Social Work Practice With Groups From Social Work

Social Work Practice With Groups { From Social Work and Social Welfare by Marla Berg-Weger

Group Work ● ● Group work (or mezzo practice) is a practice method in which the social worker works with a multiple clients to develop a planned change effort that meets the needs of the group The social worker’s role in a group can be that of initiator, facilitator, therapist, resource person, consultant, evaluator, or a combination of these roles

History of Group Work ● ● In the United States, group methods were initially used as a strategy for working with youth through organized activities By the 1930 s and 1940 s, group work had become an intervention method with hospitalized patients, the developmentally disabled and mentally ill, and returning World War II veterans By the 1970 s, social workers were participating in a variety of experimental self-improvement groups Group social work practice is now recognized as part of the profession’s mission to empower and promote well-being

Social Goals Groups ● ● ● These groups, also known as “social action groups, ” aim to make change on organizational, governmental, and community levels Examples may include neighborhood safety groups, groups advocating for legislation, and interdisciplinary groups of professionals working in the same field or area Groups may consist of professionals or nonprofessionals

Remedial Groups ● ● Remedial groups—also known as therapy groups or treatment groups—aim to help members enhance their social functioning The role for the social worker in a remedial group is typically as a leader or facilitator These groups may be closed or open; in an open group, members may join or leave at any time, while in a closed group, the membership does not change Therapeutic groups often arise when a professional identifies several individuals within the agency’s client population that share a common issue

Reciprocal Groups ● ● ● Reciprocal groups, or mutual aid groups, come together out of a shared interest or experience Reciprocal aid groups differ from therapy groups in that leaders can be professional or nonprofessional, individual members do not typically have specified treatment goals, and the intervention occurs as a result of the members’ interpersonal relationships Examples include groups based around addiction, diseases/health conditions, or adoption

Task Groups ● ● Task groups work collaboratively toward creating solutions to specific problems or issues that affect a larger group Examples may include: ● ● Faculty, staff, and parents in a school working together to put together IEPs A task force at a food pantry working together to show appreciation to volunteers

Skills for Group Practice ● ● Engagement involves explaining group purpose; establishing rules, norms, and boundaries; and creating a safe environment Assessment involves monitoring individual progress and group dynamics; balancing personal and group goals; and remaining aware of group diversity Intervention involves establishing goals, documenting the group agenda, and managing conflict and disruption Evaluation and termination involve reviewing goals, obtaining group member feedback, and obtaining information on the success of interventions

http: //www. youtu be. com/watch? v=k WB 7 hbmzm 4 o What is Group Therapy?

Key Points ● ● ● Group work has a long history in the field of social work Many of the skills involved in individual and family practice can be applied to group work Groups can be oriented toward tasks, social change, remediation of problems, or mutual aid