Social Work Profession Research Articles

Development of a collaborative music therapy and social work telehealth framework to address the well‐being of community‐dwelling older adults

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults often experience changes in health, finances, and social support, which impede community involvement and can be compounded by the onset of cognitive decline. Interprofessional collaboration can help counter such challenges. Here, researchers present a feasibility study, which demonstrated support for a novel social work and music therapy telehealth framework to promote well‐being of older adults with and without dementia. We describe the subsequent pilot study design.MethodDuring the feasibility phase, researchers field‐tested logistics and provided proof‐of‐concept of our novel framework in a randomized cross‐over design. All participants received 6 music therapy sessions via telehealth across 3 weeks (2x/week for 25 minutes) and one 30‐minute social work wellness session with service referral. Quantitative outcomes included self‐reported feelings, anxiety, depression, and loneliness to inform the utility of this framework to improve well‐being of older adults with and without dementia. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with participants and care partners, who offered input about all aspects of the study.ResultsLessons gleaned from the feasibility study, and which informed the pilot, were: 1) participants conveyed that the delivery model was acceptable, interesting, convenient, and helpful; 2) given resources and support using digital technology, older adults found telehealth to be an attractive and feasible delivery mode; 2) older adults and care partners liked music therapy and greatly disliked the recorded music option; 3) music therapists could utilize the “Clinical Practice Model” (Reschke‐Hernández, 2021) to inform provision of appropriate levels of support and challenge to older adults with and without dementia via Zoom; and 4) social workers could leverage the rapport music therapists built with participants and the information they gathered during sessions to link older adults to community resources ‐ a service older adults found more helpful and meaningful than in past social work experiences. Pilot results will be available in December 2023.ConclusionThis project advances a collaborative research partnership to improve research quality and facilitate access to services for older adults with and without dementia. The careful steps of this feasibility and pilot work will inform best practice in an innovative area of music therapy and social work professions.

Negotiating Dementia care in networks of care: The effects of compounded disasters on social networks of care in rural Puerto Rico

AbstractBackgroundAlready living through public health infrastructure cuts and austerity measures, Puerto Rico has experienced a multifaceted series of compounded disasters: hurricanes, earthquakes, and the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. These events have further exacerbated and disrupted the protocols and procedures employed by health and government officials in the care and support of caregivers and family members living with dementia. In the mountainous interior of the island, this has further been pronounced, where the roles and resources of healthcare professionals have been pressed and stretched. This study aims to explore the disruption to the social networks of health care professionals and social workers in the aftermath of these events.MethodNarrative interviews were carried out with 16 health care professionals and social workers who served as brokers—a link between groups, information and/or resources—to the citizens of various towns in the interior of the island of Puerto Rico. Grounded theory methodology was employed to explore changes within the network.ResultGaps in the networks of public health officials were identified, resulting in the emergence of multiple structural holes. These gaps were bridged by the local communities of health care and social workers, who were responsible for providing resources and support beyond those typically provided to the community. The bridging of these gaps—although at times limited—was crucial in order to ensure the provision of resources and support to caregivers of family members with dementia.ConclusionThe results reveal the diverse roles assumed by health care and social work professionals as intermediaries in the aftermath of compounded disasters. These findings provide insight into the necessary connections within the health care and local community that must be established to mitigate the effects of natural and human‐caused catastrophes. The understanding of the roles performed and assumed by these professionals can aid in the development of mitigation strategies that could improve the provision of resources and support to vulnerable populations of elderly living with dementia in future disaster situations.

P25: Promote DemenTitude® - Cultural Adaption of Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold Model with Social Work Perspective in Hong Kong

Social work principles integrated with the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold (PLST) model create new inspiration for understanding distressed behaviour among people with dementia in Hong Kong. Social work emphasizes the individuality and uniqueness of every human, whose experiences, perceptions and feelings should be respected. This research aimed to explore the self-perception of people with dementia and the interpretation of their surroundings to understand the rationale behind the distressed behaviour based on the PLST model. In-depth interviews and participatory observations during interviews in the residential care homes of Hong Kong were conducted. Following the theoretical framework blending interpretivism and the sociocultural perspective on dementia, the interpretation of data did not focus solely on what was expressed explicitly but also upon how the experiences, perceptions and interpretations of people with dementia had affected their self-perception and distressed behaviour.Beyond the six principles of care from the traditional PLST model, the research finding in Hong Kong identified the new principles with the adaption of the local context. The seventh principle, known as DemenTitude ®, got the review and approval by one of the original authors, Prof Kathleen Buckwalter, in understanding more distressed behaviour among people with dementia. The new principle involves four key elements as follows: (i) Understand the self-perception and subjective views of people with dementia to synchronize the feeling and impact of dementia; (ii) Avoid using words that stigmatize the person with dementia; (iii) Avoid excess disability and psychosocial restraint & (iv) Assist the person with dementia to create a comfortable relationship with their surroundings and to experience meaningful engagement. Truly listening to the voice of people with dementia and how to minimize different natures of distress with cultural sensitivity is essential to promote a good quality of dementia care in Hong Kong. With the updated finding from the local context and the voice of people with dementia beyond behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), the paradigm shift should be advocated from the medical model to person-centred care and even further develop a proper caring attitude with the perspective of social work professions, called as DemenTitude®.

SIROMAŠTVO I SOCIJALNA ISKLJUČENOST NEZAPOSLENIH OSOBA : PERSPEKTIVA SOCIJALNOG RADA

There are numerous challenges that economies face today. Unemployment has many negative outcomes, with poverty and social exclusion being among the most severe. Due to the pronounced instability of economies in the world, generally as a consequence of the pandemic, the consequences of the war in Ukraine, currency changes, and other social issues, the question is raised as to how many employees are under the potential threat of some type of poverty or unemployment. People who do not have enough resources to meet their material needs can be considered to be living in poverty. Therefore, unemployment is not only a cause but also a consequence of poverty and social exclusion. Social exclusion implies the inability to participate in social, economic, cultural, and political life and can be considered a multifaceted process in which a person’s opportunities for employment, access to health care, inclusion in social networks, and other social processes are reduced. This paper aims to analyse the share of people living in poverty and social exclusion in the Republic of Croatia for the period from 2015 to 2021. It also aims to analyse the most frequently used topics discussed in the fields of unemployment as a macroeconomic field and social work as a social field. In that manner, an interdisciplinary approach has been taken. The paper will analyse the trends of the unemployed as a part of the population that, due to non-participation in the labour market, is in potential danger of poverty and social exclusion. Therefore, the tools used in the Republic of Croatia in order to influence the reduction of poverty and social exclusion of unemployed persons are analysed as well as the disproportion expressed at the county level in the Republic of Croatia. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the social work profession in advocating for and representing vulnerable groups and on the measures by which the social welfare system responds to the problems of poverty, social exclusion and, indirectly, unemployment. The paper presents comments and recommendations for potential successful tools for reducing the problem of poverty and social exclusion.

Eksplorasi Inovatif: Pendekatan dan Teori Terkini dalam Dunia Pendidikan

Indicators of a nation's progress can be seen from the level of education achieved. Education has an important role in developing individuals into human beings who have good quality. This goal is in accordance with the aspirations of the state as stated in Article 3 of Law No. 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System. The importance of the role of professional social workers in the school environment must also be considered. This research aims to find out how the approaches and theories used in the context of education. The literature method is used as an approach in this research, by collecting information or academic works that focus on library ownership or studies that focus on critical and in-depth examination of library resources to address existing problems. As a nation, we do not want to be just an object of influence of other countries, therefore education in Indonesia must be able to participate positively in the current era of globalization. For this reason, we must immediately prepare to face the challenges of this era, one of which is by preparing human resources through the education process.

Conflicts Over Natural Resources and Gender-based Violence at Sialsui, India

This study explores how limited access to natural resources causes gender-based violence and what professional social work practice strategies can be employed to deal with it. Analysing 10 qualitative interviews with Gujjar women, it discusses how they have experienced violence while accessing firewood, water and grazing their cattle. It argues that along with gender, intersection of poverty, dependence on limited natural resources and socio-cultural norms and tribal identity further marginalise Gujjar women and their community in general. It proffers professional social work practice strategies to address gender-based violence. The analysis and suggested strategies are useful not only to Gujjar communities but also to other women and communities living in similar contexts.

Coping strategies among professional social work trainees - A cross-sectional study from India's capital city.

To find out the nature of coping strategies and the relationship between coping strategies and background characteristics of Master of Social Work (MSW) students in Delhi. The sample size is 297 (male 123 and female 174) by adopting a non-probability purposive method. A survey among the MSW students (first and second years) of four Universities in Delhi was carried out. The result shows that the most used coping strategies are positive in nature (emotional and problem-focused). The utilization of coping strategies is influenced by the background characteristics of the respondents. It necessitates further awareness of positive coping strategies by introducing changes in the curriculum of the MSW program.

Educating the Sickle Cell Team about the Social Work Role

Background Sickle cell disease, an often-painful lifelong inherited condition, is layered with acknowledged social determinants of health and systemic social inequities (Hassell, 2010). Psychological stress, depression, and anxiety can be linked with the disease's wrath along with financial hardship, limited healthcare access, racial discrimination, and cognitive and behavioral challenges. Although the need for quality psychosocial support exists for this vulnerable patient population, lack of understanding of the social work role was identified as a barrier to care, along with others, by National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC) social workers at the 2022 consortium conference. Like other disease realms (Bartlett et al., 2022) that have referenced physician lack of knowledge around the breadth of roles, capabilities, training and expertise, the social work scope of practice knowledge gap amongst providers was voiced as a clear barrier to efficient and effective patient care in the sickle cell realm as well. As a result, a subcommittee of NASCC social workers set out to provide an educational guide and breakdown of the social work profession, to help address this ever-present issue. Methods Five social workers gathered data of the various social work roles from other NASCC social work participants and online sources. Job descriptions from seven institutions were shared for the project and an itemized breakdown of education level, practicum training and experience, and licensure requirements were outlined. Results A detailed table of all tasks, course work, training, licensure, and scope of practice was created and displayed in a presentation for all NASCC in person providers. For each education tier (BSW, MSW, PhD), details of the associated requirements (training hours and course requirements), licensure (CSW, LCSW, LMSW, LBSW, etc.), focus (macro, mezzo, micro) and scope of practice (tasks involved) were displayed via both a table and visual illustration for other disciplines reference and awareness. NASCC medical providers shared their appreciation for the detailed breakdown of social work levels and expressed the need for this guide to educate other interdisciplinary team members and administrative staff alike. Discussion Many medical providers are unaware that the term social worker encapsulates varied levels of education, training, licensure, and scopes of practice. It is important for interdisciplinary team members to understand the integral social work role, its capabilities, breadth of skills, and specific responsibilities. Whether a case manager, transition coordinator, or licensed therapist or counselor, knowing the nuances and qualifications of each position under the social work umbrella can help to better inform care processes, referrals, and appropriate access to quality care.

Career readiness: preparing social work students for entry into the workforce

Career readiness of college graduates is of critical importance in higher education. As defined by the career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for successful transition into the workplace and/or graduate school. This article outlines the development of a sophomore-level course – Critical Thinking and Writing for Social Work Professionals – as part of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Ball State University. The primary purpose of this course is to help students develop career readiness competencies that support their growth throughout their educational and professional social work careers. The career readiness competencies support the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The authors discuss the importance of this approach for undergraduate education and how career readiness enhances and builds upon CSWE competencies. The authors conclude with a brief discussion of student feedback and lessons learned through this process that suggests students’ gained career readiness skills.

The role of parental aggravation in the intergenerational transmission of depression across different family structures

AbstractThis study examined the role of parental aggravation in the pathway from maternal depression to child depression in different family structures. While studies have extensively examined the transmission of maternal depressive symptoms to children, there is still a limited emphasis on potential contributors, such as parental aggravation. Meanwhile, cohabiting and single‐parent families are more vulnerable to multiple risk factors than married families. Using a large national longitudinal dataset, this study examined the indirect effect of parental aggravation on the association between maternal depression and child depression among married, cohabiting and single‐mother families. Secondary data analysis was performed using multigroup mediation analysis on three waves from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Studies (n = 3 117). The study results show that only in cohabiting households did maternal depression have a direct association with child depression. Furthermore, in married, cohabiting and single‐mother families, parental aggravation had indirect effects on the association between maternal depression and child depression. Implications for social work professionals to address the mental health of parents and children from non‐traditional families are discussed.

How Social Justice Shapes Youth Development: Centering Youth Voice across Shifts in Out-of-School Time

Abstract Out-of-school time (OST) has great significance as a youth development space that can support students’ exploration of social justice. Such opportunities for exploration are especially important in times of social distress and upheaval, such as those experienced during the school shutdowns and racial unrest associated with the global pandemic. Framed in a context of inequities for educationally marginalized youth, this qualitative case study provides a glimpse into the OST experiences of students before and after the onset of COVID-19. Authors explore navigating justice-related topics with youth in both an in-person and virtual format of the OST program. In addition to interviewing youth participants, the authors use a critical reflexivity approach to examine experiences facilitating OST spaces that serve youth of color. Findings point to the importance of youth-driven programming that centers youth voice and reimagines engagement for youth in OST programs. The discussion highlights implications for education and social work professionals in the service of social justice youth development outcomes.

Strengthening social work services in the health sectors of Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Taking lessons from social work actions/inactions in Covid-19 response in Nigeria

The social work profession is growing in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Nigeria, the profession recently got backed by an act of law, yet with persisting grey areas about its roles and responsibilities in the health sector, as well as many other sectors. The relegation of social work in containing Covid-19, and generally in Nigeria’s health sector, is largely lamented by published studies. As similar countries to Nigeria face this same challenge, there is a need to reflect on the limited roles of social work in health and what can be done to address this. A global agenda in the ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP) aligns with the need to consolidate social care and justice in healthcare. This commentary, through a review of literature and contextual experience, recommends a tripartite approach (union, community presence, and documented protocol), in scaling up social work presence in contexts where they struggle for identity

Determinants of child survival practice among caregivers in internally displaced persons' camps in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria.

Child survival remains a major public health challenge in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, especially Nigeria. The Boko Haram crisis, which has aggravated this, has led to the displacement of many people in the north-eastern region, including children under five. This study investigated the determinants of child survival practice among caregivers in internally displaced persons' (IDP) camps in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data on determinants of child survival practice from 312 caregivers in five purposively selected IDP camps in AMAC using the snowball sampling technique. Data were analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics at 5% level of significance. The mean age of respondents was 29.6 ± 6.72 years. There was a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between the predisposing, reinforcing, enabling and environmental factors studied and child survival practice. Findings also indicated that all factors were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of child survival practice with the reinforcing factor being the major predictor (ß = 0.38; t = 6.08). Attention needs to be paid to all factors, particularly the reinforcing factor of social support in order to promote optimal child survival practice among caregivers in AMAC IDP camps. Collaboration with social work professionals would be an added benefit to enhance social support.

Deconstructing Social Work Exam Bias: Advocacy Practice Guidelines to Close the Gap

ABSTRACT Introduction The social work profession is in a precarious situation regarding licensure. Test takers of color are struggling to pass social work licensure exams at rates comparable to their White counterparts, per data released by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). As a nation, we are required to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse population. Yet the recruitment and retention of a diverse body of social workers is unlikely to be actualized if disparities persist in these exams. Given ASWB’s monopoly on social work exams and the likelihood that many states will continue to require the exams for licensure, we sought to explore public responses to the data released, using the National Association of Social Work (NASW) as our starting point. As the nation’s largest association of social workers, having local chapters within each state, NASW serves as an area of connection between social workers nationwide. Methods We utilized content analysis to explore emerging themes and conduct a review of the state chapter’s public responses to exam pass rate data. Results A variety of state chapter’s responses, with few states engaging in advocacy efforts or taking action to facilitate change. Discussion Advocacy efforts play a pivotal role in the restructuring of fragmented systems. This study revisits seemingly ignored disparities diverse test takers may face, while also serving as a call-to-action in advocacy engagement. We conclude with a set of advocacy practice guidelines for use in the promotion of equitable licensing opportunities for all test takers.

Evaluating the Use of ePortfolios in Social Work Education: Assessing Student Competency in Meeting Graduate Attributes

ABSTRACT Social work external accrediting bodies are moving towards competency-based models that require educational providers to demonstrate that students meet specific competencies at graduation. It is expected that all social work students at accredited social work programs in Australia will have acquired specific graduate attributes and demonstrated the associated learning outcomes by the completion of their degree. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and benefits of using an ePortfolio with Master of Social Work students (n = 43) to critically reflect on their own learning and demonstrate how they met the Australian Association of Social Work graduate attributes necessary for accreditation. The findings revealed that students’ perceived level of readiness for practice and identity as a professional social worker increased with the successful completion of the ePortfolio. The study also identified barriers and enablers in implementing the ePortfolio as an assessment piece to document overall program learning outcomes. The conclusion discusses how ePortfolios are a viable assessment tool in the online and blended learning space that has benefit for both the student and the program in demonstrating learning outcomes and compliance with accreditation graduate standards. IMPLICATIONS Academic ePortfolios are an effective tool for student reflection and communication of competence of required graduate outcomes. Student self-assessment of graduate attributes can strengthen professional identity and preparedness for professional practice. The ePortfolios benefit students and social work educators by sharing the accreditation-obligated responsibility of ensuring that AASW graduate competencies are met.

‘Brick’ or ‘Bridge’? – The roles and functions of Chinese social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shaping Chinese social workers to contribute to public health. To study the details, this article aims to explore the roles of social workers during the pandemic in China’s mainland and how social workers fulfilled their roles. The study used a cross-sectional design with a convergent parallel-mixed methodology. Its findings provide another piece of evidence demonstrating the functions of social work practitioners during a health crisis worldwide. However, the ambiguities of the social work profession in addressing public health emergencies were also unveiled in the case of China.

Perceptions of the tribal population on grama Sachivalayam (Village secretariat) concept and its services in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam: An empirical study

The Government of Andhra Pradesh historically brought a new administrative system in Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 02-10-2029. The name of the system is grama sachivalayam in villages and ward sachivalayam in urban areas. A total of 11,158 village secretariats and 3,786 ward secretariats have been established across the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The government of Andhra Pradesh recruited 1.26 lakhs various staff members and 2.8 lakh ward/village volunteers in Andhra Pradesh to run the ward/gram secretariat system. The main aim of the Grama/Ward Sachivalayam is to deliver the Navaratnalu and other state and central government welfare programmes/schemes to the poor and needy population of Andhra Pradesh. It is a new system established four years back. This is a descriptive study. The study applied a multistage sampling method and collected data from 136 tribal households through the structured interview schedule. The study found that the village secretariat system reached the grassroots levels, and agency areas and helped many tribal people living the below poverty line. The people in the tribal areas are fully satisfied with this village secretariat concept and village volunteer concept. They easily access the government welfare and development schemes at their doorsteps with the help of village volunteers. There is a lot of scope for professional social workers to develop a bridge between the government and villagers. Dealing the political pressure is a challenge to the sachivalayam staff in the selection and implementation of schemes.

Perceived Competencies in The Social Work Profession: A Scale Development Study

Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de sosyal hizmet uzmanı olarak çalışanların mesleki olarak kendilerini ne kadar yetkin hissettiğini ölçecek bir ölçme aracı geliştirilmiştir. Geçerlik ve güvenirlik testleri için toplam 522 katılımcıdan elde edilen verilerden yararlanılmıştır. Kapsam geçerliği için 16 uzmanın görüşü alınmış ve 40 maddelik bir taslak ölçek oluşmuştur. Yapı geçerliği için Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi yapılmasına karar verilmiştir. Yapılan Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi’nde CFI (karşılaştırmalı uyum endeksi) =0.97; SRMR (standartlaştırılmış ortalama hataların karekökü) =0.055; RMSEA (hata karelerinin ortalamasının karekökü) = 0.058; NNFI (normlaştırılmamış uyum indeksi) = 0.97 olarak elde edilmiştir. Ölçeğin alt boyutları “mesleki bilgi”, “mesleki beceri” ve “mesleki değer” olarak isimlendirilmiştir. Ölçeğin güvenirlik testleri için test-tekrar test yöntemi ve Cronbach Alpha iç tutarlılık katsayısı kullanılmıştır. Ölçeğin zamana karşı değişmezliğini test etmek amacıyla form, 28 katılımcıya 15 gün arayla iki kez uygulanmıştır. İki testin toplam puanlarının Pearson Korelasyon değeri .701 bulunmuştur. Ölçeğin toplam Cronbach Alpha değeri .934; alt boyutlarının Cronbach Alpha değerleri sırasıyla mesleki bilgi= .846; mesleki beceri= .885; mesleki değer= .857 olarak bulunmuştur. Çalışmanın sonucunda 3 alt boyut ve 40 maddeden oluşan, geçerli ve güvenilir sonuçlar sunan bir ölçek elde edilmiştir.

Implementing the Supervision Framework for the Social Work Profession: Supervisors’ Views and Experiences

This study focused on social work supervision and its impact on the occupational development and service delivery of supervisees, specifically within the South African Department of Social Development (DSD). While previous research has often examined the views and experiences of supervisees and student social workers, the study uniquely explored the perspective of social work supervisors. Utilising the systems theory as a theoretical framework, qualitative research with semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed. The findings revealed significant structural challenges that hindered the alignment of social work supervision with the DSD’s established Supervision Framework. As the scope of the study was limited to the Mahikeng Service Point, North West, South Africa, generalisation is cautioned, necessitating further research in other welfare organisations for a broader understanding.

SOCIAL AND PEDAGOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES WORK IN COMMUNITIES

and social work. She investigates the role and significance of the use of technologies in socio-pedagogical practice, as well as their impact on the quality of personality of social work clients.The article also highlights important aspects of professional training of future social workers to use technologies in their work, as well as challenges and opportunities created due to their implementation. That is why the article is relevant for social workers in the community, students and researchers who are interested in the issues of the modern socio-pedagogical sphere.This article is devoted to the role and importance of social work in communities in modern society. It examines the main aspects of social work aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being of various social groups, including the vulnerable and the needy.The article analyzes the roles and functions of social workers in communities, their methods and tools, as well as the importance of cooperation with other services and organizations to achieve successful results. It also emphasizes ethical aspects and principles that guide social work in communities.This article is a useful source of information for social work professionals, students, researchers, and anyone interested in community social work and its importance for sustainable societal development. It was established that the main method of social work is work in the community. An important feature of social work in the community is the spontaneous combination of ordinary citizens as a moral obligation and the desire to do good work with the professional activity of social workers. All this is an important experience for social workers working in the community.&#x0D; Keywords: technologies; socio-pedagogical technologies; social worker; volunteering; community; counseling; training; social animation; disability; monitoring.