Social Work Theories and Methods

This 4000 word assignment assesses Social Work Theories and Methods, including Critical Thinking Skills.

Assignment

First, identify a commonly occurring problem/difficulty experienced by one group of services users. Then write an essay that:

1. Begins with a brief description of two  methods of intervention that you think it would be appropriate to use in working with these service users, and how the worker might proceed.
2. Describes and critically appraises the evidence that theories underpinning each intervention method adequately describe the origins of the problem/difficulty you have chosen, or the factors maintaining them.
3. Critically appraises the evidence for the effectiveness of each intervention in addressing that difficulty.
4. Draws a conclusion about which, if either, intervention a social worker should select.

Marking Criteria

Note: This is not a reflective piece of writing.

Marking Criteria (with allocated marks in brackets)

1. 1)  Has an appropriate structure and good organisation of material, uses clear and

accurate English and adheres to Harvard referencing style. [15]

• 2)  Demonstrates a clear grasp of the main tenets of two methods of intervention and how they might be used in addressing a commonly occurring problem faced by (or presented by) one user group. [15]
• 3)  Demonstrates an ability critically to analyse the empirical strength of theories in common use within social work. [30]
• 4)  Demonstrates an ability to critique the evidential basis of related interventions, drawing on an understanding of the quality of current best evidence. [30]
• 5)  Integrates core professional values. [10]

SERVICE USERS: ASSYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES

PROBLEM: SEXUAL VIOLENCE

METHODS OF INTERVENTION:

1. THERAPEUTIC GROUPWORK (i.e. where the group is the primary medium of change)

2. PERSON-CENTERED THERAPY