Social work with genetic problems

The generic utility of social work practice skills and knowledge applies to this field of practice as to any other. What is required is a delineation of the role that social workers are to take, a clear articulation of what they can do and do well, and their acquisition of the specific knowledge related to genetic problems that would provide the framework in which to practice social work in this area. From their practice experience, social workers in genetics are in a unique position to contribute important knowledge about their clients that would help to provide essential and needed services as well as guide social work intervention. The key role for social workers in genetics is the provision of supportive counseling to help clients deal with the social dimensions of their genetic problems. In other words, genetic social work focuses mainly on assisting clients with problems in living that are generated by a genetic diagnosis and that may be more problematic or distressing than the genetic defect itself.