Interviews with 3 social workers

I sat down and interviewed 3 very different social workers to quickly ask them about macro practice. The social workers encluded a domestic violence caseworker, a probation officer, and an in-home family therapy clinician. Below are the four questions each were asked:

1)  What is your definition of macro social work practice?

2)  Can you give me an example of an activity that you preform which involves macro practice?

3)  What percentage of your work week is devoted to macro practice activities?

4)  What leadership skills do you think are required to be a successful macro practice social worker?



     My first interview was with my current internship supervisor in juvenile probation.  He is a probation officer for Taunton Juvenile Court.  He defined macro practice as connecting and working with large systems who have a broader vision.  It includes creating policy and working with similar systems who share similar missions.  Some activities he does on a consistent basis which he feels is marco practice is going to schools weekly in order to support the schools with the troubled youth and to make sure probationers are adhering to school rules. He also meets with CCBC (social work agency) once a month to strategize systems and programs that could help high risk families.  He also attends crimewatch meetings to support the community as members voice their concerns.  With probationers he encourages and refers participation to various programs.  This probation officer stated that about 60% of his work week is devoted to marco practice and that it has actually grown over the last 5-6 years.  Some leadership qualities he recognized was being a good listener, having "thick skin", and be willing to say that you're wrong. His reasoning behind this was that as a leader in the macro practice field one will most likely bumo heads with directors, CEO's, etc who may not have the social workers goals or the system in their best interest and one needs to overcome that. 

    My second interview was with a domestic violence caseworker.  Her definition of macro practice would be any social services that are focused on problem solving on a small scale in order to fix it on a larger level. The most important aspect of this kind of work is identifying the root of a problem in order to solve it in a way that would impact the greater good.  In her job, as a Case Manager for women and children who are victims of domestic violence; she assists them with getting their lives back on track, learning the dynamics of domestic violence, advocating for them when dealing with other service providers, and re-gain their independence and self worth which ultimately impacts the community in many ways. By helping one family overcome domestic abuse, she makes a positive change in society. Their knowledge will most likely assist someone else in the near future; especially considering domestic violence is very prevalent in our world.  She states that about 50% of her work week is devoted to macro practice.  In order to be successful in this kind of work, this social workers felt it is extremely important to be non-judgmental, open-minded and understand diversity. She also feels that a social worker who is open minded to different beliefs, opinions, practices, and cultures will inevitably be successful in macro practice. In order to lead and make a difference on a macro level, a social worker is expected to be able to understand what it is like to be “in their shoes”. To begin to solve a problem, you must see the bigger picture. For example, it is easier to assume a woman is being naïve for staying with an abuser than it is to learn about the many factors that are keeping her hostage in the relationship. This is the reason people ask victims” Why don’t you leave?” rather than “What is he doing to her to make her stay?” As a DV advocate, getting people to ask the latter question is one of the most difficult challenges (on a macro level).

     My third interview was with a clinician who works with children and families.  Her understanding of macro practice stems from her contribution and focus on changing larger systems, such as her work within the community with children and families. The activities she engages in that she feels are on a macro level include: trying to build strength and empower the families to accomplish goals set within the community.  She also educates females on birth control, domestic partnership, and independence.  About 70% of her work week is devoted to macro practice.  Lastly the qualities she felt a macro social worker will need good people skills, patience because the change process does not happen over night, a sense of humor, and strength.

    I found it interesting to interview such different social workers and listen to how they respond to the same questions.  As we can see, each of their answers are very different and the term "macro practice" entails a different meaning for each of them.  Among their answers I have found a common goal which is empowerment of certain populations.  Hardina (2003) explains members of oppressed groups will feels confidence, control, decision authority influence, autonomy, and self trust.  These three social workers strive to empower people so that they can in fact experience these feelings and move forward in life.  I respect each of these social workers and admire their contributions to society.

Sources:

Hardina, D. (2003). Link Citizen Participation to Empowerment Practice: A Historical Overview. Journal of Community Practice, 11-38.