This task is designed to assist you in developing your understanding of leading a change process as a social worker.

Identify a social problem in which you have an interest. You may use an example from your workplace (if this workplace is in the Human Services field), placement, or the field, or you may wish to use one of the case scenarios below. In doing this consider the process you would undertake if you were responsible for leading this change. Incorporate the literature about change and leadership in order to justify your chosen course of action anddevelop a program plan to address the social problem in which you are interested.

Areas to consider when developing your program plan are

1. Defining the social problem

2. Assessing the needs of those experiencing the social problem

3. Selecting programme goals to meet the needs of those experiencing the social problem

4. Specifying programme objectives

5. Developing plans for programme implementation

6. Selecting suitable programme evaluation tools.

Case Scenarios:

Leading program implementation:

You are the leader of a team of social workers who work in a foster care organisation. A suggestion has been put forward by one of your team members to hold some ongoing training for foster care parents. Outline a course of action to investigate this proposal and prepare a program plan for implementation.

Leading the process of social action:

Identify a current political issue at the state or federal level that is concerning to you as a social worker. Specify the issue and devise a plan for leading change via a program plan in relation to this particular social issue.

Leading a needs assessment for future program planning purposes:

You are the manager of a non-government organisation responsible for service delivery to people over the age of 65 in your local community. Your board of directors has requested that you develop a better understanding of the needs of your clientele. What steps would you take in order to lead this process and develop the program?

Leading the establishment of a new service:

You work for an organisation that provides housing to people living in the community. In the past two or three months you have noticed a change in the clientele presenting for housing assistance. The numbers of young single men requiring housing has increased. How might you go about developing a program to meet the housing needs of this group of clients?