One extremely important question answered on the powerpoint is WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SOCIAL WORK? It is to enhance the transactions that maximize growth and development by tapping into individual’s strengths and coping abilities to match their environment. This seems simple, but it is made complex when you consider all the systems in people’s lives, which can operate as either supports or stressors, or both. Take a look at the powerpoint to review this in more detail.
There are 3 levels of intervention: micro, mezzo and macro – I think the following definitions, in addition to the powerpoint and text best explain the distinction between the 3 levels of intervention:
Micro social work involves meeting with individuals, families, and small groups to help them identify and manage mental, emotional, social, behavioral, and/or financial challenges that are negatively impacting their happiness and quality of life. The goal of micro social work is to help vulnerable populations through one-on-one guidance and emotional support. Tasks that micro social workers typically complete include individual and family counseling, resource connection and navigation services (ex. how to apply for Medicare or Medicaid and other federal or state aid programs, what resources are available in one’s community, etc.), helping clients develop skills to address emotional and social difficulties, and intervening in situations in which clients encounter a crisis or severe distress (ex. school violence, domestic abuse, severe substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.).
Mezzo social work involves the development and implementation of social service initiatives at the local and small community levels (ex. schools, neighborhoods, and city districts). Like micro social workers, mezzo social work practitioners tend to interact directly with the people they wish to assist. However, instead of engaging in individual counseling and support, mezzo social workers administer help to groups of people at a time. Examples of projects that mezzo social workers could be involved in include the establishment of a free local clinic to help under-served members of the community, county health programs to help disadvantaged families learn about and obtain proper nutrition, and local workshops to guide unemployed individuals through the processes of applying for jobs and unemployment benefits.
Macro social work is the effort to help clients by intervening in large systems. Examples include lobbying to change a health care law, organizing a state-wide activist group or advocating for large-scale social policy change.
So, your weekly assignment is to answer:
Why is it important for social workers to look at individuals in terms of the systems they are a part of? What are examples of micro, mezzo, and macro work that social workers are either doing now or could be doing in society?
Does any of this work interest you? Why?
