In the event that a client (a person, a family or even an entire community) already knows in some concrete terms what problem or goal he or she has, the social worker can often deploy task-oriented casework (TOC). TOC is a step-by-step method that starts with identifying the problem. In a next step, the problem is unraveled against the background of the goal or objective and then a problem analysis takes place. Based on the analysis and again against the background of the goal or objective, an approach is devised, whereby it is always checked what the client can do himself (task setting) and what the social worker can possibly do, but ultimately the intention is that the client can continue without help. Intermediate goals can also be set for the task, so that (intermediate) goals can be achieved sooner. The task is laid down in a contract or in an assistance plan. When the implementation of the plan has started, consultation takes place between the client and the social worker about the progress. During the consultation, for example, it can be determined what extra is needed.

Specific times can be agreed upon during the planning. Those times can be helpful in the evaluation, because it can be important to act less quickly to prevent stress or it can prevent stress by working faster.

In task-oriented casework, the social worker mainly fulfills the role of coach. The social worker does not know in advance what is important for the client, because the social worker often has a completely different background than the client, and for that reason alone consultation is necessary.

If the client does experience problems, but is not yet able to name them concretely (which is often the case), then it is more convenient not (yet) to make use of task-oriented casework. Then, for example, the method known as Dörbecker’s cyclic-iterative approach can be used.

Problems for which TOC can be used are: unemployment, lack of gratitude, debts, a poor social network, loneliness, dealing with a handicap, et cetera.