Research can also determine the effectiveness of a social work intervention to ensure the profession remains evidence based. An effective solution for a social problem cannot be created until that social problem is fully understood. Research in the field of social work can be investigative, aiming to define a social issue through determining the prevalence of the issue and specifying the population that is affected by the issue. One example of macro-level social work is research coordination. Through engaging with the large systems of society, macro-level social workers foster changes that trickle down to impact the aforementioned communities, groups, families, and individuals. The focuses of macro-level social work are policy, advocacy, and research. Macro-level social work zooms all the way out to a “big picture” perspective. ![]() Some skills that prove important for mezzo-level social workers include articulate communication, creative problem-solving, effective organization, and strong flexibility. In conclusion, mezzo-level social work differs from micro-level social work in that, instead of working directly one-on-one with individuals and families, it aims to foster supportive relationships between individuals and their communities and creates the structure or resources needed to do so. Social workers who are engaged with community school boards or city councils are also working at the mezzo-level. Some examples of community programs that mezzo-level social workers may work within include after-school programs that provide tutoring and supervision to at-risk elementary-aged students, community health programs that seek to make healthcare more accessible to community members, or shelters for victims of domestic violence that empower residents with skills for recovery, among others. In this role, mezzo-level social workers may create community programs, organize community activism, or manage community non-profit organizations. The other role for mezzo-level social workers is at the community level. For example, a mezzo-level social worker could host a personal finance class for at-risk adolescents, a parenting skills class at a community center, an independent living skills class at a program for young adults with disabilities, or an anger management class for convicted offenders. Groups could also look more like classes. ![]() A mezzo-level social worker may run support groups such as those for grief, substance abuse recovery, coping with chronic illness, victims of crime, or individuals living with mental health diagnoses. In this role, mezzo-level social workers foster support between individuals with similar experiences while also providing relevant education. ![]() One common role of a mezzo-level social worker is as a group facilitator. Mezzo-level social work facilitates working relationships within a community to clear the way for change. Zooming out from individuals and families, mezzo-level social work intervenes at group and community levels. Additional necessary micro-level social work skills include critical thinking, active listening, the ability to establish rapport, and the ability to set appropriate boundaries. Case managers and clinical social workers deal intimately with personal dilemmas in individuals’ lives and thus must do so with care and understanding rather than with preconceived notions and judgement. Though this skill is important through all levels of the industry, one social work skill that is exceptionally necessary for a micro-level social worker is empathy. These interventions target the emotional, mental, and behavioral problems faced by clients. Clinical social workers use evidence-based practices to treat and counsel clients whether that is in a school, a substance abuse rehabilitation program, an inpatient clinic, a private therapy practice, a domestic violence shelter, a correctional facility, the military, or elsewhere. One example of this kind of micro-level social work is medical social work where social workers partner with families to pinpoint a discharge plan for an individual who has been hospitalized.Ĭonversely, clinical social work positions, typically requiring a master of social work (MSW), provide direct intervention to individuals and families. Case managers use their familiarity with the systems in their area to empower individuals and families to access services they need. Case management positions, typically requiring a bachelor of social work (BSW), can include assisting clients in securing housing, health care, employment, social services, or all the above. Simply put, a micro-level social worker serves individuals and families whether that is through case management or clinical services.
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