Social Work Examination Questions

These questions cover key topics typically taught at this level, including social work principles, methods, human rights, and Kenyan social issues.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  1. Social work is primarily concerned with:
      1. Providing financial loans
      1. Promoting social change and empowerment
      1. Enforcing government policies
      1. Managing businesses
  2. Which of the following is a core value of social work?
      1. Profit-making
      1. Social justice
      1. Political bias
      1. Religious discrimination
  3. The main law governing child protection in Kenya is:
      1. The Penal Code
      1. The Children Act (2022)
      1. The Marriage Act
      1. The Employment Act
  4. A social worker who helps individuals cope with personal challenges is practicing:
      1. Community development
      1. Casework
      1. Policy advocacy
      1. Research
  5. Which of these is NOT a method of social work?
      1. Casework
      1. Group work
      1. Community organization
      1. Financial auditing

Section B: Short Answer Questions

  1. Define the term “social work” and give two key principles.

  2. List three roles of a social worker in Kenya.

  3. Explain two challenges faced by social workers in Kenya.

  4. What is the importance of confidentiality in social work practice?

  5. Name three vulnerable groups that social workers assist in Kenya.

Section C: Essay Questions

  1. Discuss the importance of social work in addressing poverty in Kenya.

  2. Explain the steps involved in the social work intervention process.

  3. Analyze how social workers can help combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya.

  4. Describe the role of social workers in community development.

  5. Discuss the impact of drug abuse on Kenyan youth and suggest intervention strategies.

These questions assess knowledge of social work theories, ethics, Kenyan laws, and practical interventions. Would you like more questions on a specific topic, such as child welfare, counseling, or community development?

Answers to Certificate in Social Work Questions

Below are the answers to the Certificate in Social Work questions provided earlier.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – Answers

  1. Social work is primarily concerned with:
    • Answer: b) Promoting social change and empowerment
      (Social work focuses on improving well-being and empowering individuals and communities.)
  2. Which of the following is a core value of social work?
    • Answer: b) Social justice
      (Core values of social work include respect for human dignity, social justice, and integrity.)
  3. The main law governing child protection in Kenya is:
    • Answer: b) The Children Act (2022)
      (This law provides for child protection, care, and welfare in Kenya.)
  4. A social worker who helps individuals cope with personal challenges is practicing:
    • Answer: b) Casework
      (Casework involves one-on-one support to help individuals with personal challenges.)
  5. Which of these is NOT a method of social work?
    • Answer: d) Financial auditing
      (Financial auditing is not a social work method; it is an accounting practice.)

Section B: Short Answer Questions – Answers

  1. Define the term “social work” and give two key principles.

    • Definition: Social work is a profession that promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and empowerment to enhance well-being.
    • Two Principles:
      • Respect for human dignity: Treating all individuals with worth and fairness.
      • Social justice: Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for marginalized groups.

  2. List three roles of a social worker in Kenya.

    • Providing counseling and psychosocial support.
    • Advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups (children, persons with disabilities, etc.).
    • Linking clients to resources (e.g., healthcare, education, financial aid).

  3. Explain two challenges faced by social workers in Kenya.

    • Limited resources: Lack of funding and facilities for effective service delivery.
    • Stigma & resistance: Some communities reject social workers due to cultural beliefs or mistrust.

  4. What is the importance of confidentiality in social work practice?

    • Builds trust: Clients are more likely to share sensitive issues if they know their information is secure.
    • Legal & ethical requirement: Protects clients from harm and upholds professional ethics.

  5. Name three vulnerable groups that social workers assist in Kenya.

    • Orphans and street children
    • Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
    • Victims of gender-based violence (GBV)

Section C: Essay Questions – Sample Answers

  1. Discuss the importance of social work in addressing poverty in Kenya.

    • Economic empowerment: Social workers connect individuals to vocational training and microloans.
    • Advocacy: They push for pro-poor policies (e.g., cash transfer programs).
    • Education: Promoting access to schooling breaks the cycle of poverty.
    • Community support: Mobilizing self-help groups for collective economic growth.

  2. Explain the steps involved in the social work intervention process.

    • Engagement: Building rapport with the client.
    • Assessment: Identifying needs, strengths, and risks.
    • Planning: Setting goals and intervention strategies.
    • Implementation: Executing the plan (e.g., counseling, referrals).
    • Evaluation: Reviewing progress and adjusting the approach.
    • Termination: Concluding the intervention when goals are met.

  3. Analyze how social workers can help combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya.

    • Awareness campaigns: Educating communities on GBV prevention.
    • Counseling & safe spaces: Providing trauma support for survivors.
    • Legal aid: Assisting victims in reporting cases and accessing justice.
    • Policy advocacy: Lobbying for stricter GBV laws and enforcement.

  4. Describe the role of social workers in community development.

    • Mobilization: Encouraging community participation in projects.
    • Needs assessment: Identifying key issues (e.g., water scarcity, unemployment).
    • Resource linkage: Connecting communities to NGOs/government programs.
    • Capacity building: Training locals on skills for sustainable development.

  5. Discuss the impact of drug abuse on Kenyan youth and suggest intervention strategies.

    • Impacts:
      • Health problems (HIV, mental illness).
      • Crime and violence.
      • School dropouts and unemployment.
    • Interventions:
      • Rehabilitation programs.
      • Peer education in schools.
      • Strengthening family support systems.
      • Advocacy for stricter drug laws.

Final Notes:

These answers align with Kenyan social work practices and relevant laws (e.g., Children Act, GBV policies).

For exams, ensure responses are concise but detailed with local examples where applicable.