What do Community Health Social Workers do, and Why do They do It?

Abstract

Social work and community health are linked in ideology and in practice. A model of practice is proposed founded in the theory, principles and practice of both the profession and the field. The principles of empowerment, equality in health, collaboration with and accountability to the community and a recognition of the multi-causal system of influences on health govern practice within the model. Three streams of practice (organisational, community and individual) comprising key practice features are identified. Social work practice is shown to be subject to a variety of pressures. The model proposed provides a theoretical base from which social workers can argue for the continuation, and complexity, of that practice.