Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

The purpose of a contract in social work is primarily to:

1. Hold the worker accountable

2. Clarify role expectations and tasks

3. Define client limitations

4. Ensure agency accountability

The correct answer is: Clarify role expectations and tasks

The primary purpose of a contract in social work is to clarify role expectations and tasks. This is essential for establishing a mutual understanding between the social worker and the client regarding their respective responsibilities. A well-defined contract outlines the services to be provided, the goals of the intervention, and the expected outcomes. This clarity helps to set boundaries and promotes cooperation, which is vital for effective practice. By doing so, it builds a foundation of trust and transparency, allowing both the social worker and the client to navigate the relationship with a clear set of expectations. While holding the worker accountable, defining client limitations, and ensuring agency accountability are relevant aspects of social work practice, they are secondary to the primary function of facilitating role clarity. Without a clear understanding of expectations and tasks, accountability measures may become meaningless, and clients may feel uncertain about the process and their role within it. Thus, the contract serves as a crucial tool in promoting an effective and collaborative social work relationship.