Macro/Mezzo/Micro

Question 1

Micro-level (Clinical level)

Answer 1

Micro social worker is the most common type of social wok and involves direct interaction with clients to address individual problems.

Example of micro level social work includes Clinical interactions, substance abuse treatment (individual),crisis management, inpatient and outpatient therapy.

Question 2

Mezzo- level (Groups of people)

Answer 2

Mezzo level social worker looks at groups instead of individuals.

In mezzo work the social worker will work with the individual or a family group to promote individual change, the social worker will work with groups to focus on promoting culture or institutional change. Generally, mezzo work combines both micro and macro practice.

Mezzo social work practice involves working with small groups of people.

Mezzo practice can include facilitating substance abuse treatment groups or working with a community organization to promote change.

Examples of mezzo level social work include: conducting meditation, facilitating treatment groups or working, implementing programs.

Question 3

Macro-level ( Organization level)

Answer 3

Macro level social work involves intervention and advocacy on a large scale, affecting entire communities, states, or even countries.

Helps clients by intervening in large systems including local, state, and federal laws and policies.

Macro social work practice intervenes on behalf of individuals to promote communal, societal, or cultural change.

Policy and Procedures

Examples of Macro level social work include involvement in local, state or federal government, lobbying, applying for federal and state grant money.
Executive director duties and evaluating policies at the agency level can also be seen as macro practice.

Question 4

Policy and Procedures

Answer 4

Social workers have the opportunity to develop, implement and evaluate agency policies. If an agency policy provides barriers for clients the social worker should advocate on behalf of their clients to evaluate these policies.

            Considerations in policy and procedure development  1.  Front line workers should be involved in policy development as they work directly with clients.

2. All workers should be trained on agency policies and procedures.
3. Policies should be involved the best interest of the client.

           Consideration when evaluating policies and procedures:

4. What is the history of the policy? Why does it exist ?
5. How do clients feel about this policy? Does it benefit clients or create barriers?
6. Does the policy align with the code of ethics?
7. Does the policy have any unseen barriers ?
8. When was the last evaluation ? Is the policy outdated ?