Annotated Bibliography Occupational Social Work Compiled: Dr Adrian D. van Breda 24 January 2009

Herring, H. L. (1927). The beginnings of industrial social work 2. Social Forces, 5(3), 502-507.

The article relates the development of social-industrial relationship in the U.S. in 1927. The extensive welfare schemes of Robert Owen, ranging all the way from improved housing to an inspection of the operatives' lives, was most unusual in its day. Certainly in his sanitation system, his schools, Sunday schools, savings plan and company store, his experiment was a sort of prophecy of what was to become common in the textile industry. Indeed, it may well have been that the youthful Owen had his attention turned to such possibilities by the accident of having worked for mill owners who conducted mills considered models in their day. Tench Coxe, interested in establishing manufacturing in the U.S., made a tout of the mill section of England about 1830. In most of the early New England mills, housing and boarding houses were the chief form of company welfare work, though nearly all seem to have aided churches and Sunday schools. In Lowell the boarding houses had many rules of conduct and religious observance which all must obey. The corporation maintained a hospital, encouraged savings, and for a time, operated schools. The workers supported several other activities, the Lowell Offering an operative's magazine, a circulating library, night classes in French and German, and lyceum lectures.

Hoffer, A. (1989). Educational ingredients for occupational social work practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 25(3), 212-223.

In an exploratory study undertaken to determine future educational requirements for engagement in occupational social work, the Delphi method was utilized to determine what an informed group of geographically dispersed social work educators & practitioners (total N = 84) from across the US & Canada could agree in this respect. A combined total of 51 educational ingredients were accorded an above-average priority rating & ranked within the categories of knowledge & skill. Consensual identification of these items provides a strong basis for sound curriculum planning & development.

Hutchison, W. S., & Lewis, B. Y. (1987). Marketing social work services in the workplace. Social Work Papers, 20, 21-29.

A model for marketing social work services in the workplace is presented that portrays occupational social work marketing as being comprised of five phases: auditing, planning, contracting, delivering, & evaluating. Case examples are provided to demonstrate the application of the model in two settings: a family service agency & a mental health center.

Iversen, R. R. (1998). Occupational social work for the 21st century. Social Work, 43(6), 551-566.

Economic restructuring and radical changes in welfare policy ave causing increasingly severe employment dislocation and disadvantage among many urban residents, particularly women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and youths. Despite the profession's historic commitment to poor people, little advanced social work practice is reported in work-enhancement programs. This article outlines employment-related needs among poor people in the context of economic and policy change. A brief discussion of successful work programs and traditional occupational practice frames the reformulation suggested in the article. Role definitions, settings, and skills needed for expanded occupational social work practice are followed by implications for social work.

Iversen, R. R. (2001). Occupational social work and job retention supports: An international perspective. International Social Work, 44(3), 329-342.

The article examines the reformulation of occupational social work in meeting the global issues of employment. Structural byproducts include growth of low-wage jobs and marginal employment and longer periods of joblessness. In the US, and reportedly many other countries, economic disadvantage is experienced particularly strongly by women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups and youth. Personal byproducts include interpersonal and family stresses, such as the higher incidence of substance use, anxiety and depression. Occupational social work would seem to be the relevant field of specialization to address structural and personal conditions related to unemployment. Although occupational social work is practiced among unemployed persons in Israel, occupational practice is not reported in evaluations of welfare-to work or other work-enhancement programs in the US. Moreover, most occupational social work literature is directed at practice with employed persons in the workplace.

Iversen, R. R., Lewis, B. M., & Hartocollis, L. (1998). Perspectives on welfare reform:Part Three: Occupational social work and welfare reform: Directions for continuing social work education. Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 1(3), 12-17.

Considers how social work educators can design curricula to aid welfare-to-work program staff & workplace professionals maximize TANF recipient efforts, drawing on knowledge about job retention & occupational social work. This article presents the background to job retention supports found to be effective. In highlighting a continuing social work education education program, the following modules are detailed: importance of interpersonal relations; the environment/social support system; the organizational structure & behavior; & the community resource & labor market.

Kasselman, J. P. H. (2001). Career development in relation to occupational social work: A theoretical grounding. Dissertation Abstracts International, A: The Humanities and Social Sciences, 61(9), 3772-A.

The specific nature of the work that needs to be done in the South African Police Service has a direct influence on the social functioning of those who must ensure that the core business is carried out successfully. As a result of this, the South African Police Service introduced a social work service for employees. It was assumed that, should the organization assist individuals by addressing & possibly preventing social problems, the core business of the organization would be realized. The researcher, who worked as an occupational social worker in the organization, had however noted that certain career choices an the placement of employees created social problems. Career development, as a function of human resource management, has been identified as a possible employee assistance program intervention that will pro-actively address this specific problem. A study of this function was undertaken & was subsequently theoretically grounded & described in context of the South African Police Service. The investigation supplied a clear, functional differentiation between the meanings of the terms career management & career planning, which are jointly referred to as career development. The use of career development as a function of the employee assistance program was investigated in terms of existing theory & the practical experience of the researcher. An instrument has been developed that integrates four dimensions & determines the career patterns of employees. Research relating to the type & appearance of career patterns in the South African Police Service was conducted & the researcher was able to discern two additional career patterns that are not identified in the existing theory. The value of the application of career planning as a function of the employee assistance program was tested with occupational social workers employed by the South African Police Service. It is important to understand that in this study two target population groups were used. The first group consisted of employees who had already made their career choices, which enabled the researcher to obtain information about the type & appearance of career patterns. Secondly the industrial social workers were used to establish the application value & knowledge for career knowledge for career planning.

Katan, J. (2001). Occupational social work in Israel. Employee Assistance Quarterly, 17(1/2), 81-96.

The development and current practice of occupational social work in Israel are described. Governmental structures, the health care system and the delivery of social services through the public and private sectors are identified. The prevalence of social workers employed in each of the sectors is also reviewed. The roles, functions, and perceptions of occupational social workers in the Israeli workplace are analyzed. Professional preparation and training of occupational social workers are discussed. Projections are given for the continued development and impact of occupational social work in Israel. [English Abstract]

Kruger, A., & Van Breda, A. D. (2001). Military social work in the South African National Defence Force. Military Medicine, 166(11), 947-951.

The transformation of the South African National Defence Force has prompted a critical reassessment of the Directorate of Social Work. As a result, the Directorate realised the need for a formal Business Plan in order to align the profession strategically with the core business of the military system. After completion of the Business Plan, the need for a unique military social work practice model was identified. Such a model should present social workers with a strategy for the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Business Plan. The Practice Model rests on two key concepts: binocular vision and practice positions. Since the onset of the transformation process in the SANDF, these two documents have reflected the changing milieu within which social work is practised. The main concepts of these documents are presented.

Kurzman, P., A. (2000). Bakalinsky's Conundrum: Should social workers practice in the world of work? Administration in Social Work, 23(3,4), 157-161.

The question of whether professional social workers can practice ethically under corporate auspices was the focus of a classic manuscript by Rosalie Bakalinsky. Published in Social Work in 1980, the article concluded that the ethical issues were insuperable and hence social work practitioners should not enter this world. Now 18 years later, a colleague who has chosen to specialize in the occupational social work field of practice reflects on her insights. While noting his respect for Bakalinsky's reasoning, and for the courage of her position, the author explains his rationale for arriving at a different conclusion.

Kurzman, P. A. (1983). Ethical issues in industrial social work practice. Social Casework, Feb, 105-111.

The valuational dimension of social work expertise is often overlooked. The profession needs to address the emerging value issues and dilemmas in the rapidly growing, nontraditional setting of industrial social work practice. The author suggests a framework for considering them.

Kurzman, P. A. (1988). The ethical base for social work in the workplace. In G. M. Gould & M. L. Smith (Eds.), Social work in the workplace: Practice and principles (pp. 16-27). New York City, NY: Springer.

This chapter addresses the ethical issues that pertain to the growing field of OSW. The dilemmas that we experience in human-service host settings become much more complicated in non-human-service or alient settings, such as those typical in the world of work. Explores issues such as whose agent we are, confidentiality, the common good and the promise of rewards.

Kurzman, P. A. (1988). Work and family: Some major dilemmas. In C. S. Chilman, F. M. Cox, & E. W. Nunnally (Eds.), Employment and economic problems (pp. 67-83). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Since the late nineteenth century, work has been something one does for a living, outside the home, rarely involving family members. Conversely, the family is usually associated with the home, literally and figuratively separate from the wrokplace and from one's place of employment. This is not the case today and maybe never was so in the eyes of the discerning observer. A central theme of this chapter will involve the exploration of the interconnectedness of employment and the family - of work and love - in our postindustrial society.

Kurzman, P. A. (1993). Employee assistance programs: Toward a comprehensive model. In P. A. Kurzman & S. H. Akabas (Eds.), Work and well-being: The occupational social work advantage. (pp. 26-45). Washington, DC: NASW.

This chapter describes the evolution of the modern EAP, noting the struggle for definition and domain. It explains why the field emerged at this time, provides a rationale for its current development, and makes predictions for its future as we approach the year 2000. The chapters discussed the contending conceptualisations of the field, along with implications of several extant models for OSW education and practice. It shows that preprofessional approaches, which made an early contribution to the field, have limitations that could be overcome by a professional mental health services models. The chapter demonstrates why social work's unique PIE practice conceptualisation gave the profession a clear advantage in the field among the several mental health disciplines. Social work is the 'major player' in the EAP arena, and this chapter explains why.

Kurzman, P. A., & Akabas, S. H. (1981). Industrial social work as an arena for practice. Social Work, 26(1), 52-60.

As a new arena for practice, industrial social work presents many advantages in translating the objectives and purpose of the profession into specific activities and programs. Because the workplace provides access to such an enormous population, social workers in labor and industrial settings are afforded almost unlimited opportunities-a source of strain as well as strength. This article outlines these opportunities as well as the particular issues freed by social workers in the workplace.

Kurzman, P. A., & Akabas, S. H. (Eds.). (1993). Work and well-being: The occupational social work advantage. Washington, DC: NASW.

Contents: Introduction / Sheila H. Akabas. Pt. 1. Overview. A profession at the crossroads: occupational social work-present and future / Michael Lane Smith and Gary M. Gould -- Employee assistance programs: toward a comprehensive service model / Paul A. Kurzman -- Practice with unions: collaborating toward an empowerment model / Daniel J. Molloy and Paul A. Kurzman -- Work-site research: challenges and opportunities for social work / Bradley K. Googins. Pt. 2. The context of practice. Prevention: an organizing concept for workplace services / Sheila H. Akabas and Beth Grube Farrell -- Employee benefits: the role of social insurance and social services / Lawrence S. Root -- Serving workers through managed mental health care: the social work role / Adrienne Asch and Patricia Abelson -- Ethnic, cultural, and racial diversity in the workplace / Muriel Gray and Frederica Barrow -- Family and work: trends and prospects for dependent care / Jacquelyn McCroskey and Andrew Scharlach. Pt. 3. Direct services. Work: its use in assessment and intervention with clients in the workplace / Florence Wexler Vigilante -- Solution-focused brief workplace counseling / Maria DeOca Corwin -- Serving the substance abuser in the workplace / Meredith Hanson -- Managing disability in the workplace: a role for social workers / Sheila H. Akabas and Lauren B. Gates -- The older worker and service delivery at the workplace / Cynthia Stuen and Barbara Drahus Worden -- Military social work as occupational practice / Jesse J. Harris. Pt. 4. Management and policy initiatives. Women workers in high-risk public service: tokens under stress / Barbara Levy Simon and Sheila H. Akabas -- Stress in the workplace: a response from union member assistance programs / Lee Schore and Jerry Atkin -- Unemployment and underemployment: a policy and program-development perspective / Lawrence S. Root -- The emergence of external employee assistance programs / Kurt Spitzer and Alison Favorini -- An international perspective on the development of social work in the workplace / David Bargal -- Conclusions: a futurist view / Paul A. Kurzman.

Lebowitz, M. M., Zischka, P. C., Mahon, M., & McCarley, L. D. (1982). Issues in macro-level industrial social work practice. Administration in Social Work, 139-146.

It is the purpose of this paper to give consideration to some of the education and practice issues in industrial social work, as these have emerged from the experience of training social workers for practice in industrial and corporate settings. The paper validates the fact that the industrial arena can be an appropriate stage to learn and practice macro social work skills. Much 'action' takes place here. If social workers are to be part of this action, they need to learn how to practice in the industrial setting. They have to be ready to enter uncharted virgin territory, secure in the knowledge that the profession has much to offer and that people are being helped. Social work macro-training and practice in industrial settings can be accomplished without threat to the basic values of the social work profession.

Lewis, B. (1997). Occupational social work practice. In M. Reisch & E. Gambrill (Eds.), Social work in the twenty-first century (pp. 226-238). Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

Lindbom, J. (1996). Addressing the needs of working mothers: The changing context for occupational social work education. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 12(1-2), 85-103.

A complex interplay of indivual, family, work, and public policy factors often makes it difficult for working mothers to perform adequately in their dual roles as family mebers and employee. This article presents an overview of the changing nature of these social systems and their relatinoship to the needs of employed mothers. To train undergraduate and gradute students for effective intervention with this population, occupational social work curricula need to recognize the interactive relationship between the indivudal concerns of working mothes and the broad range of systemic factors that may lead to problems coping with multiple responsibilities.

Logan, G. (2001). The shadow boxer: Occupational social work in Australia. Employee Assistance Quarterly, 17(1/2), 1-15.

The development and current practices of occupational social work in Australia are described. The dissonance that has occurred in the social work profession as a result of conflicting views of the socioeconomic status of clients that social workers are most obligated to serve is examined. The effect of a major shift towards privatization of the Australian social service system, and the ability of occupational social workers to adapt more readily to this shift based on their experience outside of the public sector are explored. In addition, the specific activities and contributions occupational social workers have made to assist workers in restructuring and downsizing, as well as the limitations of schools of social work to train occupational social workers are presented. The challenges faced by Australian occupational social workers in the future are discussed. [English Abstract]

Madonia, J. F. (1983). Approaches to social work field placements in industry. Journal of Education for Social Work, 19, 38-47.

Maiden, R. P. (1987). Ethical issues in occupational social work: Implications for practice. Journal of Independent Social Work, 1(4), 31-40.

Discusses the substantial growth over the past 10 years of social work practice in work settings, especially employee assistance programs. Addressed are practice issues related to the professional conduct of social workers in work-based social programs and the impact these programs have on public social services. Other relevant issues are client self-determination and degree of confidentiality.

Maiden, R. P. (Ed.). (1992). Employee assistance programs in South Africa. New York City, NY: Haworth.

Foreword, Keith McClellan; Preface, R. Paul Maiden; First World EAPs Serving Third World Clients - A US Perspective of the South African Experience, R. Paul Maiden; The State of the Art of EAPs in South Africa - A Critical Analysis, Lauren S. Terblanche; EAPs in South Africa - A Macro Model, Angela Duplessis; Cultural Issues in South African EAPs - The Perspective of the Black Client, Mpholo S. Moema; Ethical Issues in the South African Workplace, Shirley Thompson; Alcohol and Drug Abuse - Treatment Alternatives in South Africa, Lee Wilcocks and Laura Edmonds; Minimizing Post Traumatic Stress in Critical Mining Accidents, J.C.C. Badenhorst and S.J. Van Schalkwyk; Enuresis Among Black Mining Employees - A Preliminary Study, J.C.C. Badenhorst; Cost Effective Quality Services in the Context of the Health Crisis - Implications and Opportunities for South African EAPs, Tracy Harper; Occupational Social Work Education in South Africa, Sello Mkalipe

Maiden, R. P. (1992). First World EAPs Serving Third World Clients A U.S. Perspective of the South African Experience. Employee Assistance Quarterly, 7(3), 1-15.

Employee assistance program models originating in the U.S. have been modified and incoporated in several countries. This article presents an overview of redevelopment of EAPs in South Africa from the perspective of a U.S. EAP practitioner. The author has trained and consulted with EAP professionals in a range of industries in South Africa. This article is a retrospective of that experience.

Maiden, R. P. (Ed.). (1999). Employee assistance services in the new South Africa. New York City, NY: Haworth.

Examines occupational social work, substance abuse implications for the workplace, cultural diversity training, psychosocial management of retrenchment, development of programs in large companies to deal with employees' personal and work-related problems, and health promotion; 6 articles.

Maiden, R. P. (1999). Substance abuse in the new South Africa: Implications for the workplace. Employee Assistance Quarterly, 14(3), 41-60.

Examines the growing problem of drug & alcohol abuse in the new (postapartheid) South Africa, along with its social & economic implications & responses by the government, vigilante groups, & communities. Some demand-reduction methods are reviewed, & the status of chemical dependency treatment & support groups is discussed.

Maiden, R. P. (2001). The evolution and practice of occupational social work in the United States. Employee Assistance Quarterly, 17(1/2), 119-161.

Occupational social work was first introduced in the United States at the dawn of the 20th Century, in response to heightened industrialization, rapid urbanization and an influx of immigrants with numerous social needs. In the absence of institutionalized social welfare services and increasing consumer demands, leading industrialists of the era assumed the role in the provision of social welfare services. While paternalistic in its approach, these early employer-sponsored social services set the tone for the workplace programs that have evolved over the past 100 years. While these services have been offered under many different auspices, such as unions, large corporations, small employers, federal, state and local government agencies, drug and alcohol treatment programs, hospital and related health care services, the military, and by major health insurers, social workers have played a pivotal role in the evolution of workplace human services. The development of the occupational social worker in the U.S. and the evolution of work related delivery systems are traced. The unique perspective that social workers bring to the world of work, and the resiliency with which they have been able to assist workers and work organizations to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing workplace and environment is examined. The roles social workers play in the areas of adapting to technological and organizational change, understanding and accepting diversity, health care cost containment, economic fluctuations and job insecurity, work induced stress and illness, managing trauma, conflict and violence, work and family issues, and the recent infusion of public welfare recipients into the workplace are also explored. [English Abstract]