According to Social Role Theory, when should the social worker clarify the client's roles with the client?

• A. At the beginning of the engagement
• B. At the end of the engagement
• C. During the crisis
• D. Only if asked

Answer: (A)

In Social Role Theory, establishing clear expectations about roles and responsibilities from the start helps build trust and reduce ambiguity in the helping relationship. Explaining the social worker’s role, what the client’s role is in the process, and the boundaries and scope of services sets the framework for how they will work together. This early clarification also supports informed consent and helps the client understand what to expect, who makes decisions, and how progress will be guided.

Doing this at the beginning matters because waiting until crisis, or waiting until the end, or only clarifying if asked, can lead to confusion, misaligned expectations, and a weaker alliance. By clarifying roles upfront, the engagement starts with a shared understanding, which facilitates collaboration and stabilizes the process.