In the social work profession, a number of theories exist that inform specific methods, techniques, and approaches. They are all included in the generalist practice model that integrates individual work, group engagement, and community support, and focuses on the interaction between people and the environment. It provides social workers with an eclectic knowledge base, a broad set of skills, and a framework for assessment, intervention, and change at multiple levels, from individual to global, aimed at attaining optimal social functioning.
The generalist model is a problem-solving model that allows social workers to identify potential stressors and other disruptions at macro, mezzo, and micro levels, and develop appropriate interventions to make changes in the client’s environment. It is based on four main principles, the first of which is that “human behavior is inextricably connected to the social and physical environment” (Miley et al., 2016, p. 47). The second principle states that in order to enhance the functioning of any system, the system itself needs to be changed together with its interactions with the environment and other systems within this environment. Third, any level of a human system, from individual to society, uses similar social work processes (Miley et al., 2016). Fourth, generalist practitioners have responsibilities to work towards just social policies in their practice and academic work.
The generalist model offers a seven-stage approach to the process of problem-solving. The seven stages are engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and termination (Berg-Weger & Birkenmaier, 2017). At the engagement stage, the social worker focuses on building rapport with the client. The assessment stage includes collecting data about the client’s problems, lifestyle, and environment and determining their strengths, skills, capabilities, and resources. Planning is the development of goals and the plan of action based on the client’s needs and circumstances. The plan should include specific tasks and objectives, each team member’s responsibilities, a clear timeline for action, and the description of the expected results. Intervention is the stage where the client and the social worker mobilize resources to implement the plan, with the social worker monitoring the progress, and the client reporting all challenges and obstacles that they encounter (Berg-Weger & Birkenmaier, 2017). At the evaluation stage, both parties determine whether the goals are met and whether new goals should be set. Termination is the last stage of the intervention when the client should achieve the goal of being able to maintain progress on their own.
The generalist model developed into the operational model following the changes in modern society. As it became more complex, social workers started to require a large body of knowledge to encompass all social issues (Dziegielewski & Holliman, 2019). The generalist education emerged that provided specialists with the skills and information needed to perform a variety of tasks for different clients in a range of environments. Currently, it is the most commonly used model of social work.
The generalist model provides a number of advantages to social workers. In contrast to the specialist model, it seeks to create three levels of practice: macro, mezzo, and micro levels (Berg-Weger & Birkenmaier, 2017). The micro level refers to the systems that directly impact an individual; the mezzo level refers to small groups, such as families, and the macro level focuses on large systems, such as organizations and communities. This system allows generalist practitioners to address problems from various perspectives and at different levels, for example, linking individual problems to community issues.
Its other advantages include the involvement of different members, stimulating group functioning, and constructive feedback. Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice, advocate for human rights, adhere to ethical principles, and recognize and support the strength and resiliency of all human beings (Dziegielewski & Holliman, 2019). The generalist model uses a diverse range of methods, techniques, and approaches, and is transferable across all fields of practice, settings, and populations.
The main disadvantage of the generalist approach is the lack of specialization. The model provides social workers with a variety of skill sets and prepares them for applying it in various settings without any specialization. It can be a downside when specific knowledge and training are required for social work practice in a particular environment. Students who are training to be generalist practitioners often feel that their education does not enable them to enter the job market, and their competencies are vague (Dziegielewski & Holliman, 2019). There are constant disputes regarding the lack of clarity in the role of generalist practitioners compared to social workers with a particular specialization.
Overall, the generalist model is an effective social work model that allows specialists to look at a problem in context and find solutions with consideration to the interactions between people and the environment. It is the approach that forms the basis of more specialized models of social work and provides the body of knowledge that can be applied to any field. It is a problem-solving model that works at multiple levels and uses a range of instruments to achieve the main goal of promoting human and social well-being.
References
Berg-Weger, M., & Birkenmaier, J. (2017). The practice of generalist social work. Taylor & Francis.
Dziegielewski, S., & Holliman, D. (2019). The changing face of health care social work: Opportunities and challenges for professional practice (4th ed.). Springer.
Miley, K. K., O’Melia, M., & DuBois, B. (2016). Generalist social work practice: An empowering approach. Pearson Education.