Comparison of Theory and Practice

Comparison of Theory and Practice
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
Comparison of Theory and Practice
Debate exists regarding theory and practice in social service. The relationship between theory and practice in social, public, or humanity services is increasingly gaining interest from various stakeholders, including the community, the government authorities, and community service agencies or organizations. In social work, community-based organizations and agencies often align their theoretical frameworks and practices to serve individuals and communities by enhancing population and person’s well-being. Community agencies transform theory into practice by translating theoretical concepts into policy frameworks that can be implemented—the practical social policies upon implementation impacts social conditions for individuals, groups, or communities. Many organizations have ideologies and practices geared towards improving individual and societal overall well-being. BronxWorks is a typical example of such an organization whose core purpose involves serving the communities living in the Bronx. BronxWorks is involved in a broad spectrum of activities and program that helps Bronx community enhance their socio-economic well-being. This paper explores how BronxWorks has developed competencies for effective service delivery amongst people living in the Bronx and examines its impact on the community.
Social Work Theoretical frameworks
A constellation informs social work theories support practice. Social model theories illustrate how human services agencies such as BronxWorks can develop practices that improve human lives. Implementing social work practices involving human services delivery involves deployment of a wide range of theories such as system theory, social learning theory, psychological development theories, psychodynamic theories, rational theories, a problem-solving approach centered practice theory, crisis intervention theory and cognitive-behavioral theories, cultural competence models, amongst many more! These theories cannot be singularly applied in resolving community social problems. Instead, theories are complementarily applied. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychological development theories can be used to improve health wellbeing amongst the underserved and sick senior population. Another example is that, through social work theories such as Crisis intervention theory, BronxWorks can translate idea into practices by assessing safety and risk surrounding a specific community problem, creating rapport and indemnifying a problem, addressing people’s views and feelings, providing alternatives, developing practical action plans and doing follow-ups.
BronxWorks Competency as a Community Service Agency
BronxWorks has developed critical competencies that align its theoretical conceptualization with practicing. BronxWorks has enjoyed tremendous success in its practices because it has secured a robust relationship with the community and various organizations. It has developed relationships with a diverse organization involving key players in healthcare, warehousing, construction, food services, social services, security, transportation, and public adminis...