Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What is the primary focus of the functional model of social work?

1. The individual client's needs

2. The agency and its service

3. Community outreach initiatives

4. Policy reform strategies

The correct answer is: The agency and its service

The primary focus of the functional model of social work is on the agency and its service. This model emphasizes the capabilities and resources of the agency as it provides assistance to clients. It looks at how the structure and operations of the agency can effectively respond to the needs of clients and the community. By concentrating on the functions of the agency, the model seeks to enhance service delivery, ensuring that interventions are coherent and aligned with the organizational mission. This approach contrasts with models that center on the individual client's needs, which focus on personal circumstances and therapeutic relationships, or community outreach initiatives, which aim to engage with broader community settings and issues. Similarly, policy reform strategies aim at systemic change and may not directly address the operational aspects of how social work services are delivered within an agency. The functional model's emphasis on the agency helps to ensure that the resources and programs in place can effectively support both clients and community needs.