Part A (Q3): What are the basic communication skills used in social case work?

Effective communication is the lifeblood of the casework relationship. Basic skills include:

1. Active Listening: This is more than just hearing words. It involves giving the client undivided attention, observing body language, and understanding the emotional subtext behind the words.
2. Empathy: The ability to put oneself in the client's shoes and genuinely understand their feelings and perspective, without losing professional objectivity.
3. Questioning (Open and Closed):
   • Open questions (e.g., "How did that make you feel?") encourage the client to talk and explore.
   • Closed questions (e.g., "How old are you?") are used to gather specific facts quickly.
4. Paraphrasing and Reflecting: Repeating back to the client what they just said in your own words. This shows the client they are being heard and helps clarify misunderstandings.
5. Non-Verbal Communication: Maintaining appropriate eye contact, an open posture, and a nodding head to convey interest and warmth. Conversely, the worker must accurately read the client's non-verbal cues (like fidgeting or avoiding eye contact).
6. Summarizing: Periodically tying together the main points of the conversation to keep the session focused and ensure both parties are on the same page.