28 Jan Preliminary Phase of Social Work Practice Assignment Instructions

The Preliminary/Preparatory phase of work is done before the worker engages with the client. As indicated in chapter 3 of your assigned reading, the rationale for the preliminary phase of practice is based on the idea that preparing for social work interactions can increase the likelihood of establishing a positive worker-client relationship and of hearing and understanding what the client has to say.

The purpose of this assignment is to develop a preliminary empathy about the client’s issues and concerns; to create the opportunity for the worker to explore personal attitudes, feelings, and beliefs about the client/case situation that might interfere with the intervention/helping process; and to identify supports and resources that the worker may need to accomplish the purposes of the interview, and to assure worker and client safety. For this assignment, you will refer to the Rodriquez Case Study and assigned readings chapters 2-3 to address key steps and considerations during this phase.

Note: There are many great social work skills that you may have acquired over time from other reputable sources; however, for this course in our MSW program, we have chosen to use Lawrence Shulman’s text, The Skills of Helping Individuals, Groups, and Communities 8th edition, which informs specific generalist social work skills for practice. Therefore, it is our unwavering expectation that you demonstrate the skills outlined in your assigned readings to demonstrate competency.

Instructions

Read the Rodriquez Case Study. Write a 3–5-page paper addressing the core skills outlined in your textbook readings, using the template as a guide in preparing for the initial session with the Rodriquez family.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.