Week 7-9 Using a nga takepu lens, critique the role of the professional social worker within your placement organization/community Week 7

Within my placement at Taikura Trust, there is a high need for social worker practioners in the organization and the managed support team.  The Case management team work closely and along side registered social workers  from Non government organizations (NGO's) and Oranga Tamariki. Case managers have similarities within there job title, assess the needs and circumstances and support systems of clients.  Social workers need to know law, it provides guidelines to assist the social worker in making crucial decisions involving peoples lives.

The role of a social worker is to built relationships and have the ability to build trust within the organization and community. Nga Takepu applied principles outline a cultural framework, when we look through the lens of Nga Takepu the framework is used holistically moving back in forth to build strong healthy foundations and relationships with the people social workers support, their colleges', community and the organization.   Ahurutanga (safe space) enables the social worker to practice with confidence, allowing safe working conditions i.e.  korero regarding issues of concern, without being criticized or judged, freedom on speech.  Tino Rangatiratanga for the social worker is to practice with absolute integrity, being honest and firm in their morals, with all people, while developing relationships, engaging with the community and organization in an authentic professionalism.  Te Whakakoha Rangatiratanga is been conscious of appropriateness, respectfulness within the organization and community, engaging in the kaupapa culturally, emotionally, economically and spiritually.  Kaitiakitanga is constant acknowledgement of leadership/ 'stewardship' in relationships with all people, and Kaupapa.  Tau Kumekume, recognizing the reality of negative and positive tensions will arise and that it brings layers of insight and learning within placement, organization and the community.

When I critique the role of a professional social worker without a Nga Takepu lens, practice feels and looks distorted disconnected and uncomfortable for the organization/community and people we work along side daily.  Social workers will come across vulnerable members of society.  These people need to feel they can trust the social worker if the space is not safe eg if confidentiality is compromised with people passing through the space they may not be able to express themselves freely and the social worker may miss important information.  Without a Nga Takepu lens the social worker would struggle dealing with emotional situations and unable to practice competently and safely, as the emotional situation may take over, effecting the social worker personally.