Social work is work that is carried out by trained professionals with the aim of assisting people who are experiencing personal problems such as addiction and societal disadvantages. There is a wide range of settings in which social workers practice. In addition to promoting public welfare, social workers adhere to a code of ethics that guides their work under the principles of social work.
Let’s explore the principles of social work that social workers follow when offering quality care services.
What are the principles of social work?
The principles of social work remind social workers to adhere to professionalism when conducting social work so they can achieve the intended or most effective results. In other words, social work principles serve as a reference point for social workers while attending to clients.
Here are the seven principles of social work that have stood the test of time and evolved from research and experience among professionals.
Acceptance principle
A social worker and a client must acknowledge one another to achieve optimal results. The worker assists the client in accomplishing the client’s objectives. In most cases, the client will approach the social worker individually or be assigned a social worker by a designated agency. Either way, the client might refuse to cooperate with the social worker, and their skepticism may lead to obstacles in the job process.
The social worker should acknowledge the client and appreciate their efforts in approaching them for assistance. Regardless of how the client is faring, the social worker must accept them and their imperfections. The worker may sometimes use their personal experiences to encourage the client to accept their help, but they should never let these experiences influence the help they offer.
For example, a worker who was abused as a child by an alcoholic parent may find it difficult to help an alcoholic client. The worker must be free from the influences of their past experiences and refrain from displaying hatred toward the alcoholic client. The first step toward a successful professional working relationship is mutual respect and acceptance.
Principle of individualism
Every person is unique based on their intrinsic values. The social worker should approach each client’s problem in the most appropriate manner possible and strive to learn more about their situation.
The principle of individualism serves to remind the worker that the client is a complex individual. Although the client could not find solutions on their own, they should still be treated with respect.
Sometimes a client may feel like they lack value and develop an inferiority complex. A social worker should ensure clients feel appreciated.
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Principle of communication
A lack of communication can ruin even the most solid of friendships and relationships. Effective communication in social work is critical for both clients and social workers, whether it is spoken, written or non-verbal.
Accurate communication occurs when the symbols used during communication have the same meaning for the social worker and the client. Both parties can be clear and understood if the receiver comprehends the sender’s message. Other barriers to effective communication may include the wrong attitude, noise, mental capacity and personality.
The social worker should try to understand the client’s verbal and non-verbal communication. They must create an environment in which clients feel comfortable expressing their feelings.
Principle of self-determination
Every person has the right to decide what is best for them in life matters such as relationships, money, or even seeking help. A social worker should refrain from imposing methods and solutions merely because the client confided in the worker. The social worker can only assist the client in making sound and acceptable judgments for the most favorable outcomes possible. Clients should feel guided and realize their potential in an environment that promotes independence.
Principle of a non-judgmental attitude
A non-judgmental attitude reminds a social worker to be neutral when entering professional communication with a client. The worker should refrain from developing preconceived judgments while attending to a client.
The worker should assist the client without being swayed by decisions. In addition, the client must feel like they are in the right place for assistance. Keep in mind that a non-judgmental attitude does not prohibit professional opinions about the situation.
Principle of controlled emotional involvement
A social worker should be patient and objective in approaching a client’s problems. Sometimes, a social worker may over-identify with the client if there are similarities in the client’s personality, life circumstances and problems.
A social worker should only undertake this step with a high degree of professionalism. Overstepping in the client’s life may intrude on their rights to independence and self-determination.
Principle of confidentiality
The principle of confidentiality is perhaps the most important of all. It serves as the foundation for applying social work involvement by contributing to the development of a positive worker-client relationship. A client may only be willing to speak up if the social worker proves to be trustworthy.
The client must be confident that the social worker cannot use the information they convey to damage their reputation or cause discomfort.
If, for example, the client admits to engaging in criminal activity in the past, should the social worker discuss this information with other colleagues or investigation agencies involved in the case? What should the social worker do with such information? The social worker can only reveal information to the client’s advantage in such scenarios. It may be difficult to withhold such information, but the social worker should comply with their confidentiality agreement.
The importance of adhering to the above principles cannot be overemphasized. Failing to follow these principles can take a severe toll on a social worker’s career and lead to significant negative consequences. Therefore, social workers should take their time to fully comprehend and implement these principles as they look forward to helping communities and individuals.
