Suggests that social work's dual focus on the individual transacting with the environment has been underdeveloped by the profession. An array of interrelated formulations from social work and elsewhere reinforces, however, the importance of such center-moving ideas. Discusses these formulations and their impact on the profession's future…

Presents a perspective to help social workers develop the organizational skills needed to practice effectively in hospitals. Examines the nature of hospitals and the hospital worker's practice-building and practice-implementing skills. Examples illustrate task management, creating power, and developing the work role. (JAC)

Contends that recording has become an administrative rather than a clinical activity, retroactive rather than proactive, bringing its usefulness to clinical practice in question. Presents suggestions for improving the clinical record and for returning it to its proper place as a vital component of clinical practice. (LLL)

Encounters, defined as contacts between a social worker and client that have not been regularly scheduled, represent an alternative to the classic casework method. Presents a consumer-oriented strategy based on clinical experience in a public community mental health center in a large urban area. (Author)

Discusses the school social worker's conscious use of self in the daily political processes of the school system. The effective worker must identify influential people within and outside the school system and plan strategic interactions and responses to help students gain maximum benefit from their education. (JAC)

Redefines the advocacy role in social work and demonstrates how a social influence typology can clarify contradictions in the social psychology literature. The typology helps the social worker match the manner in which advocacy is attempted to specific details of the situation. (Author/JAC)

Presents a view of the domain of social work and its core of expertise from a historical contemporary perspective. Considers three factors: the location of social work within the social structure, its objectives, and the nature of its societal sanction. (JAC)

Explores how family therapy can allow social workers to engage in social casework and at the same time fulfill the advocate's role and functions. The social casework method attempts to effect better adjustments between individuals and their environments and includes both case advocacy and policy advocacy. (Author/JAC)

Suggests social work recording has languished, due to administrative regulations and a decrease in confidentiality. Describes client recording, where the client actively participates in the recording process. Proposes client recording provides structure for the interview, creates continuity between sessions, and serves as a therapeutic tool in the…

Distinguishes authority from power and argues that authority is congruent with social work values and practice theory and is related to both the function of agencies and the tasks of workers. Many social workers are reluctant to seek authority and thereby fail to engage their clients. (Author/JAC)

Suggests that, despite the growing popularity of case management in caring for clients' multiple needs, the concept lacks clarity, focusing variously on psychotherapy or provision of services. Explores the potential for claiming case management as a social work domain, citing the conceptual commonality between social work and case management.…