Which is a step in the engagement process in social work?

Building rapport is a fundamental step in the engagement process in social work. This involves establishing a trusting relationship between the social worker and the client, which is essential for effective practice. Building rapport creates an environment where clients feel safe, valued, and understood, thus encouraging them to share their experiences and feelings openly. When rapport is nurtured, clients are more likely to engage in the therapeutic process, making it easier to collaborate on goals and interventions.

The other choices do not align with the principles of effective engagement. Establishing barriers would hinder the relationship rather than facilitate it, while rapid goal setting may overlook the client's unique circumstances and needs, making it less effective. Promoting dependency is contrary to the aim of social work, which is to empower clients and foster independence rather than create reliance on the social worker. Therefore, building rapport is a crucial and supportive step in fostering a productive working relationship in social work practice.