Social Work

Vocabulary

The following vocabulary list is courtesy of the University of Georgia School of Social Work

Terms F-V

Fields of Practice

Definition: The diverse range of social work practice settings of the profession, including, but not limited to, mental health, healthcare, school social work, gerontology, international/global social work, occupational social work, child and family services, and criminal justice.
References: Barker, R.L. (1999). The social work dictionary (4th ed.) Washington, DC: NASW Press. Hopps, J.G., & Pinderhuges, E.B. (1987). Profession of social work: Contemporary characteristics. In A. Minahan (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of social work (18th ed., Vol. II, pp. 351-366). Silver Spring, MD: National Association of Social Workers. Raymond, G.T. (1996). Is “field of practice” a relevant organizing principle for the MSW curriculum? Journal of Social Work Education, 32(1), 19-30.
Identifying Terms: Where we practice with our clients; area of expertise; social work occupations; social work practice domains.

Generalist Practice

Definition: The ability to assess issues of practice from a broad perspective, and to exercise the necessary skills and knowledge to intervene at multiple levels, and in a range of situations. Generalist problem solving-approach consists of the following steps: interaction and engagement, assessment, planning, implementation of direct and indirect practice actions, evaluation, and termination.
References: Johnson, L.C., & Yanca, S. J. (2006). Social work practice: A generalist approach (9th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Kirst-Ashman, K.K., & Hull, G.H. (2002). Understanding generalist practice (3rd ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning. Sheafor, B.W., & Landon, P.S. (1987). International social work education. In A. Minahan (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of social work (18th ed.,Vol.I, pp. 660-669). Silver Spring, MD: National Association of Social Workers.
Identifying Terms: Generic foundation; versatility of practice; multimethod worker; utility worker.

Globalization

Definition: The increasing interaction and interdependence of countries in international economic, technological, and cultural realms, leading to shifts in social policy, social justice, and power distribution, often to the detriment of vulnerable and oppressed populations.
References: Findlay, M, & McCormack, J. (2005). Globalisation and social work: A snapshot of Australian practitioners’ views. Australian Social Work, 58(3), 231-243. Lyons, K. (2006). Globalization and social work: International and local implications. British Journal of Social Work, 36(3), 365-380. Polack, R.J. (2004). Social justice and the global economy: New challenges for social work in the 21st century. Social Work, 49(2), 281-290. Rowe, W. (2000). Social work and globalization (Special Issue) July, Volume 2. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Identifying Terms: Global economy; debt crisis; interdependent nations; trans-national organizations; ‘the Global village’; human intervention to enhance well-being; international economic and social development; human rights.

IASSW Mission Statement

Definition: "Stated purpose of the International Association of Schools of Social Work; promotes excellence in social work education, research, and scholarship, the creation and maintenance of a dynamic community of social work programs, the support and facilitation of participation in mutual exchanges of information and expertise, and the representation of social work education at the international level in the continued pursuit of social justice and social development."
References: IASSW official website. About IASSW: Mission. Retrieved March 24, 2007, from IASSW. Kendall, K.A. (1987). International social work education. In A. Minahan (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of social work (18th ed.,Vol.I, pp. 987-996). Silver Spring, MD: National Association of Social Workers.
Identifying Terms: International promotion of social work education; international consensus of social work education and values; globalization; global social work practice.

Indirect Practice

Definition: Areas of social work practice, mainly, administration, supervision, research, evaluation, policy development, planning, community development, consulting, and education that do not necessarily involve immediate or personal contact with clients, but facilitate client change, often at the meso and macro level.
References: Barker, R.L. (1999). The social work dictionary (4th ed.) Washington, DC: NASW Press. Brueggemann, W. G. (2005). The practice of macro social work. (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Feit, M.D. (2003). Toward a definition of social work practice: Re-framing the dichotomy. Research on Social Work Practice, 13(3), 357-365. Netting, F. E., Kettner, P. M., & McMurtry, S. L. (2003). Social work macro practice. (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Identifying Terms: Macro social work practice; mezzo social work practice; policy advocacy; community organizations; community development; community planning; focusing on systems of change; organizational development.

Individuation

Definition: The process of identity formation whereby a person differentiates from others in order to develop an autonomous and unique self.
References: Barth, F.D. (2003). Separate but not alone: Separation-individuation issues in college students with eating disorders. Clinical Social Work Journal, 31(2), 139-153. Moody, H.R. (2005). Dreams for the second half of life. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 45(3), 271-292.
Identifying Terms: Self-actualization; ego integrity; differentiation; separation-individuation process; development of independent identity; individualized assessment and intervention.

Definition: A guideline of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) when conducting research involving human subjects. Obtaining informed consent is a process that involves the researcher explaining the research project to the subject(s), answering any relevant questions, and debriefing after completion of the study, if necessary.
References: National Association of Social Workers. (1999). Code of Ethics. Washington, DC: Author. Palmer, N. & Kaufman, M. (2003). The ethics of informed consent: Implications for multicultural practice. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 12(1), 1-26. Pollack, D. (2004). Getting informed consent—more than just a signature. Policy & Practice of Public Human Services, 62(2), 28-28. Zayas, L. H., Cabassa, L. J., & Perez, M. C. (2005). Capacity-to-consent in psychiatric research: Development and preliminary testing of a screening tool. Research on Social Work Practice, 15(6), 545-556.
Identifying Terms: A signed form used to gain permission for research participation; a voluntary action; ethical responsibility of social workers; "a continual communication process"; written consent; verbal consent; parental consent.

Leadership

Definition: Leadership involves a set of personal attributes, skill competencies, and leadership intuition. The five core attributes that define leadership include: a) vision, b) influencing others to act, c) teamwork/collaboration, d) problem-solving capacity, and e) creating positive change.
References: Brilliant, E. (1986). Social work leadership: A missing ingredient? Social Work, 31(5), 325-331. Gellis, Z. D. (2001). Social work perceptions of transformational and transactional leadership in health care. Social Work Research, 25(1), 17-25. Holosko, M. J. (in press). Social work leadership: Identifying core attributes. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Rank, M. G., & Hutchison, W. S. (2000). An analysis of leadership within the social work profession. Journal of Social Work Education, 36(3), 487-202. Wimpfheimer, S. (2004). Leadership and management competencies defined by practice social work managers: An overview of standards developed by the National Network for Social Work Managers. Administration in Social Work, 28(1), 45-56.
Identifying Terms: Leadership development; leadership skills; social work management; leadership curriculum; vision; empowerment; role modeling; decisiveness; charisma; empowering; using power and authority judiciously; communication; collaboration; coordination; leadership attributes.

Mentorship

Definition: The learning relationship between a student and an expert in a specific role or domain in which direction, support, and guidance is provided for the purpose of increasing knowledge and experience in particular areas of interest.
References: Collins, P.M. (1994). Does mentorship among social workers make a difference? An empirical investigation of career outcomes. Social Work, 39(4), 413-419. Wilson, P.P., Valentine, D., & Pereira, A. (2002). Perceptions of new social work faculty about mentoring experiences. Journal of Social Work Education, 38(2), 317-333.
Identifying Terms: Symbiotic partnership; supervision; sponsorship; professional socialization; acquisition of new knowledge and growth within an organizational structure; interpersonal helping relationship; andragogy.

Perspective (clinical)

Definition: Perspective means to have a clinical take on situations, problems, and individuals.
References: Balgopal, P. R. (1989). Occupational Social Work: An expanded clinical perspective. Social Work, 34(5), 437-442. Deal, K. H. (2007). When the bubble bursts: Clinical perspectives on midlife issues. Psychoanalytic Social Work, 14(1), 101-104. Hardy-Bougere, M. (2008). Cultural variations of grief and bereavement: A clinical perspective. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 15(2), 66-69. Meyer, W. S. (2001). Why they don’t come back: A clinical perspective on the no-show client. Clinical Social Work Journal, 29(4), 325-339.
Identifying Terms: Clinical viewpoint; clinical outlook.

Policy Advocacy

Definition: Conscious efforts to change and/or develop legislative, agency, and community policies for the purpose of improving powerless and oppressed groups’ access to resources and opportunities, in an effort to improve their quality of life and well-being.
References: Jansson, B.S. (2007). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing. Sherraden, M.S., Slosar, B., & Sherraden, M. (2002). Innovation in social policy: Collaborative policy advocacy. Social Work, 47(3), 209-221.
Identifying Terms: Legislative advocacy; reform through litigation; social action; social policy analysis; community organization; social problem analysis; political social work; giving voice to clients.

Policy Analysis

Definition: The systematic examination of policy and its development, using specific evaluation criteria to assess its impact on the social problem it seeks to address, uncover inconsistencies among its parts, identify its effect on other areas of social concern, and make an informed judgment as to its effectiveness and appropriateness.
References: Chambers, D.E. (2000). Social policy and social programs: A method for the practical public policy analyst (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Ginsberg, L. (1999). Understanding social problems and social issues (3rd ed.). Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press.
Identifying Terms: Value-critical; analytic-descriptive; value-committed; problem definition; cost-benefit analysis; critical analysis of social policy.

Policy Practice

Definition: Direct involvement in organizational, legislative, agency, and community setting policy, through the establishment of new policies, the improvement of existing ones, or the defeating of policy initiatives of other people.
References: Chapin, R.K. (2006). Social policy for effective practice. Boston: McGraw Hill. Figueira-McDonough, J. (1993). Policy practice: The neglected side of social work intervention. Social Work, 38(2), 179-188. Janson, B.S. (2007). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
Identifying Terms: Legislative advocacy; reform through litigation; social action; social policy analysis; community organization; social problem analysis; political social work.

Policy Skills

Definition: The analytic skills, political skills, interactional skills, and value-clarifying skills needed to effectively set policy agendas, analyze problems, make proposals, and enact, implement, and assess policy.
References: Janson, B.S. (2007). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing. Keller, T.E., Whittaker, J.K., & Burke, T.K. (2001). Student debates in policy courses: Promoting policy practice skills and knowledge through active learning. Journal of Social Work Education, 37(2), 343-355.
Identifying Terms: Policy competencies; attributes; policy practitioner; policy in practice; our ethical responsibility; social justice; agenda setting; advocating for vulnerable populations.

Practice Evaluation

Definition: This involves assessing interventions and outcomes used by social work practitioners. Interventions refer to the helping strategies or activities we use to assist clients. Outcomes refer to the changes in behaviors or attitudes that are a result of the intervention. Practice evaluation involves the clients as partners with workers and uses targets of desired change to direct the interventions.
References: Bloom, M., Fisher, J., & Orm, J. G. (2005). Evaluating practice: Guidelines for the accountable professional (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon. Royse, D., Thyer, B. A., Padgett, D. K., & Logan, T. K. (2006). Program evaluation: An introduction. (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks Cole. Thyer, B. A. & Myers, L. (2007). A social worker’s guide to evaluating practice outcomes. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education Press.
Identifying Terms: Evaluations of practice; single system design; single subject design; intervention; outcomes; assessing our practice; accountable practice; ethical practice; clients as true partners in the process; practitioner evaluation; practitioner research.

Practice Wisdom

Definition: A type of knowledge that exceeds objective scientific investigation. To have practice wisdom is to have knowledge of the information, assumptions, ideologies, judgments, values, and morals of the social work profession that have practical use in one's job responsibilities.
References: Chu, W. C. K. & Ming-sum, T. (2008). The nature of practice wisdom in social work revisited. International Social Work, 51(1), 47-54. Dybicz, P. (2004). An inquiry into practice wisdom. Families in Society, 85(2), 197-203. Klein, W. C. & Bloom, M. (1995). Practice wisdom. Social Work, 40(6), 799-807. Zeman, L. D. & Buila, S. (2006). Practice wisdom on custodial parenting with mental illness: A strengths view. Journal of Family Social Work, 10(3), 51-65.
Identifying Terms: Practice knowledge; practical wisdom; practical reasoning; common sense.

Practitioner-Researcher Model

Definition: An approach involving the use of, and/or generating of empirical knowledge by the practitioner on, or with clients, to render more effective practice decisions and interventions.
References: Jacobson, W. (1998). Defining the quality of practitioner research. Adult Education Quarterly, 48(3), 125-139. McCrystal, P. (2000). Developing the social work researcher through a practitioner research training program. Social Work Education, 19(4), 359-373. Pritchard, I.A. (2002). Travelers and trolls: Practitioner research and institutional review boards. Educational Researcher, 31(3), 3-13. Shaw, I. (2005). Practitioner research: Evidence or critique? British Journal of Social Work, 35(8), 1231-1248.
Identifying Terms: Empirically–based practice; empirical practice; ethical requirement of practice; evidence–based practice; blending the art and science of practice; underpinning practice with the best available data.

Program Evaluation

Definition: Using research and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and pragmatism of a health or human service, to ensure that goals and objectives are being met, and that targeted problems are being addressed.
References: Mulroy, E.A., & Lauber, H. (2004). A user-friendly approach to program evaluation and effective community interventions for families at-risk of homelessness. Social Work, 49(4), 573-586. Royse, D., Thyer, B.A., Padgett, D.K., & Logan, T.K. (2006). Program evaluation: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Identifying Terms: Evaluation research; ethical obligation to funding agencies and clients; needs assessments; qualitative evaluation; quantitative evaluation; summative evaluations; formative and process evaluation; cost-effectiveness; cost/benefit analysis; is the service, program or agency making a difference?

Self-Determination

Definition: One of social work’s core ethical responsibilities to clients. It refers to the right of clients to identify, define, and clarify their own goals and make decisions for themselves in the helping relationship.
References: Bergeron, L. R. (2006). Self-determination and elder abuse: Do we know enough? Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 46(3/4), 81-102. Mo, Y. L., Uken, A., & Sebold, J. (2007). Role of self-determined goals in predicting recidivism in domestic violence offenders. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(1), 30-41, National Association of Social Workers. (1999). Code of Ethics. Washington, DC: Author.
Identifying Terms: Client autonomy; safe-guarding client choices in decision-making; ethical responsibility; client’s right to choose; helping clients regardless of their capacity to make choices for themselves.

Service Learning

Definition: Experiential learning obtained through organized service experiences that meet societal needs through collaboration between the school and community where both students and society mutually benefit.
References: Doel, M., & Best, L. (2008). Experiencing social work: Learning from service users. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Dreuth, L., & Dreuth-Fewell, M. (2002). A model of student learning in community service field placements: Voices from the field. Active Learning in Higher Education, 3(3), 251-264. Williams, N.R., & Reeves, P.M. (2004). MSW students go to burn camp: Exploring social work values through service-learning. Social Work Education, 23(4), 383-398. Wells, M. (2006). Teaching notes: Making statistics "real" for social work students. Journal of Social Work Education, 42(2), 397-404.
Identifying Terms: Participatory learning; civic engagement; volunteerism for the community; 'putting back' to the community; proactive citizenship.

Social Justice

Definition: A more equal distribution of societal rights and resources to all members of society, including allocation of social benefits and opportunities, as well as provision of basic citizen rights and protection of them.
References: Chapin, R.K. (2007). Social policy for effective practice: a strengths approach. Boston: McGraw-Hill. Loncres, J.F., & Scanlon, E. (2001). Social justice and the research curriculum. Journal of Social Work Education, 37(3), 447-463. Wakefield, J. (2001). Social work as the pursuit of minimal distributive justice. Paper presented at the Kentucky conference, Lexington: KY.
Identifying Terms: Advocacy; "voice" to oppressed people; putting a face to a problem; equality; barrier removal; lessening the gap between haves & have-nots; rights; redistributive justice; minimal distributive justice; alleviating oppressive conditions that reinforce marginalization from mainstream society

Specialization

Definition: Focus of knowledge and skill on a specific social problem, target population, practice setting, or range of direct and indirect practice skill areas—assessment, treatment individual counseling, group work, family work, community development, research, evaluation, education, global social work.
References: Briar, S. (1987). Direct practice: Trends and issues. In A. Minahan (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of social work (18th ed., Vol. I, pp.393-396). Silver Spring, MD: National Association of Social Workers. Haynes, K.S., & Mickelson, J.S. (2002). Affecting change: Social workers in the political arena. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Hopps, J.G., & Pinderhuges, E.B. (1987). Profession of social work: Contemporary characteristics. In A. Minahan (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of social work (18th ed., Vol. II, pp.351-366). Silver Spring, MD: National Association of Social Workers.
Identifying Terms: Functional specificity; narrow problem focus; technical view of target problem; area of expertise; direct and indirect practice areas; micro, mezzo, macro practice skills.

Systems Theory

Definition: Systems theory is used to conceptualize the person-in-environment (PIE) framework. Use of systems theory highlights the interaction of multiple systems; how the individual, family, community, social, political, and economic system affect a client on micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
References: Mandin, P. (2007). The contribution of systems and object relation theories to an understanding of the therapeutic relationship in social work practice. Journal of Social Work Practice, 21(2), 149-162. Payne, M. (2002). The politics of systems theory within social work. Journal of Social Work, 2(3), 269-292. Potts, M. K. & Hagan, C. B. (2002). Going the distance: Using systems theory to design, implement, and evaluate a distance education program. Journal of Social Work Education, 36(1), 131-145. Robards, K. J. & Gillespie, D. F. (2000). Revolutionizing the social work curriculum: Adding modeling to the systems paradigm. Journal of Social Work Education, 36(3), 561-572. Walsh, J. (2005). Theories for direct social work practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole.
Identifying Terms: Holistic approach to social work; goodness-of-fit between person and environment; analysis of what is problematic about a client’s situation; ecological systems theory.

Theory

Definition: An explanation of a set of related concepts or phenomena. Theories are normally verified by scientific research and can be used to make predictions.
References: Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole. Sharf, R. S. (2008). Theories of psychotherapy and counseling: Concepts and cases (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole. Walsh, J. (2005). Theories for direct social work practice. Pacific Grove, CA:Brooks Cole.
Identifying Terms: Principle of explanation; a hypothesis that is confirmed through experimental testing.

Uniqueness of Social Work Practice

Definition: Social work practice is always client-centered in that is 'takes the client where s/he is at' and assists them in facilitating their personal growth and development. It involves using knowledge, values, and skills that focus on the strengths of clients and client systems. Interventions of social work are targeted at the intersect between the individual and his or her environment.
References: DuBois, B., & Miley, K. K. (2005). Social Work: An Empowering Profession. Boston: Pearson. Hepworth, D. H., Rooney, R. H., Rooney, G. D., Strom-Gottfried, K., & Larsen, J. A. (2006). Direct Social Work Practice; Theory and Skills, Seventh Edition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. Holosko, M. J. (2003). Critiquing the working definition of practice. Special Guest Editor - Research on Social Work Practice, 13(3). Holosko, M. J. (2003). The history of the working definition of practice. Research on Social Work Practice, 13(3), 271-284.
Identifying Terms: Direct practice; indirect practice; ethical practice; person in environment; generalist practice; problem solving approach; practice skills; micro, mezzo, and macro practice; social work Code of Ethics; client-centered practice.

Vulnerable Populations

Definition: Groups of people who, as a result of life conditions and circumstances, are at increased risk for being harmed by specific social, environmental, and/or health problems, making them more susceptible to disempowerment, social injustice, and a lower quality of life.
References: Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole. Sharf, R. S. (2008). Theories of psychotherapy and counseling: Concepts and cases (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole. Walsh, J. (2005). Theories for direct social work practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole
Identifying Terms: At-risk populations; disenfranchised people; oppressed populations; marginalized people; have-nots of society; the longstanding clients of social work practice.

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