Competencies of Social Workers at the Sentra Terpadu Pangudi Luhur Bekasi Following the Multi-Service System Transformation

Abstract

The transformation of social service centers into integrated service centers within the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia has brought significant changes to the management and practice of social services. This transformation demands that social workers adapt from providing specific services to multi-service approaches for various beneficiary groups. The policy aims to optimize the function of Technical Implementation Units (UPT) as extensions of the Ministry of Social Affairs in regional areas. This study focuses on the Sentra Terpadu Pangudi Luhur in Bekasi, one of the largest centers in Indonesia, to explore the competencies of social workers in addressing these challenges. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews and observations involving social workers and the center's management. The results indicate that several dimensions of social worker competencies at the Sentra Terpadu Pangudi Luhur Bekasi do not fully meet the standards set out in Ministerial Regulation No. 12 of 2017 on Social Worker Competency Standards. These underdeveloped competency dimensions include Knowledge, General Skills, Specialized Skills, and Attitude. Social workers without an educational background in social welfare/social work tend to rely on practical experience, while those with such an educational background are more capable of integrating theory into practice. The study identifies competency gaps affecting service quality, with social workers from non-social work backgrounds often making intuitive decisions. Furthermore, challenges in the "inpassing" process highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of beneficiaries. These findings highlight the importance of continuous competency development and adaptive education for social workers to meet the increasingly complex demands of services and to respond effectively to the needs of society.