The social work process is usually carried out in stages.
- Research
This is the process of obtaining facts regarding social problems and their solutions.
There are many different research methods applicable in the social work process.
The basis research is that for one to act wisely in solving a problem he / she must know what realities can best be known through research.
- Planning
A plan is the blue print of what one is to do, when and how to do it.
Planning can be done by community leaders or social agencies.
- Coordination
This is the process of working to avoid unnecessary duplication and conflict.
It is joining together of people and agencies so as to strengthen each other thus making it possible to provide services that can not easily be done individually.
- Organization
This is the process of establishing structures to solve social problems.
It is the structures which consider the community needs, social problems and their solutions.
- Direction
This is usually carried out by a combination of professionals and volunteers in committee. The process is a challenging one requiring careful consideration and planning.
- Administration
This is the process of transforming social policies into social action or services.
It involves carrying out plans and implementing the actions upon decisions have been made. For effective administration, all the staff must be actively involved. Administration must not be left to the leadership alone.
- Advocacy and social action
This is where social workers act on other’s behalf when they encounter problems or dehumanizing conditions in the society.
- Committee operation
Ideally, social work is best practiced through committees. It is in the committees where most of the planning and action takes place. Most new ideas are generated in committees from where they are transformed in social action.
The Importance of the Social work process
- The planning in the social work process helps the social worker identify a problem, who, how and when to solve it.
- Research helps the social worker and community to know more about problems and their solutions
- Through organizing, communities can set up committees to help them tackle their problems effectively
- Coordination, communities link with other agencies that assist them in solving their problems
- Through guidance and direction, community members are able to meet their needs more effectively
- Communities are better able to synthesize and put their policies into action with the help of effective administration
- The advocacy and social action carried out by social workers helps communities understand their rights in social development
- By operating through committees, communities are more able to carry out their social development better.
