2.2 Recognising the differences
Table 3 illustrates the many different functions of writing in social work, but the research team identified just four kinds of document which were the most commonly used across all service user groups. These four document types are:
Document type |
Purpose |
|---|---|
Case notes |
The day to day record of all interactions and decisions made in relation to a specific person receiving a service. These are normally created on a digital system and need to be completed within specific timeframes |
Assessment reports |
Reports written by the social worker but often compiling information from many sources, including the service user. Assessment Reports also contain a recommendation. |
Emails |
Digital communication between the social worker and anyone else involved, including the service user and anyone involved in providing a service to them. |
Handwritten notes |
These can take many forms including notes taken during or shortly after a conversation or meeting, rough drafts of other forms of official documents such as Assessment Reports, writing or even diagrams and drawings, used during face to face meetings with service users. |
You will come across many different types of texts that you have to write as part of your daily work which are essential. Of course exactly what you will have to write will depend on your particular area of social work. But there are three key types of writing that social workers carry out across all areas of practice: case notes, assessment reports and emails.
Activity 4 Identifying text types
Look at the brief extracts taken from social workers’ writing. Which of the three key types of writing do they come from, case notes, assessment reports or emails? Select the relevant option from the drop down menu. As you do this consider your reasons for making your decisions, thinking about the content, the language and purpose of each text.