Role of Group Worker in Group Formation Stages

The group worker is the key player in the formation of

the group. The worker plays a number of roles. He

she plays the most widely shared roles of social worker

in general viz., enabler, mediator, advocate, educator,

and facilitator. The roles specific to social work group

are that of a leader and decision maker.

As enabler the worker furnishes the necessary

information to members so that member’s doubts are

clarified and their participation levels improve.

Encourages the member/s who takes initiatives in

performing the group tasks.

As mediator, the worker resolves the conflicts in the

group by liaison. Brings conflicting members onto

discussion forum and interprets each member’s points

of view so that the misunderstandings that caused the

conflict are put to an end. The worker also mediates

the negotiations between the group and the other staff

of the agency and other resource agencies.

As advocate the worker presents the case of the

members to the agency authorities to secure certain

additional facilities and concessions. Pleads on behalf

of the member with family and/or with the community

to cooperate with the member by way of accommodating

the member’s needs. He/She presents the case of the

member/s to the referral services.

As educator the worker clarifies the misnomers the

member/s have about various aspects such as the

problem/need, irrational beliefs, unfounded fears etc.

He passes on information to the members about the

developments taking place in the areas concerning their

social situations.

As facilitator the worker creates congenial environment

for the group to go ahead with its activities and tasks.

He/she procures the required material for the smooth

conduct of the group sessions/tasks. The worker helps

members who are shy and withdrawn type to participate

by helping them to identify their intrapersonal and

interpersonal shortcomings and assists them in

overcoming these.