Why is it important for social workers to evaluate their practice with clients and client systems?

Social work involves taking into account many factors of an individual’s life. While there are many theories in social work, systems theory is a unique way of addressing human behavior in terms of these multi-layered relationships and environments. The theory is premised on the idea that an effective system is based on individual needs, rewards, expectations, and attributes of the people living in the system.

What is Systems Theory in Social Work?

Systems theory in social work is based on the idea that behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system. These factors include family, friends, social settings, economic class, and the environment at home. The theory posits that these and other factors influence how individuals think and act, and therefore examining these social structures to find ways to correct ineffective parts or adapt for missing elements of a given system can positively impact behavior. The fields of psychology, communication theory and psychiatry influence modern social work systems theory.

In this particular theoretical approach to social work, professionals observe and analyze the many systems that contribute to the subject’s behavior and welfare. They then work to improve those systems according to the individual’s unique situation.

Systems theory offers a more complete view of a person’s situation within his or her social environment. It is often applied to situations where many issues connect intricately, influencing one another in various ways. Systems theory in social work is used in cases where contextual understandings of behavior will lead to the most appropriate practice interventions. Examples of issues that can be addressed include:

According to Systems Theory and Social Work by Steven Walker, in 2019,, there are three broad schools of interventions that can be identified. They are:

Structural approaches: This type of intervention stems from the technique of observing the interactive patterns in a family or system, and then a structural approach would be taken to highlight problematic situations, find problem-solving solutions to interrupt them when they are happening, and then get the individual or family to try different ways of acting that lead to better outcomes.

Strategic approaches: The focus with strategic interventions is on the everyday problematic interactions and solving them with properly applied cognitive thinking. Often, perceptions people have about their problems influence how those issues are handled. This type of approach allows for a culturally relevant solution that focuses on a family’s or individual’s perceptions within a system, rather than trying to impose perceptions strictly from the outside.

Systemic approaches: This approach (also called the Milan systemic model) works with the whole family or system, rather than just the individual. The focus of this approach is to discover rules and ideologies that are sustaining dysfunctional patterns, then to encourage change in a way that avoids being perceived as blaming others within the system.

Elements in Systems Theory

According to Systems Theory and Social Work, while there are several approaches that can be taken to meet the needs of individual clients, there are a few elements that can are generally part of every implementation. It is important not to take theoretical elements and concepts to level of abstraction, where they can cease to be useful. That said, several regular elements to systems theory implementation include:

Having a trained, licensed professional supervising therapy sessions is important. Social workers, family therapists, or registered therapists can offer feedback and suggestions, and screened observation to gain a different perspective to the social worker involved with the case.

Considered by some to be the most defining characteristic of social work practice, this element of system theory is an ecological approach to the problems presented. The social worker asks a series of questions that are linked to the context of the presenting problem as defined in familial, professional, public, socio-economic and cultural dynamics. The focus is on looking at difficulties from other angles in order to understand unhealthy patterns, and then change or avoid them.

This characteristic of systems-theory-based work assumes that problematic behavior is part of a reflexive, circular motion of events and actions. Spotting and addressing these circular processes effectively can provide a positive way to move forward. This can help people get beyond the blaming or scapegoating behaviors that often stagger progress.

Systems Theory Case Study

Case studies for systems theory applications in social work provide valuable insight into professional findings that can help others exponentially. Case studies provide real-world examples of how interventions can be applied, and help us better understand the interrelated factors that contribute to unhealthy actions.

Professionals can learn a lot from case studies and their valuable documentation. Take for instance, the case of “Jennifer,” a 15-year-old adolescent who showed signs of depression at school. Academically excelling and generally a “good kid,” her teachers and guidance counselor noticed that she frequently appeared ‘‘down’’ and rarely happy. She had difficulty relating to many of her classmates and had trouble creating meaningful friendships.

Jennifer shared with her counselor that she often felt rejected by other kids, and she wondered what was so wrong with her. The counselor and Jennifer identified patterns in her life events that contributed to her feelings of sadness and anxiety. She saw her mother as frequently wanting Jennifer by her side, often complaining about her marriage. Jennifer felt sorry for her mother, and frustrated with having to spend so much time with her too. There were blowups. Jennifer’s mother would then cry and leave, her father would then yell at her for disrespecting her mother. Then Jennifer would withdraw at school.

Even though her parents were not willing to be involved, Jennifer made progress with her counselor anyway. Her enhanced perspective regarding her familial relationships was possible, in part, due to the systems approach employed by her counselor. She was able to develop a healthier level of self-awareness and insight.

Through case studies like this one, family systems theory interventions and practices give a view into the context of the family unit. Deep dive examination of family triangulation, projection and emotional dysfunction allow others in the field of social work to better understand the various interrelated systems they may face in their own professional practice.

Why is Social Work Systems Theory Important?

It is valuable for a social worker to be able to piece together a family’s story by accessing or understanding all the separate parts of that family, or system. By doing this, they may gain a better understanding of the whole system in which the client lives. This is critical to enable professionals to think about the dynamics facing the individual in daily life, both inside and outside the family.

Understanding and applying systems theory is critical in most forms of social work, because it can offer insights that can help people break harmful habits and stop behaviors that keep them from having a fuller in life. With better insight and tools, clients can better navigate through the systems in which they live. This can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a social worker’s job.

If you’re interested in working in the field of social work, and would like to help make a positive impact in your community, view our list of masters in social work programs online to start your career.

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world."

-Dr. Seuss

    In the practice setting Social Workers utilize the generalist intervention model. The generalist intervention model is a multilevel approach that allows social workers to work within a variety of environments, whether it be on a micro, mezzo, or macro level. It rests on 4 major premises:

1) Human behavior is inextricably connected to the social and physical environment
2) Opportunities for enhancing the functioning of any human system include changing the system itself, modifying its interactions with the environment, and altering other systems within its environment
3) Work with any level of a human system—from individual to society—uses similar social work processes
4) Generalist practitioners have responsibilities

beyond direct practice to work toward just social policies as well as to conduct and apply research.

    The Generalist Intervention Model is a 7 step process. These steps are:

1) Engagement

2) Assessment

3) Planning

4) Implementation

5) Evaluation

6) Termination

7) Follow-up

    Below are 4 of the crucial stages in the Generalist Intervention Model, and how I implemented them in my field experience.

Engage:

    The engagement stage of social work practice is when the social worker and the client have their first interaction. It can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour or more, depending on the circumstances and avenue of practice. It is crucial for the worker to not only be friendly and open to the client in order to establish a level of trust, but also to have excellent listening and questioning skills in order to get an idea of what the true problem or problems are. Skills necessary to implement on the part of the social worker include eye contact, empathy and empathetic responses, open ended question, focusing on the client's thoughts and feelings, active listening to ensure the client is heard, and note taking for assessment purposes. In my field experience one important document I utilize for engaging students is the 'All About Me' assessment, which covers questions relating to the student's family, favorite and least favorite subjects, and future aspirations.   

Assess:

    The assessment stage is when the social worker and the client review the information shared by the client to develop strategies for intervening. Social workers utilize their abilities to reiterate what was said in order to clarify with the client. Strengths in the client that are recognized by the social worker are shared and reiterated to the client to boost confidence in both the client and the helping process. Systems that affect the client are also shared so the client is able to see where he or she spends his or her time and how that can have a positive or negative experiences. Missing information is also gathered so a clear picture can be painted in order for the social worker and the client to begin establishing an action plan for change. In my internship I meet with students regularly to evaluate where they were at that particular day. I would inform them of their grades and ask about their days and weekends. If they came to me with a problem I would do my best to work through the problem with the student to try to come up with a plan of action.

Intervene:

    Intervening in the client involves both the planning and implementing stages of the Generalist Intervention Model. In the planning stage the social worker begins working with the client, and much like the assessing stage begins developing a plan with the client in order to accomplish goals that work to resolve the targeted issues. Specific actions and objectives are created in order for the goals to become more attainable. If needed a contract can be drafted in order to ensure that the goals and objectives are clear, concise, and easily understood by both parties. Implementation then is when the contract is executed, and each side does their part in ensuring the contract gets met. The contract can be revised if both parties agree to a revision. The social worker is generally responsible for monitoring progress and attaining information so services can be rendered to the client. The client then acts on those services and implements the objectives and actions in order for the goals to be achieved. In my internship I had developed a contract with a student outlining specific academic, behavioral, and attendance objectives in order to meet his goals of getting all passing grades, not being absent more than 5 times in a quarter, and receiving only 2 in school suspensions. If he met all of the goals I would reward him by purchasing him a jersey of his favorite basketball player. 

Evaluate:

    The Evaluation stage is executed throughout the intervention stage and is crucial to determining whether goals have been met. Evaluations can take the forms of a questionnaire, a one on one meeting where the social worker receives feedback from the client about the process, a goal attainment scale which the client fills out, and many other ways. The hope is that the goals are met and the client begins to feel better and takes steps to independently continue to work on the issues. However sometimes it is necessary to begin the assessment and implementation stages over if the client feels that specific issues were not adaquately addressed. 

Code of Ethics & Social Work Practice

Social workers’ primary responsibility is to promote the well-being of clients. In general, clients’ interests are primary. However, social workers’ responsibility to the larger society or specific legal obligations may on limited occasions supersede the loyalty owed clients, and clients should be so advised. (Examples include when a social worker is required by law to report that a client has abused a child or has threatened to harm self or others.)

1.02 Self-Determination

Social workers respect and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals. Social workers may limit clients’ right to self-determination when, in the social workers’ professional judgment, clients’ actions or potential actions pose a serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others.

1.04 Competence

(a) Social workers should provide services and represent themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education, training, license, certification, consultation received, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.

(b) Social workers should provide services in substantive areas or use intervention techniques or approaches that are new to them only after engaging in appropriate study, training, consultation, and supervision from people who are competent in those interventions or techniques.

(c) When generally recognized standards do not exist with respect to an emerging area of practice, social workers should exercise careful judgment and take responsible steps (including appropriate education, research, training, consultation, and supervision) to ensure the competence of their work and to protect clients from harm.