

The section on assessment gives details of the assignment which you will be working on from week 8.

A note regarding reading

There is an extensive literature concerning social work methods. The aim of this module is for you to grasp and consider the main ideas that form the foundation of each method of approach to practice.

The indicative reading given here is a mixture of starting points and some specific readings that you must cover during the module.As with all modules and throughout your studies in higher education – the lists are a ‘route in’ to the subject areas. The key texts all contain extensive bibliographies and you can take your explorations further by following those up as well as by using the library.

Programme

Week 1

08.09.11

H144

Introduction to the module whole cohortSubject overview, definition of terms, approach to learning, study tasks. Week 2 allocation of methods to students – (Teater Chapter 1)

Week 2

15.09.11Further clarification of terms. Relationship of methods to theory, social work processes and skills. How to read this subject and relate it to practice.

Week 3

22.09.11

Empowerment and Advocacy / Strengths Perspective

(Teater Chapter 3 and 4)

Week 4

29.09.11Crisis Intervention and Task Centred Models (Teater, Chapter 11 and 12 )

Week 5

06.10.11

Cognitive- behavioural Theories ( Teater, Chapter 9 )

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Week 6

13.10.11Systems and Ecological Perspectives (Teater, chapter 2 )

Week 7

20.10.11Social Construction (Tester, Chapter 5)Person Centred approach (Teater, Chapter 7)

Week 8

27.10.11

Student directed study week

Week 9

03.11.11Solution Focused Work (Teater Chapter 10)

Week 10

10.11.11Feminist Perspectives (Teater – Chapter 6 )Motivational interviewing (Teater, Chapter 8)

Week 11

17.11.11Psychodynamic perspectives (Payne, 2005, Chapter 4)

Week 12

24.11.11

Social and Community development Radical to critical perspectives (Wilson et al. 2008: 61-72)

Assignment briefing

Introduction and Overview

Social work practice has evolved through the use of a variety of ‘theories’ and the methods of practice that follow. There is not any ‘one’ social work practice.

The way that social workers do their work is influenced by educational pathways, the organisations they work for, the range of issues that people (or users) present, by service user preferences and by social worker personal preferences and training.

The module takes a systematic look at the various strands of understanding that influence, and partly comprises the social work practice world.

This module is not a skills training course. It is not a ‘how to do it’ module. That is what you will start to do in the ‘Skills’ modules and in your practice placements. This module is complementary to your developing skills as it explores the ideas that underpin and guide social work methods.

You will be encountering a range of theories and ways of thinking that are not always easy to understand. Some theories and methods of practice require a considerable amount of learning and skilled application. You could not possibly become an expert in each of the approaches we will study within one semester.

However, what you will be doing is reading carefully and thinking really hard to grasp the key ideas and underlying assumptions that give rise to some of the main social work approaches.

Throughout the module you will ask yourself:

Do I understand what this theory and associated method of practice is saying?

Do I think it makes sense…… if so why? What evidence is there that this way of thinking and working actually works for service users?

If it does not make sense to me, can I say why? What is it about this idea that I think it is unreasonable?

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What are the approaches/theories/methods that are being used in my practice placement? How and what can I learn from my practice assessor/colleagues in the placement about methods of intervention? Why do they do what they do and what is the theory behind it?

The content of the module

As a starting point for all our discussions the module uses: Teater, B. (2010) An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods. Berkshire: OU Press and Howe, D. (2009) A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave

These books are ‘set texts’ and as such we strongly recommend that you buy it.It can remain a very useful reference point for your work beyond this module and in your future practice.

During this module you will explore:

Concepts of personal change

At the heart of social work is the concept of personal and/or social change.

This module makes an assumption that one of the central purposes of social work is to assist people through experiences with personal and/or social change. If it is true that dealing with ‘change’ is at the heart of social work then it is important that we understand how our actions as social workers can help or hinder people with their hopes, needs and difficulties.

Social work methods are underpinned by theories that either explicitly or implicitly include a view, belief, assumption or theory about how people change.

How robust are these concepts of personal change? Do they make sense to you?

Theories of, and approaches to, social work practice

A theory is an attempt to explain why and how something is as it is. Theories are often explanations based on a series of suppositions and hypotheses. So we need to understand these underlying suppositions and hypotheses in order to really understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of any particular approach, or method.

We will explore the contention that all social work actions can be traced back to hypotheses about the nature of human beings, how they change and why, and theories about what social work actions will work and why. You will hear it said that all social workers will be using some social work theory or another – even when they say they are not, or when they are having difficulty describing it!

You will hear some social workers say that they use a mixed bag of theory. They say they are ‘eclectic’* in their approach. Whatever approach is used, one of the marks of a good social worker is that they can explain to themselves and to others what they are doing and why they are doing it. Developing your understanding of theories about personal, social and political worlds should help you to do your social work in a self aware and purposeful manner, rather than in a procedural or habitual manner.

So when it goes wrong (and it sometimes does for all of us) you will be better equipped to think about why it has gone wrong (or right) and then learn and adapt for the future.

Arguments and debates about different methods of practice

The range of methods you will encounter are based on different theories about the world. Sometimes there are minor variations on a theme and sometimes there are fundamental thematic differences which can lead to very different consequences concerning practice.

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Theory and practice also have ethical dimensions. Each of the approaches that we explore raises ethical questions about practice and need to be examined in the light of professional values and ethics.

Social work practice is, therefore, contested ground. We will explore some of these disputes and arguments as the module unfolds.-----------------------------------------------* eclectic – drawing on a range of ideas and sources to inform your work.

Learning Approach

We will form into 3 seminar groups.

For each of the weeks we will all be reading specific chapters from the set text, which is Teater, B. (2010) Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods. Berkshire: OU Press

Additionally for weeks 3 through to 12 a pair of students will start the seminar by introducing to the rest of the group their findings in relation to the specific subject matter of that week, for which they will have done some additional reading. The description of the week gives ideas for reading and asks seminar ’leaders’ to take the group through their answers to specific questions.

Each seminar then continues with contributions from everyone in a discussion that aims to clarify and illuminate the theory/perspective/ method in question. This will be your chance to share and check your understandings and be sure you are getting hold of the ideas we encounter.

As the module progresses we will be able to make comparisons between perspectives and share ideas about the suitability and ethics of using each or any.

You will be practicing your ability to read carefully, critically and purposefully and you will also be practicing your powers of understanding some key ideas that inform social work practice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate:

Their understanding of the nature of evidence and knowledge based practice.

Familiarity with the principles and theories that underpin the practice of a range of methods of social work intervention.

Their understanding of the ethical and value base of these methods of intervention.

Guide to reading and study in this module

There are some key texts associated with this module. These are shown below under the heading ‘key reading’. Essential texts are given a *

You should ensure that you begin your reading as early as possible.

In addition you will be using some specific readings in preparation for specific weeks. It is important that you plan ahead of each week and ensure that you have sufficient time to do the preparatory reading. This is because we will base our learning on your findings and you will be maximising the benefit of the module for yourself and other students when you read between sessions.

The key texts will give you a ‘way in’ to an extensive literature on each topic, where you can pursue your studies and look at particular issues in more depth.

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Key Reading – SET TEXT

*Teater, B. (2010) An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods. Berkshire: OU Press .

You cannot effectively complete this module without reading this book.

We strongly recommend that you buy it.

We also strongly recommend that you buy

Howe, D. (2009) A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave

General Bibliography

Books

Adams, R. (2008) Empowerment, Participation and Social Work (4th Ed) Basingstoke: Palgrave

Adams, R. Dominelli, L.& Payne, M. (2002) Critical Practice in Social Work. Basingstoke: Palgrave

Coulshed, V & Orme, J. (1998) Social Work Practice: an Introduction (3rd Ed) Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Davies, M.(ed) (2002) The Blackwell Companion to Social Work. (2nd Ed.) Oxford: Blackwell

Ferguson, I. and Woodward, R. (2009) Radical Social Work in Practice; making a difference. London: Policy Press

Horner, N. (2003) What is Social Work? Context and Perspectives. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Howe, D. (2009) A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave

Lishman, J. (ed) (2007) Handbook for Practice Learning Text in Social Work and Social Care (2nd Ed). London: Jessica Kingsley Press

Lindsey, T. (2009) Social Work Interventions. Exeter: Learning Matters

Mantell, A. (Ed) (2009) Social Work Skills with Adults. Exeter: Learning Matters

Mathews, I. (2009) Social Work and Spirituality. Exeter: Learning Matters

Milner, J & O’Byrne, P. (1998) Assessment in Social Work. Basingstoke: MacMillan

Parton, N. & O’Byrne, P. (2000) Constructive Social Work: Towards a New Practice. Basingstoke: MacMillan.

Payne, M. (2005) Modern Social Work Theory (3rd Ed) Basingstoke Palgrave Macmillan.

Stepney, P. & Ford, D. (Eds) (2000) Social Work Models, Methods and Theories. A framework for practice. Dorset: Russell House Publishing

Thompson, J., Kilbane, J. & Sanderson, H. (eds) (2008) Person Centred Practice for Professionals. Berkshire: Open University Press

Trevithick, P. (2005) Social Work Skills. Maidenhead: Open University Press

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Wilson, K., Ruch, G., Lymbery, M., & Cooper, A. (2008). Social Work: An Introduction to Contemporary Practice. Essex: Pearson

Notes on the books

Payne is an excellent and very thorough text. The style of writing suits some and not others.

The Stepney and Ford is a very good book, which covers most of the areas under study and is written in a very accessible style. However, some areas are not covered in enough depth and it is a little dated.

The David Howe book is a very good introduction to the subject matter, but it suffers from not giving enough references, although it has a very good bibliography for further reading

Coulshed / Orme is a good introductory text.

Trevithick is particularly good in the opening chapter (as are earlier editions of the same text) and Appendices 1-10 give helpful summaries of most of the approaches we are following in this module. You must read more broadly than the summaries in order to get a greater understanding of the ideas under discussion.

Journals

From amongst the many journals available browse and search:

British Journal of Social Work

Practice

More specialist journals can be found for the social work approaches you want to explore in more depth.

Websites

Stick with reputable sites. The best starting point is Social Care Online at:

http://www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/

Please note:

These references are a starting point for general reading. All of them provide a pathway in to further reading on any chosen subject. You will want to select further reading through your own exploration of the library stock and other learning resources.

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Week 108.09.11

Introduction to the module Subject overview, definition of terms, approach to

learning, study tasks.

Intended Learning Outcome

By the end of the session students will:

Understand the subject and purpose of the module. Explored and learnt about the structure of the module handbook and the learning approach. Understand the seminar approach that will be followed throughout the module. Know their learning tasks and seminar responsibilities. Have established which week they will have an additional focus to their learning.

Session Outline

A general introduction to the module, module handbook and assignment.

Defining some of the terms used during the module and set a context for thinking about social work theories, approaches and methods.

Establish the seminar groups and individual tasks for the coming weeks. Provide reading and associated questions for week 2.

Week 215.09.11

Further clarification of terms. Relationship of methods to theory, social work

processes and skills. How to read this subject and relate it to practice.

Intended Learning Outcome

By the end of the session students will:

Have clarified and begun to understand the key terms associated with social work theories, methods and approaches. Have seen how the subjects of this course have historical, geographical and organisational

contexts. There is no ‘one’ version of how to practice social work. Understand the differences between social work ‘process’ – as defined by organisational

procedures and ‘social work methods’ as informed by theory, practice and research.

Seminar Outline

The session will begin with discussions based on student findings from the preparatory reading.

Clarification of terms. We will unravel definitions and some of the complexity associated with key terms.

Preparatory work for this session

This involves reading the three chapters from Teater (i.e. Chapter 1,3,4).

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Week 322.09.11

Empowerment and Advocacy/ Strengths perspective

Intended Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session students should have:

Grasped the key underpinning ideas of this perspective and associated way of working.

Contributed to the learning of others through their effective participation in the seminar

Preparation For The Session:

All: Read Chapters 3 and 4 of the set text (Teater ,2010) Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.

Tasks for seminar ‘leaders’:

Read chapter 3 and 4 of Teater (2010)Follow up reading in areas of interest that help you find answers to the questions below.

Start the seminar off by presenting the group with the following:

1. Your summary of the key ideas that comprise this perspective2. Your answers to the key questions set out below.3. Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social

workers.

QUESTIONS to think about as you read. Try to answer:

What concept and/or model of human functioning underpin this perspective? Do you agree with the ideas expressed?

What are the underlying assumptions in this perspective about how people change? What are the professed outcomes of the successful application of this approach? Is there a staged ‘process’ through which the ideas are applied in practice? If so - tell us what that process is. What evidence is there that taking this perspective or working in this way actually works?

Recommended Reading

Goble, C. (2009) Skills for empowerment, participation and advocacy, in A. Mantel (ed) Social Work Skills with Adults. Exeter: Learning Matters, chapter 3

Adams, R. (2008) Empowerment, Participation and Social Work (4th ed) Basingstoke. Palgrave

Week 430.09.10

Crisis Intervention and Task centred models

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Grasped the key underpinning ideas of this perspective and associated way of working.Contributed to the learning of others through their effective participation in the seminar


All: Read Chapter 11 and 12 of the set text Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions you have to the seminar Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.


Read Teater (2010) Chapters 11 and 12Follow up reading in areas of interest that help you find answers to the questions below.


1.Your summary of the key ideas that comprise these perspectives2.Your answers to the key questions set out below.3. Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social workers


What concept and/or model of human functioning underpin these perspectives? Do you agree with the ideas expressed?

What are the underlying assumptions in these perspectives about how people change? What are the professed outcomes of the successful application of these approaches? Is there a staged ‘process’ through which the ideas are applied in practice? If so - tell us what that process is. What evidence is there that taking this perspective or working in this way actually works?

Recommended Reading

Howe, D. (2009) A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave, Chapter 10

Stepney, P. & Ford, D. (Eds) (2000) Social Work Models, Methods and Theories. A framework for practice. Dorset: Russell House Publishing, Chapter 6

Week 507.10.10

Cognitive-behavioural theories

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All: Read Chapter 9 of the set text Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions you have to the seminar Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.


Teater (2010) chapter 9 Follow up reading in areas of interest that help you find answers to the questions below.


1.Your summary of the key ideas that comprise this perspective.2.Your answers to the key questions set out below.3.Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social workers.




Recommended Reading



Week 614.10.10

Systems and ecological perspectives

Intended Learning Outcomes:11


Grasped the key underpinning ideas of this perspective and associated way of working. Contributed to the learning of others through their effective participation in the seminar.


All: Read Chapter 2 of the set text Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions you have to the seminar Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.


Teater (2010) Chapter 2 Follow up reading in areas of interest that help you find answers to the questions below.


1.Your summary of the key ideas that comprise this perspective.2.Your answers to the key questions set out below.3.Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social workers.




Recommended Reading



Week 721.10.10

Social Construction

Intended Learning Outcomes:12




All:Read Chapter 5 of set text. Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions you have to the seminar. Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.


Read: Milner, J & O’Byrne, P. (1998) Assessment in Social Work. Basingstoke: MacMillan

And

Parton, N. & O’Byrne, P. (2000) Constructive Social Work: Towards a New Practice. Basingstoke: MacMillan, Chapter 1

Follow up reading in areas of interest that help you find answers to the questions below.


1.Your summary of the key ideas that comprise these perspectives.2.Your answers to the key questions set out below.3.Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social workers.


What concept and/or model of human functioning underpin these perspectives? Do you agree with the ideas expressed?

What are the underlying assumptions in these perspectives about how people change? What are the professed outcomes of the successful application of this approach? Is there a staged ‘process’ through which the ideas are applied in practice? If so - tell us what that process is. What evidence is there that taking this perspective or working in this way actually works?

Recommended Reading

Stepney, P. & Ford, D. (Eds) (2000) Social Work Models, Methods and Theories. A framework for practice. Dorset: Russell House Publishing, Chapter 12 (Humanism)

Mathews, I. (2009) Social Work and Spirituality. Exeter: Learning Matters

Parton, N. & O’Byrne, P. (2000) Constructive Social Work: Towards a New Practice. Basingstoke: MacMillan, Chapter 1

Week 827.10.11

Student directed study week

Continue to read for the last part of the module and give some specific thought to the perspectives you have explored so far.

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How am I going to relate this to practice in my placement?

Are there any perspectives and methods that I want to discuss with my practice assessor or my line manager in the placement?

Can colleagues in the workplace help with particular approaches to practice?

What expertise is there in the organisation I am placed with?

As I think about taking on work with service users, are there going to be particular social work perspectives or methods that will help me in my practice?

Answers to these questions will begin to help you think about, and eventually decide what the subject area for your assignment might be.

Week 903.11.11

Solution Focused Work




Preparation for the session:

All: Read Teater Chapter 10

Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions you have to the seminar Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.


Read Teater Chapter 10

Read Milner, J & O’Byrne, P. (1998) Assessment in Social Work. Basingstoke: MacMillan, Chapter 9



1. Your summary of the key ideas that comprise these perspectives

2. Your answers to the key questions set out below.3. Your understanding of when and where these perspectives might be used by social

workers.

QUESTIONS to think about as you read. Try to answer:14



Recommended Reading


Week 1010.11.11

Feminist perspectives Motivational interviewing





All: Read Chapter 6 of Teater (2010) for feminist perspectivesRead Chapter 8 of Teater (2010) for motivational interviewing


Tasks for seminar ‘leaders’:As above



1. Your summary of the key ideas that comprise this perspective2. Your answers to the key questions set out below.3. Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social

workers.




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Week 11 17.11.11

Psychodynamic Perspectives





All: Read chapter 4 of Payne (2005)



Read chapter 4 of Payne (2005)Read chapter 5 in Stepney and Ford (2000)



1. Your summary of the key ideas that comprise this perspective2. Your answers to the key questions set out below.3. Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social workers.




Recommended Reading

Lindsey, T. (2009) Social Work Interventions. Exeter. Learning Matters

Week 1224.11.11

Social and Community development Radical to Critical Perspectives Assignment briefing


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Grasped the key underpinning ideas of this perspective and associated way of working.Contributed to the learning of others through their effective participation in the seminarUnderstanding of the requirements of the assignment


All: Read Chapter 11 of (Payne, 2005) Follow up reading in areas of interest. Prepare your own thoughts and notes in answer to the questions set out below Bring your views, questions and any uncertainties or confusions you have to the seminar Be prepared to contribute your thoughts to the seminar.


Read: Chapter 10 of Payne (2005) and chapter 11 of Stepney and Ford (2000) for Social and Community development

Read: Chapter 11 Payne (2005)

Read: Wilson, K., Ruch, G., Lymbery, M., & Cooper, A. (2008). Social Work: An Introduction to Contemporary Practice. Essex: Pearson (pp. 61-72 Radical to Critical Perspective) Follow up reading in areas of interest that help you find answers to the questions below.


1.Your summary of the key ideas that comprise these perspectives2.Your answers to the key questions set out below.3.Your understanding of when and where this perspective might be used by social workers.




Recommended ReadingFerguson, I. and Woodward, R. (2009) Radical Social Work in Practice: Making a Difference. London: Policy Press

Social Work Methods - Assessment

Formative EvaluationAll students will be required to contribute to the module through inter-session reading and thinking tasks. You are also required to present your ideas to small discussion groups and the group as a whole.

Formative assessment will be provided by verbal ‘tutor feedback’ regarding students’ lead seminar sessions – after the session.

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Summative Assessment

The module will be assessed by the analysis of a piece of work carried out in practice. (3,500 words)

Title: Social Work Methods – A Practice based Study.

Submission date: Friday 2nd March 2012

The task in your practice setting:

You choose a method of intervention that is relevant and acceptable to your practice placement setting.

You plan for and apply the chosen method of intervention to your work with a service user. The service user can be an individual, a group, a family or a neighbourhood or community.

Writing up of the study for this assignment

The study must cover the following:

1. The reasons why you have chosen the particular method of intervention. This section of the assignment will include your judgements based on:

the kind of interventions that are acceptable and appropriate to your placement setting.

An initial critical appraisal of why you think your chosen method is suitable for the service user(s) in question. You should also explain which other methods were considered and why they have not been selected.

2. A description of the method of intervention you are using.

This section must show that you understand your chosen approach and also describe what you and the service user(s) are setting out to achieve by using it.

3. A description of how you have prepared to use the method of intervention.

This section of the assignment will include how you planned to do the work and why. What are your reasons for what you planned to do? If, at the end of your intervention, it is successful how will you know?

4. A description of what has happened in the course of this work and what you have learnt from it.

In this section you will critically analyse the method of intervention and your practical application of it.

You will want to answer these questions in writing up your thoughts:

Did I choose a suitable method? Have I applied the method well? ( What did you do well and what not so well) Has it worked for the service user so far? Include user feedback. What would I do differently next time and why? What have I learnt about this particular method of working?

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Assessment Criteria

The general descriptions of the characteristics of work in different assessment bandings are the normal university standard (see below).

In addition we will mark this work to the following criteria

The writer shows that they understand the theory and purpose of their chosen method of social work.

The method is appropriate to the user and acceptable to the practice setting

The writer analyses the use of the method in practice.

The assignment makes use of appropriate reading and references these sources accurately. Please note that it is expected that your work will have at least 4 journal references

Gill ConstableSam BaezaDavid GaylardSeptember 2011

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SW Methods Handbook 2011

Documents

Transcript of SW Methods Handbook 2011