Navigating Human Service Organizations Essential Information for Thriving and Surviving in Agencies

Since its very inception, social work has been considered an organizationally based profession, with the majority of its workforce employed within formal organizations. Whether in nonprofit, for-profit, or governmental agencies, the practical realities of human service organizations are a central element of professional social work.

Navigating Human Service Organizations explores the climate and culture of these agencies and provides essential information for surviving and thriving in this setting. It prepares students for their future careers so that they will feel empowered in their work and be able to fulfill their responsibilities toward organizational, community, and social change. Using real-life examples, the authors examine the internal structures of management, financing, and supervision and discuss common conflicts between agencies and professionals. The book's straightforward tone and practical advice make it an asset to anyone entering human service organizations.

Rich Furman, MFA, MSW, PhD, is full Professor of Social Work at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Rich has twenty-five years of experience as a clinical social worker, organizational leader, therapist, coach, and scholar. He is the author of more than fifteen books and 120 peer-reviewed articles, and recognized as one of the international leaders in expressive, arts-based qualitative methodologies.

Margaret Gibelman was Executive Director of the Lupus Foundation of America and the National Association of School Psychologists and was the Associate Executive Director of the Council on Social Work Education.

Ren Winnett, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker at Multicare Health System in Washington and a lecturer at the University of Washington Tacoma.

Preface

1. Getting to Know the Human Service Organization
The Work Setting
Agency Roles for Social Workers
Why Do We Need to Know about Organizations?
Clarifying Terminology
Ethical Guidelines
Social Work and Organizations: Historic Roots
Conflicts between Professionals and Organizations
Changing Conceptions of Organizations
Sources of Information about Organizations
What to Request
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

2. Distinguishing Features of Organizations
Defining Human Service Organizations
Putting Theory to Practice
Types of Organizations
Public versus Private Organizations
Boundary Blurring: Justifiable Confusion
Self-Help Organizations
Mission
Organizational Structure
The Future
Globalization: Another Consideration for the Future
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

3. How Organizations Are Financed
Sources of Funds
Foundations
Individual Donations
Big Donors
Fundraising Practices
Other Sources of Revenue
Managing Finances
Unwanted Surprises
Mergers
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

4. Power and Supervision within the Organizational Setting
Role of the Board of Directors
The Job of the Chief Executive Officer
Attributes of a Good Chief Executive Officer
Supervision
Definitions of Supervision
The Supervisor
The Code of Ethics and Supervision
The Role of Social Work Supervision within the Organization
The Functions of Supervision
Difficulties Encountered in Supervision
Enhancing Professional Development
Continuing Professional Education
Evaluating Job Performance
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

5. The Work Environment
The Impact of Managerial Style
The Agency's Workforce
Volunteers
The Physical Environment
Organizational Culture and Climate
Use of Teams
Communication
Informal Environment
Staff Morale
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

6. Social Work Practice in Host Settings
Work Challenges in Host Settings
Role Incongruity
Health Care Settings as Hosts
Hospital Social Work
The School as an Organizational Setting
Criminal Justice
The Legal System
When Social Work No Longer Dominates
Unique Challenges
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

7. Conditions of Work
Organizational Policies
Formal Policies Concerning Employment
Laws Governing Employment
How Far Have We Come?
Workplace Rules
Job Benefits
Unions
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

8. The Changing Environment of Organizations
The Organization as an Open System
Changing Public Policies
Managed Care
Changing Patterns of Service Delivery
Consumerism
Accountability
Quality Control
The Inevitability of Change
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

9. Internal Sources of Organizational Change
Management Turnover
A New Boss
Facing a Financial Crunch
Managed Care
A Changing Client Base
Relocation
Planning Processes
Obstacles to Change
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

10. Coping with Change
The Strengths Perspective
Empowerment
Directing Power Resources
Persuading through Hard Facts
The Importance of Outcomes
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References

11. Lending a Helping Hand: Making Your Organization Better
Selecting Your Battles
Dealing with Difficult Colleagues
No Organization Is Perfect
Mentoring
Professional Development
Self-Care
Looking toward Your Future
Developing Skills for Your Agency and Yourself
A Final Word
Key Points
Suggested Learning Activities and Discussion Questions
References
Index