Community Work in Australia - Essay Example

Community work in Australia Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Similarities and differences between Youth Diversion Program and Long Grass and Homeless People Similarities Both scenarios, social work service is geared towards improving the livelihood of persons living in Darwin Long Grass region. Services in both cases is of humanitarian nature; training people to gain life skills that can help them move out of their current status of stigma and appreciate life by engaging in more resourceful recreational activities. Differences The main focus of HEAL program is to provide an effective model of reducing the impact of stigma on homeless people in Darwin Long Grass region while facilitating increased access to health and social services within the community. Additionally, the program is aimed at improving access to health services through regular and strategic events like arts, personal hygiene, music health checkups, and cultures that create a sense of wellbeing while enabling them reassess their circumstances and seek help where necessary. HELP NT Darwin only provides sufficient training to people of all ages through different programs that use problem solving and team building skills while keeping them entertained and safe. Consequently, the program mainly engages youths in delivering dissimilar recreational activities. Management Top Down and Bottom up in value laden environments In social work profession like any other professions moral behavior is always applied in evaluating any condition in comparison to the society’s norms. In this regard distinguishing between moral and ethical behavior is relevant as people have a wider array of value requirements when functioning as professionals than when undertaking personal issues (Guy, 2005). As a social work professional, you have specialized knowledge that must be applied to serve your employer, the client of the employer, the profession, and the society at large. In these respect, all decisions made must either be according to the employers’ requirements thus coming from the top management to the client (top down) or from the clients’ requirements to the top management (bottom up). Consequently, the social work profession has its own legitimate moral obligations (Berman, 2006). The social worker is required to be honest, loyal, respectful and sensitive to public safety. The Role of the Social worker in reducing trauma and alienation Social work serves as a link between the government’s clients and other government resources like manpower training that results into employment, welfare payments towards financial assistance, legal consultation, food and water relief, famine and war, and other social needs. Social work is a very important and vital service to the society; as a social worker the main goal is help clients lead a productive life within a given community (Guy, 2005). In essence, the objective is to help clients return to normal life in a natural setting. In this case, a social worker is a bridge linking clients to other helpers, providing hope and encouraging their first steps towards a new life. The following are the roles of a social worker in reducing trauma and alienation: Establishing of a counseling relationship; this is where the social worker gives the affected person an opportunity to grow, develop, and ultimately understand or discover himself to make appropriate choices. Acceptance; in this regard, the social worker fosters the recognition of traumatized individual despite of his/her circumstances, status, race, religion, political affiliation as well as promoting dignity and self respect (Berman, 2006). Self-determination; the social worker encourages self-help the traumatized person as a means of salvaging himself from the current circumstance while improving self-confidence and the ability to take on responsibility for his/her own personal affairs. Freedom to chose; for this case, the social worker instills confidence in the affected person to make appropriate choice while considering how his/her choice may affect others. In this case, he cares and respects the client as a human being without any ridicule (Martin, 2001). Confidentiality; the relationship between the social worker and the traumatized should be based on trust. For instance he recognizes that whatever is between him and the client is strictly confidential unless permission is given to use it in another context. Being Empathetic; the social worker must always be sensitive to the client’s feelings. For instance he helps the affected persons accept themselves the way they are. For instance, accepting yourself the way you are you can be able to accept others (McCuen, 1999). Genuineness; the social worker must also be genuine and not defensive. He should be open, honest and real (Martin, 2001). This is a vital factor because when the traumatized sees genuineness in your empathy the trauma can positively be alleviated within a short time of counseling. The role of community worker applying technical skills in an isolated community The social worker is mandated to have proficiency in using technology to improve the status of the clients he/she is handling regardless of their geographical location. Computers and technology has offered success in various aspects of life and social work is no exception. In this regard, social workers need to be competent in using spreadsheet programs, word processing programs, Microsoft Power Point, and Publisher to effective deliver services to their clients. The following is the discussion as to how a social worker can apply technical skills in their field of work Social work profession has taken up commitment to diversity, inclusion, and affirmative action. Social workers have specialized information in relation to influencing social and cultural discrimination for individuals of racial, ethnic, religious, sexual minority status, as well as people with physical and mental disabilities (McDonald, et al., 2003). Given these information, there are numerous technological tools that social workers can use to establish, enhance, and deliver the needed services; conduct research; as well as circulate information in the affected communities. The social worker can apply computer based software to track their clients’ services and outcomes (Martin, 2001). There are many technological systems that social workers use to support their daily routines and standard operating procedures to enhance their efficiency in service delivery. For instance, social workers technological skills can be used for budget planning using budget planning software, assessment, client record keeping, reimbursement, delivery to the affected community, research and service delivery. Tasks and theories Many theories have been developed to address social disparities in different communities and societies across the globe. Currently, the focus is on efficiency and effectiveness of a social worker in delivering services to the affected community. Solution oriented model is the best in solving problems particularly with regard to homeless people in isolated communities. Solution oriented model is derived from task-centered social work theory by Reid and Epstein (1972). This theory focuses on replacing psychodynamic social work with rationally planned short time therapy that has a clear time limit. For instance the theory declines to identify specific psychological or sociological base for its methods because there is no single theory that can fully the range of social problems that social work has to deal with. The core dimensions of the theory are the problems that the client presents or accepts as a problem and he/she is willing to change. Consequently, the theory takes the problems as they are given in order for them to be solved pragmatically. In essence, task-centered social work theory focuses on performing practical work that is geared toward solving the given problem (Measey, et al., 2005). The model, assesses the main problems that client wants a change to occur; challenges the undesirable solutions to problems; identifying action requirements and obstacles to action as well as challenging the constraints; establishing the contract about the desired outcomes and the amount of contact time limit; planning the task; and lastly providing training for knowledge and skills required for implementation; and arranging rewards and incentives for success (Drennan & McConnell, 2007). This model was embraced because the main need of homeless people is to have a place where they can call a home. Psychological counseling without practically helping them solve the problem is virtually increasing their hopelessness. They need incentives that have an actual positive impact not theoretical monotony (Elliott, 2004). Consequently, the model starts by identifying the problem, evaluates the possible solutions while eliminating the undesirable ones, establishes the contract of the needed change as wells as defining the time limits, plans the task, trains the affected people about how to implement the desired change, and lastly rewarding those individuals whop successfully implement the change. Basing on this explanation, applying the task-centered theory in an isolated homeless community will ultimately alleviate the problem (Measey, et al., 2005). Social Justice and Ethics Social justice is concerned with factors contributing to oppression and discrimination against certain populations including racial and ethnic minorities, children, older adults, and women. Individuals from these groups are prone to suffer poverty together with other related injustices like homelessness, substance abuse and psychological traumas. This field of study is tusked with formulating social justice laws that are geared towards meeting the needs of persons from the mentioned populations thus advocating for social and economic justice. By doing this, the concepts of administrative justice, human rights, and global oppression are comprehensively and extensively examined. In so doing, by studying social justice, the social worker is able to discover people’s strengths and empowering them through their work (Drennan & McConnell, 2007). Ethics is a vital area; ethical values must be upheld at all times in order to achieve successful results at the end of social work service. Additionally, when considering social work as a profession, ethics are important as they relate to expectations related with professional conduct. For instance the social worker’s code of ethics defines the social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients, to colleagues, to the social work profession, as well as the society as a whole. Social workers encounter various ethical dilemmas while offering their social services. For instance the social workers primary objective is to help people in need while addressing social problems (Elliott, 2004). To be more specific, they draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help those individuals in need and address the social problems facing them. Consequently, it is their ethical responsibility to challenge social injustices; they pursue social change particularly on behalf of oppressed individuals and groups. In this case they focus on social injustices like poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and oppression (Drennan & McConnell, 2007). They promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression, cultural and ethnic diversity. They also ensure access to needed information, services, and resources. Social workers uphold dignity and worth of the person; they respect the inherent dignity of a person. They treat each every client they meet with care and respect while taking into consideration of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Further, they recognize the importance of human relationships; relationships between and among people are the driving force for change within any community. In this respect, they encourage people to partner along their helping process. Social workers strengthen relationships among people with the main aim of promoting, restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the welfare of persons, families, social groups, and communities. Managing uncertainties and chaos Chaos and uncertainties are always unpredictable and have different meanings with regard to a given situation or condition. People under uncertain and chaotic circumstances may have no power to influence their situation because they lack the crucial information needed to make prudent decisions. In this regard, the following approach is recommended in managing uncertain and chaotic conditions by a social worker. First, give information and social support; some individual can handle extreme levels of tolerance under uncertain conditions, however regardless of the levels of tolerance, the affected people need information and social support that help in reducing the ambiguity of meaning and interpretation of their current condition. In essence information empowers people to make more grounded decisions thus increasing their sense of control. Social support allows the affected persons to share their experience and perception of their condition (McCuen, 1999). Consequently, it facilitates interaction with others which is the basis of interpretation, attributing and varying meaning. Trustworthy social work professionals and volunteers with whom the victims can build relationships are vital in managing and controlling the prevailing uncertainties. Trustworthy professionals provide an oasis in an ambiguous and chaotic situation while helping the affected people to make sense by sharing meaning. Exploring options; different cultures have different attitudes towards and preference for an internal or external center of control. In this regard, social work professionals should help people understand that one’s fate is always in the hands of God thus helping in relieving anxiety and making them to accept and tolerate difficult environments including long-term uncertainties (Measey, et al., 2006). Accordingly, they should make the affected understands or distinguish between the changeable from unchangeable conditions and helping them channel their energies and efforts into influencing their daily life, however limited possibilities. Additionally, social workers should be ready to explore the hidden or undiscovered options that can give hope and meaning to the affected. Setting attainable goals; openness to change, resilience and the ability to reorganize and adapt to new challenges and maintaining stability despite disruptions should be fostered. In essence instilling a sense of flexibility in the affected people gives them hope to change and continue living no matter the challenge (Measey, et al., 2006). For instance, instilling awareness of one’s feeling of continuity and belonging helps people to venture into the unknown while being open to new experiences. The social work professionals should therefore help and encourage the affected clients to consider new options and alternatives, to set new attainable goals by changing strategies themselves. The above described approach is appropriate because it is involves both the affected clients and the social work professional. First, the approach mandates the service providers to give relevant information that can extensively help the affected to realize that there is still hope while also empowering them to make useful decisions with regard to the situation they are in. Secondly, the clients are given the opportunity to explore relevant options that are geared towards salvaging them from their current situations. And lastly, the affected clients are helped to set new attainable goals that will finally help them continue living no matter the challenge. Tools, resources, praxis, and mission security: how they can mix in humanitarian imperative Emergency management is a discipline that requires a professional approach particularly when dealing with extreme events that are dangerous and can cause harm or injure or even kill a large number of people. Safety of people together with protection of community members is the primary connection with protection of health, human life, property as well as other conditions of human existence (Delaney, et al., 2008). Security is the assurance for natured human life protection, protection of life, and property. In essence individual safety, security as a specific shared value, security as organizational state security as object attribute is essential for positive social cohesion that upholds humanitarianism in the community and society as a whole (Measey, et al., 2006).. For instance security of social systems in relation to its environment and security of system in relation to all important sources for continuous existence and development are vital tenets of humanity. Assurance of protection of conditions for continued personal growth and development and human life, preparedness to defend the society and its political and economic systems, and preparedness to tolerate with rising crisis situations which attempts life, health, and personal safety and security of social systems to a great extend upholds the humanitarian status within the community. Praxis and experience of chaotic situations solutions that jeopardize health, life and propagating poverty while initiating new problems (Measey, et al., 2006). Bibliography Berman, G. 2006. Social Services and Indigenous Populations in Remote Areas: Alaska Natives and Negev Bedouin. International Social Work, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 97-106. Delaney, R., Brownlee, K., Sellick, M., and Tranter, D. 2008. Ethical problems facing northern social workers. The Social Worker, vol. 65, no. 3, pp.55-65. Drennan, L.T., and McConnell, A. 2007. Risk and Crisis Management in the Public Sector. Wolvehampton: Cambridge University Press. Elliott-Farrelly, T. 2004. Australian Aboriginal suicide: the need for an Aboriginal suicidology?, Australiane-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 1-8. Guy, Mary E. 2005. Ethical Decision-Making in Everyday Work Situations. New York: Quorum Books, Martin, M. W., and Roland, S. 2001. Ethics in Engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill, McCuen, Richard, H. 1999. Applied Ethics in Professional Practice. Verona, NJ: The Institute of Professional Practice McDonald, C., Harris, J., Wintersteen, D. 2003. Contingent on Context: Social Work and the State in Australia, Britain and the United States. British Journal of Social Work, vol. 33, pp. 191–208. Measey, M.L., Li, S.Q., Parker, R. 2005. Suicide in the Northern Territory 1981-2002, Department of Health and Community Services, Darwin. Measey, M.L., Li, S.Q., Parker, R., Wang, Z. 2006. Suicide in the Northern Territory 1981-2002. Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 185, no. 6, pp. 315-319. Read More