In the previous module, we looked at some of the promising program interventions and program models developed to address homelessness. In Module Five, we examine those programs again in the context of their community and the community service networks that act to coordinate and integrate the collective efforts of homeless service providers. These service networks, such as the Continuum of Care and Coordinated Access Networks, provide accountability and authority within an otherwise loosely knit collection of homeless service providers and community resources. As we can see, social work practice with homeless services takes place at both the program level and at the community level. Both at the level of direct service delivery and at the level of community stakeholder interests. Considering these different contexts and different areas of social work practice in, what would you say were the most relevant practice roles, skills and knowledge social workers need competence with in order to address homelessness and work effectively with homeless populations? Summarize your answer in a brief, half page paper that Identifies the practice context (i.e. program or community) and two practice roles that you believe would be most important within that context. Readings: Rosenheck, R. A., Resnick, S. G., & Morrissey, J. P. (2003). Closing service system gaps for homeless clients with a dual diagnosis: Integrated teams and interagency cooperation. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 6(2), 77-87. Stakeholders: Who are the community stakeholders with investment in homeless services? Organizing entities: What is a “service delivery network”? (read pages 5-10) Bunger, A. (2013). “Administrative Coordination in Non-Profit Human Service Delivery Networks: The Role of Competition and Trust”. Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 42(6), 1155–1175. What is the “Continuum of Care”? What is a Coordinated Access Network?
