Chapter One- Introduction to Rural Social Work
Rural Assistance Center (2015) states, “The population of rural America currently accounts for less than 20 percent of the overall population of the United States, and this number continues to fall over time” (pg. 1). Practicing social work in a rural area is often difficult, but unique as the life in a rural area is much different than in an urbanized location. What is most important when working in a rural area is maintaining confidentiality and identities. The United States Census Bureau (2015) defines “ ‘rural’ by regional population density, the region’s proximity to urban centers, and the overall population size of a particular region” (pg. 4).
The early history of rural social work started …show more content…
When working in a rural community, it is crucial for the social worker to be trusted and welcomed into the community. It is also important the social worker can separate work life from home life. Tonnies’s (1963) mentions an important concept to understand when working in a rural community. Tonnies defines “Gemeinschaft as that which focuses on influences of the local or regional community onto the family unit, and Geselleschaft, as that which places greater emphasis on the influences of the broader society” (pg. 121). When working in rural areas it is important to understand ethical considerations and concerns. When dealing with individuals in rural communities an issue that might arise is working with an individual who you know on a more personal level. This is why it is important rural social workers to anticipate ethical dilemmas and challenges regularly and discover ways to minimize the impacts. “Here again, rural social workers are prepared to address social problems across a variety of system levels and are prepared to identify areas of strength and weakness, at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels” (pg. 132). It is important they continue to learn about rural communities and develop a better understanding how to improve issues they might face in the rural …show more content…
Being a social worker in a rural community, it is more than likely; you will have a client who you might know through a mutual friend or even family member. It is important that when this occurs you maintain your professionalism and the confidentiality of the individual.
Chapter Six- Looking Forward
“Rural social workers practicing in and near indigenous communities must be prepared to further their learning and broaden their experiences in the areas of culture, law, and policy” (pg. 136). When working in rural communities many problems will arise such as lack of support in schools when it comes to language barriers, and services like welfare or even law enforcement.
Transportation, health care, mental health care, education, employment and even things like groceries are all challenges faced in rural communities. “It is important to understand that it can take time to allow a community to grow to know you and develop the trust needed to be fully effective” (pg. 137). Working in a rural area is not for everyone, it is important to understand the challenges that those who live in rural areas are faced
Rural Assistance Center (2015) states, “The population of rural America currently accounts for less than 20 percent of the overall population of the United States, and this number continues to fall over time” (pg. 1). Practicing social work in a rural area is often difficult, but unique as the life in a rural area is much different than in an urbanized location. What is most important when working in a rural area is maintaining confidentiality and identities. The United States Census Bureau (2015) defines “ ‘rural’ by regional population density, the region’s proximity to urban centers, and the overall population size of a particular region” (pg. 4).
The early history of rural social work started …show more content…
When working in a rural community, it is crucial for the social worker to be trusted and welcomed into the community. It is also important the social worker can separate work life from home life. Tonnies’s (1963) mentions an important concept to understand when working in a rural community. Tonnies defines “Gemeinschaft as that which focuses on influences of the local or regional community onto the family unit, and Geselleschaft, as that which places greater emphasis on the influences of the broader society” (pg. 121). When working in rural areas it is important to understand ethical considerations and concerns. When dealing with individuals in rural communities an issue that might arise is working with an individual who you know on a more personal level. This is why it is important rural social workers to anticipate ethical dilemmas and challenges regularly and discover ways to minimize the impacts. “Here again, rural social workers are prepared to address social problems across a variety of system levels and are prepared to identify areas of strength and weakness, at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels” (pg. 132). It is important they continue to learn about rural communities and develop a better understanding how to improve issues they might face in the rural …show more content…
Being a social worker in a rural community, it is more than likely; you will have a client who you might know through a mutual friend or even family member. It is important that when this occurs you maintain your professionalism and the confidentiality of the individual.
Chapter Six- Looking Forward
“Rural social workers practicing in and near indigenous communities must be prepared to further their learning and broaden their experiences in the areas of culture, law, and policy” (pg. 136). When working in rural communities many problems will arise such as lack of support in schools when it comes to language barriers, and services like welfare or even law enforcement.
Transportation, health care, mental health care, education, employment and even things like groceries are all challenges faced in rural communities. “It is important to understand that it can take time to allow a community to grow to know you and develop the trust needed to be fully effective” (pg. 137). Working in a rural area is not for everyone, it is important to understand the challenges that those who live in rural areas are faced