‘Jack of all trades, master of none?’ Social work identity and homelessness in Australian cities

Abstract

• Summary: Professional social work identity emerges from particular historical, sociopolitical and organizational contexts. This article examines social work practices and identities in the context of Australian social work responses to homelessness. It draws on historical and contemporary literature and a qualitative study that interviewed 39 social workers employed in the area of homelessness in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. • Findings: The findings of this research indicate that social workers employed in the field of homelessness constructed their professional identities by drawing on historical debates in social work literature including structural and/or individual approaches to social problems, as well as by reflecting on the personal and professional tensions that arise from their practice contexts. It also found that professional social work identity is overshadowed by managerial organizational contexts, influencing social work practice in the field of homelessness. • Application: Debates have existed about social work identity since its inception. A critically informed approach to social work research, practice and literature provides significant insights into the challenges faced by social workers in this new and emerging area of practice and enables social workers to question social inequalities that disadvantage people experiencing homelessness. Further research is needed to identify differences and similarities between Australian and international social worker experiences in homelessness services.