set of metaphysical questions hangs over social work. Who exactly are we, practitioners have been heard to ask,
and what do we stand for? The truth is that social work has an identity crisis and the answers are elusive. Social work has been forced to fi ght its
corner, particularly in adults’ services, as the fi nancial grim reaper cuts a swathe through the local authority workforce. When it comes to social work, some local authorities simply don’t get it. The evidence from service users is that they
see social workers as vital to their support and well being. As social workers are set free from the iron cage of care management, they are starting to fl ourish as advocates for people who need their help in connecting up to community networks, managing risk and safeguarding them from harm. But social work’s identity confusion
Social work has been
forced to fi ght its corner, particularly in adults’ services
makes it vulnerable to the depredations of local authority bean-counters. For all its commitment to social justice for service users, it must do more to specify its unique contribution to their care and support. So here is one reply to the metaphysical question. In these pages social worker turned academic Martin Webber argues for more investment of time and eff ort in fi nding a scientifi c methodology for practice. Ultimately, social work would have its own set of evidence- based social interventions instead of having to borrow them from other professions. Dr Webber cites mental health practice,
where therapeutic programmes are primarily underpinned by fi ndings from psychology and psychiatry. Why not new kinds of programme founded on fi ndings from social work? They may be a much needed answer to the crisis.
See Martin Webber interview here and articles on pages 7, 18 and 20.
4 SOCIALWORKMATTERS MAR12 ‘W
CONTENTS Pride in social justice
hat is it that makes social workers unique?’ a student recently asked me. I work in a multi-disciplinary
team where, as a social worker, I am alongside OTs, nurses, psychologists and doctors, but what is it that I do that none of them can? Previously I’d have been able to fall back on the ASW (approved social worker) role, but that has now been rebranded AMHP (approved mental health professional) and expanded out to other professions. The International Federation of Social
Work’s (IFSW) defi nition explains that social work is defi ned by the use of theories of change in our work and models of practice that strive for empowerment. While this answer satisfi ed the student, it made me consider a couple of points. Why had it been so diffi cult for me to fi nd a general defi nition of what social workers – and only social workers - do? I know what I do, of course, but social work
is so broad that there are other aspects I know little about. I also considered to what extent we really do empower people and how far we are able to challenge the systems we work in. Social workers are usually involved in
people’s lives during periods of diffi culty or crisis. As a profession, we have a unique role and a unique voice in advocating for those who need the services we provide. Looking back at that IFSW defi nition, though, takes us to the heart of what it is we do that is diff erent. That is, promoting social justice is the essence of our role. It makes me incredibly proud of the work I do. It reminds me how vital it is, now more than ever.