A Future of Strength: The Strengths Perspective and Developing Social Workers

Abstract

In the 30 years since the birth of the strengths perspective, it has experienced con- tinued celebration and been marked as a pivotal approach for promoting effective engagement with people in a variety of contexts. From parenting to leadership, human resources to education, and therapy to case management; the strengths per- spective has been studied and incorporated into professional practices both within and outside of the social work discipline (Aguinis, Gottfredson, & Joo, 2012; Lopez & Louis, 2009; Marty, Rapp, & Carlson, 2001; Sheely-Moore & Bratton, 2010). Howev- er, social workers initiated the genesis of the perspective (Rapp, 1998; Weick, Rapp, Sullivan, & Kisthardt, 1989) and, therefore, bear the mantle of the legacy, institu- tionalization, and continuation of practicing strengths-based work. Despite wide- spread adoption of the ideology of the strengths perspective, attention is needed to ensure its ongoing use and relevant application to social work.

In 2018, more than 700,000 social workers were employed in the United States (Bu- reau of Labor Statistics, 2018). Job growth is steady for the profession and projected to increase by 11 percent by 2028 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). As the number of social work professionals increases, understanding and meeting the needs of developing social workers is paramount to the sustainment of strengths-based social work. The projected expansion of the profession also suggests that the methods and strategies for incorporating the strengths perspective into the education and practice of developing social work students may need rethinking. Strengths-based work is not business as usual. Saleebey (2013) explained that it is a direct departure from traditional social work practices, such as those that focus on psychopathol- ogy and deficit-driven treatment. Likewise, ensuring the passing of the torch may require a direct departure from traditional social work education. In aligning with the strengths perspective, social work professionals and educators have a respon- sibility to consciously collaborate in their efforts to assist developing social workers in establishing competencies, capabilities and confidence that will enable them to build their career upon a strengths-based foundation.