Social Workers’ Training Evaluated by a Cluster-Randomized Study

Abstract

Objective: Using a cluster-randomized design, this study evaluates whether a skill training program for social workers increases reemployment among welfare recipients. The program focuses on systematizing follow-up work within the areas of encounters with users, system-oriented efforts, and administrative work. Methods: Data consist of baseline and 18-month follow-up questionnaires for welfare recipients ( N = 617) in the 18 participating labor and welfare offices randomized into experimental and control groups. Full-time employment, part-time employment, and participation in active labor market programs were assessed. Results: After adjusting for the clustered structure of data, the findings demonstrate that social workers’ skill training increased reemployment among welfare recipients. Although neutral effects on full-time employment, there was a highly significant effect on part-time employment ( p = .000). In contrast, recipients from the control group were significantly more often in activation programs at the follow-up ( p = .004). Conclusions: Close and comprehensive follow-ups to support reemployment among welfare recipients should be emphasized.