11 Sep Explain why social workers should understand the role policy plays in determining the environment in which practitioner and client interact

“Although policy may not be the major concern of a frontline social worker (a child protective services worker, for example), this worker’s professional responsibilities still involve policy concerns” (Popple & Leininger, p. 16).

Imagine any social work setting, whether in child protective services, working with older adults and their families, or assisting homeless clients. Is your role defined by individualized care alone? Or does that care exist in a broader context? While these questions are at the root of how micro, mezzo, and macro practice are defined, they also point to a practice environment where interacting with policy, and knowing how, where, and when to do so, is integral to meeting the client’s need.

In this Discussion, you consider how the role of a social worker is critically integrated with policy concerns on many levels.

To Prepare

· Reflect on your fieldwork or other professional experience.

ASSIGNMENT BELOW

Response to the following:

· Explain why social workers should understand the role policy plays in determining the environment in which practitioner and client interact.

· Describe the dichotomy between micro and macro practice.

· Explain why social work is identified as a policy-based profession. Provide examples.