The Primary Goal of Social Work - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages It is essential to exhibit these qualities during the engagement phase. The engagement phase involves forming a collaborative partnership with service users to address mutually defined needs (Cournoyer, 2010, p. 13). I also put a value on the ability of a social worker to listen to my concerns and to be non-judgmental. This gives me a sense that I am fully accepted and embraced. It consequently encourages me to express my views and innermost concerns without the fear of being judged. Social workers exhibit concern and acceptance when they say, “express your feelings and thoughts without fear, as our relationship is founded on trust and understanding.” It would also be beneficial for me to have a social worker who I can consider as a friend instead of a professional who is simply performing his/her job. The findings of the study conducted by Beresford, Croft, and Adshead (2008) indicated that other service users similarly value friendship in their relationship with the social workers. They associate reciprocity, as well as flexible professional boundaries as characteristics which are related to friendship. According to Day (1981, p. 36), the emphasis, which service users put on the qualities of their social workers, reflects their appreciation to the intangible aspect of the relationship. Cournoyer (2010, p. 13) further added that regard, authenticity, professionalism along with sympathy are commonly exhibited by service workers to users. Social workers express these characteristics in a different manner according to the circumstances of the service users. Researchers define empathy as the ability of social workers to put themselves into the shoes of the service users. As a service user, I want the social worker to fully grasp my situation. However, I do not want a social worker who over-identifies my feelings in such a manner that he/she becomes too controlling or parental. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More