Opportunities For Social Work Research Articles

The impact of mentoring interventions to support newly qualified social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the early cessation of practice learning opportunities for social work students across Northern Ireland and an expedited graduation to enable them to join the workforce. The article reports on a small-scale service evaluation of the Assessed Year in Employment Mentoring Programme in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. The programme provided additional support to newly qualified social workers as they transitioned from student to professional. Focus groups facilitated with 11 Assessed Year in Employment social workers highlighted the positive impact of mentoring, with emphasis on the importance of formal, accessible and effective organisational support during the transitional period. Recommendations call for continued facilitation of mentoring for future cohorts of Assessed Year in Employment social workers in order to cultivate a supportive organisational climate and strengthen the workforce.

Disability Justice and the Americans with Disabilities Act: An Opportunity for Social Work.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 61 million Americans have a disability, which translates to about 26 percent of the national population. The most common types of disability are physical (13.7 percent), or those that impact mobility, and intellectual (10.8 percent), or those related to cognitive processing. The Bureau of Justice Statistics has reported that 32 percent of people in state prisons and 40 percent of people in county jails have at least one disability, rates that demonstrate alarming disproportionality. Yet the history of the disability rights movement, the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act for people with disabilities who are involved with the criminal justice system, and the implications of disability justice and critical disability theory for the field of social work are not well understood. The purpose of this article is to review these under-recognized topics and offer recommendations for addressing this neglected area of social work education, research, policy, and practice.

Understanding youth circumstances in workforce development programs: Opportunities for social work

Summary Youth who are disconnected from both education and work are at risk for a difficult life trajectory. This population requires policy and practice attention from social work. In this article, we report results from two research studies in the United States focused on the workforce development system serving the disconnected youth population. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 61 respondents in various geographic areas. Findings The focus of the analysis was data related to youth strengths and employment-related realities. Additionally, we examined the extent to which social work was reportedly engaged in this work. Respondents identified strengths of the youth population to include resilience, creativity, and willingness to contribute their perspectives. The described realities of employment suggest many challenges (e.g., employer reluctance, limited information on opportunities, and immediate economic realities). Social work was only mentioned in a few instances but in a positive light. Applications The findings have direct application for guiding further social work engagement in this practice and policy area. These applications include providing leadership to workforce development systems in the use of strengths perspectives, meeting youth where they are at, engaging in holistic interventions to address basic needs, and strengthening collaborations. Applications to social work research and education are also identified.

Evaluation of Social Work Student Placements in General Practice

Abstract Social work and social work student placements in general practice [GP] can contribute to wholistic healthcare. The overall aims of this research were to develop, implement and evaluate a field education placement curriculum for social work student placements in GP clinics. Between December 2021 and June 2022, six students completed their social work placements in four GP practices in North Queensland. Data collection included student records and an online survey that invited students, field educators, task supervisors, mentors, allied health professionals and GPs to provide feedback about the usefulness of the developed materials, the benefits and challenges of the placements, the services provided by the students, patient outcomes and feedback, social work learning, service delivery overall and the value of, and satisfaction with, the social work GP placements. Social work student placements in GP practices offer a valuable broadening of field education learning opportunities for social work and can benefit GP settings. Such placements need to be particularly carefully scaffolded and supported through a comprehensive curriculum, supervision, and a welcoming GP setting. Students interested in embarking in such a learning journey need to be highly confident and competent in social work practice.

Analysis of the Needs of Social Workers Regarding Their Utilization of ICT in the System of Provision of Social Services (Kyiv City, Ukraine)

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is an important element in the work of social workers. Recent progress in ICT creates fundamentally new opportunities for social work in the provision of social services, including high-quality and timely responses to the requests of vulnerable population groups and persons in crises. In the information sector, work in the social sphere requires knowledge and skills in effective search, accumulation, processing, storage, presentation, and transmission of data using computers and computer networks. A social worker must be able to use information and computer technologies both for self-development in the professional sphere and for organizing their daily practical activities and solving socially significant problems. Therefore, it is necessary to form and develop ICT competence in professional activities for the quality provision of social services. The purpose of the study is to determine the ICT tools used in the practical work of social workers in the provision of social services, the scope of ICT application, and the analysis of the needs of social workers in Kyiv regarding the introduction of ICT into the system of providing social services.An online survey of social workers of state and non-state organizations in Kyiv, which provide social services to vulnerable population groups and persons in crises, was conducted. The theoretical sampling method was used, which made it possible to formulate generalized recommendations regarding introducing ICT tools into the social services system. To determine the typical ICT tools and directions of ICT used in social work, an expert meeting was held with specialists of the Department of Information and Analytical Work of the Kyiv City Center of Social Services. Resource monitoring was used for the automated search of information on the Internet.The authors of the article researched the information and communication technologies used by social service providers in their work and highlighted the prospects of ICT tools in state and non-state organizations. The ICT tools that are most often used in the provision of social services have been determined as a result of a survey of social service workers of state and non-state organizations in Kyiv. These tools are grouped into three main categories: communication channels, information dissemination channels, and methods of building online service provision processes. The key needs of social workers regarding the use of ICT tools in the process of providing social services and the most typical challenges in the implementation of these technologies are presented in the article. The authors identified the advantages of using ICT in the provision of social services and proved the effectiveness of the use of electronic services as a quick and effective tool in the process of meeting the requests of vulnerable population groups. The prospects for the use of ICT in the provision of social services are highlighted as well. It has been shown that the use of information and communication technologies in the provision of social services will positively affect the quality of the provision of social assistance and social services. The use of these technologies by social institutions makes it possible not only to effectively respond to the challenges of the military situation in Ukraine but also to promptly respond to the requests and needs of social service recipients and provide them with quality services. The authors presented the main ICTs that can be used by social workers when providing social services.

Critical ethnography: opportunities for social work research

Social work research is conducted using various approaches and methods. This article aims to characterize critical ethnography and its opportunities for critical social work aimed at overcoming structural inequalities. Within the framework of the study, an analysis of 28 English-language full-text publications was carried out according to the following criteria: (1) the general purpose of critical ethnography as a research methodology in social work and its philosophy; (2) stages and procedures for using critical ethnography, the roles of researchers and other research participants; (3) cases of the use of critical ethnography in social work; (4) the advantages and limitations of critical ethnography. Critical ethnography, like traditional ethnography, involves long-term observations of certain practices in the "field conditions." Observations can be supplemented by other methods that make it possible to assess the life experience of research participants from the perspective of the participants themselves. Critical ethnography makes it possible to identify and describe structural inequality in society and to challenge existing practices, in particular, practices of providing social services. The main focus of research is the identification of hidden values and the use of power relations that reinforce the inequality of certain social groups and social injustice. Researchers are expected to have their own position and provide adequate theoretical justification for their actions, deep immersion in the context and social situation. The use of critical ethnography involves a number of successive stages: the preparatory stage; the organizational and methodological stage; the field stage; the stage of research findings analysis; the presentation and dissemination of the results in order to promote social change.

Literature Review on Regulatory Frameworks for Addressing Discrimination in Clinical Supervision

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore existing frameworks and practices for addressing discrimination in supervision as well as patterns of discriminatory treatment in supervision identified in social work and related fields. Methods: The project employed a rapid review guided by the methods of Search, Appraisal, Synthesize, and Analysis (SALSA) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA). Results: The authors found evidence that discrimination in supervision is a documented problem that occurs in related fields. It revealed a range of social identities that have been the target of discrimination. It also found opportunities for social work to build on existing regulatory frameworks to address critical gaps. Conclusions: It is critical that social work take steps to fill the gap in social work professional standards and regulations and ensure that social workers from disadvantaged backgrounds have equal opportunity and access to training and licensure.

Social Work in Brazil in the Vortex of Three crises: Pandemic, Social and Political

Abstract Social work in Brazil advocates a radical and critical model of social work theorisation and practice. This article explores the Brazilian theoretical and practice model, identifying the profession as being in the vortex of Covid-19, increasing state economic austerity, attacks on previously hard-won progressive social policy and increasing inequality and precarity. This provides a challenging practice environment. The professional re-conceptualisation model proposes that social work needs to fully theorise social difficulties to ensure that the profession intervenes to address the causes of the problems, rather than manifestations underlying them. This is undertaken through aligning itself with working-class conflicts, promoting rights and refusing to accept the rolling back of support already won. The Brazilian framework, located within its social realities, offers an opportunity for social work globally to consider what lessons can be learnt, to recognise the uniqueness of its perspectives and provide solidarity through its recognition.

Meanings of parenting and dis/ability for mothers and fathers with intellectual disabilities in the context of social work in Austria: Potentials of deconstruction for shifts in meaning

This study critically explores the meanings of parenting and dis/ability for mothers and fathers with intellectual disabilities in the context of social work in Austria. The aim was to gain insights into what it means to be a mother/father with intellectual disability in Austria by analyzing how parenting with intellectual disabilities is publicly discussed, how social work professionals perceive supporting parents with intellectual disabilities and how mothers and fathers with intellectual disabilities experience parenthood. The findings reveal that negative understandings of disability collide with notions of responsible parenting. Mothers and fathers with intellectual disabilities were subject to child welfare interventions, experienced discreditation and were perceived as deviant from normal families. Social work professionals aimed to support parents with intellectual disabilities and, at the same time, to normalize them by pursuing their independence from services. The findings also point to systemic challenges for social work, including time and financial constraints and difficulties in cross-service cooperation, due to the division into child welfare and disability services. Conceptualized as a figure that represents de/constructions of parenting and dis/ability on three levels, the study findings reveal opportunities for social work with mothers and fathers with intellectual disabilities to deconstruct long-term support needs as antithesis to hegemonic ideals. In this sense, deconstruction in the context of social work offers potentials for shifts in meaning.

Dual pandemics or a syndemic? Racism, COVID-19, and opportunities for antiracist social work

ABSTRACT In this article, we critically engage the “dual pandemics” framing of this special issue. We first consider the key assumptions of this popular frame, specifically the conceptualization of racism as a pandemic, and examine limitations of medicalizing racism. We follow with an introduction of the term syndemic, coined by public health scholar Merrill Singer, and discuss how the language of syndemics might accurately characterize the synergism and interconnectedness of racism and COVID-19. We conclude by applying syndemic theory to offer insights and opportunities for social work research, practice, and policy from a racial justice lens.

A scoping review of Chinese families caring for a relative with mental illness

ABSTRACT Families may experience the negative impact of caring for a relative with a mental illness. With a growing number of Chinese people living in many countries, no recent review has been conducted to analyze the literature concerning the caregiving experience of Chinese families and possible family interventions to support them. A scoping review was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles published in the last 10 years. A total of 48 articles were found describing the experience of caregiving and family interventions. The opportunities for social work to advance research and practice with Chinese families are discussed.

Social work education; the international journal - student essay competition

ABSTRACT This paper explores a Social Work focus upon intersecting mental health and recovery-oriented practices. A discussion of historical and current biomedical approach limitations to mental health and pertinent ethical considerations for social workers examines policy and practice incongruences and suggests current recovery-focused policy in Australia is available for to Social Work to capitalise on for better outcomes of service provision. Written as a course assessment from the perspective of a mature aged Social Work student, personal aspects of reflective practice in relation to new social workers participating as agents of biomedical discourse is briefly discussed. Overall intentions are to reflect on opportunities for Social Work as a practice body and social workers new and experienced to orient toward a less submissive role where operating within current biomedical paradigms.

Strengthening community engagement in Nepal during COVID-19: community-based training and development to reduce child labour

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to serious socio-economic consequences globally. These impacts are disproportionately disruptive to vulnerable groups and low- and middle-income countries. This paper explores the case of Nepal and challenges faced by NGOs and community-based organisations (CBOs) to reduce child labour in brick production, embroidery (zari) and the carpet industry amidst the strict lockdown laws, and industry closure during the pandemic. The case of the Sakriya Project, a child protection initiative headed by World Education Inc. (WEI) Nepal illustrates challenges and opportunities for social work in building capacity to support this vulnerable population during the pandemic.

"Social Work in Romanian Rural Communities: An Inside Perspective from a Qualitative Study"

The social work profession was revived in Romania in 1994, when the first generation of university graduates went to the field. However, only in 2011, when the Law no. 292 of Social Work was issued, the framework for the activity of social workers in the rural communities was settled. Although the legislation provided a proper context for the unfolding of a meaningful social work in rural settings, the labor market was far from being able to absorb the great number of needed professionals. On the one hand, the paper intends to present the barriers that marked the beginning of social work in the Romanian rural space. On the other hand, the paper briefly describes the particularities and the opportunities for social work in the rural areas. Also, through the voice of professionals, the main social problems in the countryside are exposed and some possible interventions aiming at the improvement of the life conditions among the villagers are proposed. The study is based on 43 qualitative interviews carried out in 2016-2020 with professionals employed as social services workers by commune or village local councils. The collected data were explored and interpreted using thematic analysis. One conclusion is that the field is dynamic and in need of substantial improvement.

Contact Tracing: An Opportunity for Social Work to Lead

ABSTRACT Since the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first emerged in December 2019, there have been unprecedented efforts worldwide to contain and mitigate the rapid spread of the virus through evidence-based public health measures. As a component of pandemic response in the United States, efforts to develop, launch, and scale-up contact tracing initiatives are rapidly expanding, yet the presence of social work is noticeably absent. In this paper, we identify the specialized skill set necessary for high quality contact tracing in the COVID-19 era and explore its alignment with social work competencies and skills. Described are current examples of contact tracing efforts, and an argument for greater social work leadership, based on the profession’s ethics, competencies and person-in-environment orientation is offered. In light of the dire need for widespread high-quality contact tracing, social work is well-positioned to participate in interprofessional efforts to design, oversee and manage highly effective front-line contact tracing efforts.

Changing Contexts of Practice: Challenges for Social Work and Community Development

ABSTRACTIn a rapidly changing global environment, there have been renewed calls to position community development more centrally in social work, particularly in the face of contemporary practice challenges. This paper analyses the broad policy contexts of neoliberalism, globalisation, and governance change and discusses how these forces interact with social work and community development, drawing on examples from Australia and Ireland. The paper argues that sociopolitical forces both restrict and present opportunities for social work and community development practice and we seek to reactivate debate about the position of community development within changing and challenging contexts.IMPLICATIONSContextualises community development practice, policy, and research within contemporary environments of neoliberalism, globalisation, and governance change.Critically evaluates implications and new opportunities for social work and community development, drawing on examples from Australia and Ireland.Reactivates debate and analysis on the position of community development in contemporary social work as we move forward into the new decade, and the next global agenda for social work and social development.

Advancing the Public Impact of Social Work Scholarship: Perspectives of Deans and Directors

AbstractThis article offers the perspectives of deans and directors of schools and programs of social work on public impact scholarship. Our aim is to identify opportunities for social work to make...

Debunking the myth of the ‘radical profession’: analysing and overcoming our professional history to create new pathways and opportunities for social work

The social work profession has often been portrayed as a progressive, critical and even radical movement for social justice and social change (Wagner, 1990; Reisch, 2013). This article analyses the basis of these claims and critiques the labelling of social work as radical, utilising a philosophy-of-science lens and critical theories and perspectives to interrogate the professionalisation of social work, the current knowledge base and practices, and the history of social work. The final analysis finds that social work is not a radical profession due to the influence of neoliberal values and social forces that promote the status quo. Implications point to a need to move beyond the myth of the radical profession and towards realistic ways that social work could reposition itself as a progressive profession.

Racial microaggressions and black social work students: a call to social work educators for proactive models informed by social justice

ABSTRACTWith efforts to create and sustain racial diversity and inclusive practices at institutions of higher education, a corollary emphasis on proactive implementations to support students of color in these environments is essential. Informed by a commitment to social justice, there are rich opportunities for social work to take leadership in strategizing new ways of approaching and prioritizing the wellness and success of students of color. This paper serves to explore the impact of racism specific to Black students by applying the theoretical lens of Racial Battle Fatigue (RBF) to challenge social work education in confronting racialized experiences within their programs. A modified, context-specific framework is proposed that (1) defines microaggressions in social work education programs, 2) prompts critically informed dialogue to enhance how social work as a profession understands the prevalence and role of microaggressions in social work educational contexts, and (3) explores considerations for the unique needs and challenges of Black social work students in an effort to inform strategies to most effectively recruit, retain, support and empower.

Da li je socijalni rad a priori human?

Social work is an activity and profession that has passed through various phases in its development, taking on different forms (traditional-positivist, functionalist, bureaucratic, radical). The character of social work can be judged on the basis of what its goals are, on which values and principles it is founded; what its relations towards citizens, service users, colleagues, and members of related professions and local communities are, as well as on the basis of means, methods, and skills it uses in its practice. At the beginning of the 21st century, social work follows the pluralism of ideas, concepts, models, experiences, and practices, as well as it faces new and complex challenges and problems arising from the processes of globalisation and diversification, as generally complex processes in their nature, which, in turn, create even more complex social problems, but, at the same time, narrow down institutional, economic, political, and cultural opportunities for social work. The author claims that there are solid ideological and value bases, ideas, theories, and good practice experiences for the development of humanistic or integrative social work, but their realisation depends on the economic, political, cultural, and social context of concrete societies, and on the will and power of social workers to establish their work on humanistic grounds. It is the general conclusion of this paper that social work is not humane a priori, which means that we still need to create such social conditions in order to direct goals, contents, methods, procedures, and attitudes of social work towards the affirmation, well-being and welfare of human beings in practice.