Social Work Practice in the Time of Quarantine

Abstract

Using quantitative, qualitative, and photographic data that were collected early in the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examined the reflections of ten U.S. social workers on their experiences migrating to remote service delivery. Participants were asked to share strategies, opportunities, coping mechanisms, self-identified professional values, and predictions for the future of social work. Three primary themes - professional flexibility and creativity, connection, and recentering general-ist social work skills – emerged with numerous additional subthemes. The study’s findings underscore the critical importance of contextualizing service delivery mov-ing forward – neither adopting a one-size fits all approach for the sake of financial efficiencies nor failing to incorporate the lessons learned during the pandemic. As such, service delivery systems should adapt in such a way as to incorporate in-creased flexibility in meeting client needs.