By Miriam Dinnerman, PACE Co-Chair
(January 2000)

Four social workers described how they used basic social work techniques to make their practice effective in highly unusual settings-the New York City Comptroller's Office, the Public Advocates Office and the offices of Congress members or State Assembly members. Active listening, for example, is a potent tool in dealing with constituents seeking the help of a Congressman, said Ellen Wallach. Equally so, said Pat Beresford about her experience working in Comptroller Hevesi's office. Mirroring back to the person what they have just said, another social work tool, used by both of them and by Tony Morenzi, in Assemblyman Pete Grannis' office. Knowledge of the dynamics of groups helps in arranging a meeting of persons of opposing views whether they are labeled clients or city council members, said Pat.

It may be easier to see how useful social work skills are in constituent services where the essential thing is to listen and in twenty minutes figure out what the problem is and what needs to be done-and then relay that information in two minutes to the resource who can offer solutions. But Hank Orenstein also talked about how his social work skills served him as an advocate for improved child welfare services in the Public Advocate's office. The other potent tool is the expertise acquired in serving constituents with similar problems that can then be passed along to the legislative aides who can then understand far better what systems changes are needed or are to be avoided.

These four were the panel of social workers who work in political settings that presented at the annual meeting of the NYC PACE on Monday, March 13th at the Chapter office. All were highly encouraging of more social workers entering this field of practice as all reported a sense of real achievement and several who have made long careers in such work. It is not the kind of job that most social workers think about but all four of the presenters said that there are a good number of others and that in some offices there is a welcome mat out. In others, social workers will have to sell themselves on the basis of their people skills in terms that politicians will understand. Ellen Wallach has been doing this for over twenty years and Tony Morenzi for as long in his job as managing the district office of Assemblyman Grannis.

Next steps for NASW are to help in the process of selling legislators and other political actors on the value that an MSW would have on their staff as advocate for certain groups, as expert in certain areas, as constituent service providers, as a supervisor to MSW interns, and as all-around manager of the district office.