Key Vocabulary in Administrative Social Work
- Public Assistance
- Problem-Solving Casework
- Guardian Ad Litem
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Block Grant
Administrative social workers handle important social work issues using a wide array of administrative functions each and every day. What are some of the components to their regular line of work? Here are five telling vocabulary terms that are as important as any within this profession.
Public Assistance
Also commonly referred to as “social assistance,” public assistance is a government-provided subsidy to those in need and who otherwise may not be able to provide for themselves. There are many forms of public assistance, each with its own offerings to the recipient. As public assistance is aimed at providing the basics so that the struggling individual can subsist, its provisions can include a basic cash income, food, shelter, utility bill assistance, clothing, and medical access. Some forms of this assistance come by way of federal government, while others are administrated by local and state governments.
Problem-Solving Casework
As its name suggests, problem-solving casework is a social work term used to identify casework that is of a certain, problem-solving nature. This categorization can encompass a fairly broad range of casework, but the two primary components to casework that make it “problem-solving” are those of time-sensitivity and focused effort. Any casework exhibiting these two factors may then fall into this particular category of social worker casework.
Guardian Ad Litem
A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed representative that is set to represent the best interests of a minor child in the court system. Translated, this term actually means “guardian for the suit.” Essentially, when the court needs to understand the best interests of a child, that court may then contract a guardian ad litem to work and talk with the child, their doctors, teachers, family, and others so as to determine life circumstances and best interests going forward. The court can then rely on this professional’s opinion in that particular domestic situation in order to draw a more reasonable conclusion in any ongoing matters.
Cost Benefit Analysis
A cost benefit analysis is an analysis or investigation into an organization’s goals and the costs that would then be required to see those goals to completion. By weighing the costs of a goal against its ultimate benefits if materialized, the organization can make an informed decision on if the goal is worth the effort. In administrative social work, this is a common approach to determining direction, goals, and so on. Upper management and individual social workers alike may be involved in performing a cost benefit analysis at any time and regarding any number of subjects.
Block Grant
Block grants are yet another important vocational component the administrative social worker must understand. Per Grants.gov, “The term ‘block grant’ refers to grant programs that provide federal assistance for broadly defined functions, such as community development or social services. Block grants allow the grant recipient more discretion than other grants in determining how to use the funds to meet a broader program goal.” Social workers and many other related professions must therefore be familiar with and capable of utilizing such grants as they become available.
Related Resource: Top 10 Affordable Master of Social Work Online (MSW) Degrees
There is plenty to know when it comes to today’s social work profession. These key terms represent just a handful of the many these professionals must recognize and use regularly. For even more information on key terms and components of administrative social work today, the National Association of Social Workers is an excellent resource with which to follow-up further.