MSW and the Developmentally Disabled

[TMS@1987]

Hey,

I'm wondering if anyone on here is familiar with the role a MSW plays when working with the developmentally disabled? I am considering working with this population but I'm not 100% sure what exactly the job of a social worker is with this population. I would imagine that being able to provide counseling would depend on their level of functioning, but what other services do MSW's provide?

Thanks

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[lookitssara]

My assumption is that MSWs would provide very little counseling to this population, aside from counseling if the client is making a difficult transition (such as home with parents to group home) or counseling the client's family members.

The social worker would largely assist in finding services for the client: basic needs, job training, education and ensuring that they are appropriate. Additionally, social workers with this group may focus on advocacy.

 

[a256h]

The social worker's role would be pretty open in terms of working with individuals with developmental disabilities...but not every position would require you to have your MSW. From my experience managing a non-profit program for individuals with developmental disabilities, I don't often see MSWs doing counseling...many of the social work positions are administration/managerial related or case management (some case management related jobs might even just require a social work related BA and some experience).I have worked mainly with individuals with profound to severe levels of developmental disabilities so counseling might not be an effective strategy as many are non-verbal and unable to really benefit from it. Often the behavioral strategies/interventions are used when clients are having a difficult time (such as transitioning) or if behaviors are becoming increasingly difficult and regular, then that's where the psychologist would come in. I have seen MSWs employed as "developmental specialists" though, which means individuals (usually children) are referred to them when there is a concern about their development (emotional, social, intellectual, etc). Policy-related or advocacy types of positions are some other options to think about if you want to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

[xenobart]

I worked at a day program for developmentally delayed adults, and the program only required we have a high school diploma. At the bachelors / masters level there is a lot of base management, which you can do with a BSW or degree in a related field, but as an MSW you get paid more and have an easier time finding work. Work with this population usually involves management of their daily lives, helping them find resources and generally cope. You also may be working with these individual's family members and helping them develop a social support system. I've done counseling with higher-functioning adults of this population, and it usually is very solution focused, specific, and directed. Behavioral modification (not to be confused with CBT) can work very well.

As someone else said, there are also administrative / policy advocacy positions where you can work to ensure the basic rights of DD children, adults, and family members are met.