Social Work Task Research Articles

SOCIAL WORK IN THE SYSTEM OF ASSISTANCE TO THE PERSONS WITH ADDICTIVE EATING BEHAVIOR

The article is devoted to the topical problem of psychosocial assistance to people with addictive eating behavior, which is common among teenagers and young people, leads to tragic consequences, but still lacks a sufficient scientific basis and a comprehensive solution. The purpose of the study is to determine the place of social work and the content of the social workers’ activity in the system of assistance to persons with addictive eating behavior. Theoretical analysis of research of the food deviations problem, the concrete definition of terms «dysfunctional eating», «eating disorders», content and comparative analysis of professional functions of social workers in the context of helping people with addictive eating behavior are used as methods to achieve the goal of the research. It is determined that the professional activity of a social worker with persons with dysfunctional and disordered eating takes place in medical institutions, social services and secondary schools. The most common task of social work with persons with food addictions is the prevention. Special functions of a social worker in an inpatient (medical) institution are administrative and organizational work with eating disorders patient. Educational, social support and rehabilitation function are predominant in the activities of a social worker in social institutions. Instead, the specialist carries out for the most part diagnostics and monitoring, formation of eating habits, socio-pedagogical support of young people with dysfunctional eating in educational institutions. The leading role of a social worker at all stages of intervention and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the prevention, correction and rehabilitation of people with addictive eating behavior are identified.

A phenomenological inquiry into the lived experience of adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) employed by the NHS

PurposeApproximately 3.5% of the workforce is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With a greater risk of work-related stress and absences, work-based social interactions and environments are significant factors. The purpose of this study was to identify the professional challenges and benefits of living with ADHD in healthcare settings.Design/methodology/approachInterpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore how employees with ADHD both experience and make sense of their employment and professional relationships. Participants self-identified from two NHS trusts and participated in semi-structured interviews.FindingsA total of seven interviews contributed to the final analysis. A total of four themes emerged: social environment (relationships), physical environment, behaviour and work tasks. Complex interactions were observed between individuals’ internal constructs and overall employment experience.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used to inform local NHS management frameworks for supporting workforce with ADHD.Originality/valueThis is a novel study that explores the psychodynamic and physical presentations of ADHD providing a unique perspective on the challenges and strengths of employees with ADHD.

The social worker in community mental health teams: Findings from a national survey

Summary Social workers have been members of community mental health teams (CMHTs) for many years. However, a combination of factors has resulted in their removal from CMHTs in some areas in recent years. This study presents findings from a 2018 national survey of CMHT team managers (44% response rate), to ascertain the current position of the social worker within CMHTs in England. Analyses focussed on membership, roles and tasks, and change within the previous 12 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data and content analysis to interpret free text comments. Findings Social workers were found to undertake a variety of generic roles and tasks but were reported to do so proportionally less often than nurses. A large minority were involved in non-traditional social work tasks such as monitoring medication. In one-fifth of teams, managers thought they had too few social workers. Free text comments suggested that managers valued social workers for their social perspective and expressed concern regarding their removal or the curtailment of their role, perceiving this as having a negative effect on overall CMHT service delivery. Applications The findings provide evidence of some instability in the position of social workers within CMHTs in relation to both their membership and their involvement in traditional and non-traditional roles and tasks. Free text comments suggest that if a biopsychosocial model of mental health support, now recognised as essential to long-term wellbeing, is to be achieved, a social work presence in CMHTs is required.

Koordynacja jako element nowoczesnej opieki nad pacjentem onkologicznym. Praca koordynatorów onkologicznych na przykładzie Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w Krakowie

Coordination as an Element of Modern Oncological Patient Care – the Example of the Oncological Coordinators Work at the University Hospital in Krakow The aim of this article is to look at coordination as a new approach to working with cancer patients. Knowledge about the physical, social, emotional, existential and spiritual consequences of the disease is the basis for the ability to assess to what extent disruptions in these spheres affect the well-being of the patient and his family. I present an example of the work of coordinators at the university hospital in Krakow in the context of knowledge on this subject from more advanced centers. Moreover, I confront the coordination approach with the work of oncology social workers. It is the oncology social workers who undertake effective interventions to deal with the consequences of the crisis caused by the disease and to strengthen the resources inherent in interpersonal relationships and in the patient’s environment. Professional social work, focused on strengthening the families of people with oncological diseases, is a special area that may extend the professional identity of a social worker to be active in the field, which although it is a statutory task of social work, its use in practice is not a common phenomenon. It seems an important combination of the work of oncology coordinators working in hospitals with the work of social workers working in patients’ living environments.

СУТНІСНІ Й ЗМІСТОВІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ТЕОРІЇ ТА ПРАКТИКИ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ РОБОТИ

The article highlights the identification guidelines of social work in the system of formation and development of practical activities social workers and preparation for its implementation. It is proved that in the process of social change identification guidelines significantly expand the tasks of social work as a profession and preparation for its implementation. The problem of identity remains relevant, given the complexity of the goals, content and functions of social work, in particular for the training of social workers. The purpose of the article is to present an analysis of the factors of formation and development of social work in the context of historical traditions and modern challenges that determine the identification orientation of social work and become resources for professionalization of social workers and preparation for its implementation. The analysis of scientific publications allowed to determine the essential and semantic characteristics of the factors that lead to the identification of social work: the formation of training of social workers through the ideas and intentions of charitable organizations; regularities of development of various directions of social work and functioning of charity; comprehension of ideas of formation of social work on the principle from practice to theory; the relationship between the theory and practice of social work; mutual enrichment of theory and practice with scientific research in various fields of knowledge; prospects for the development of their own theories of social work; unification of theories of social work and development of metatheory; transversality of social work. Identification has been found to have a significant impact on expanding the institutional, organizational and scientific resources of social work professionalization. Regarding the dynamic nature of the identification of social work - it is determined that in the process of training social workers identification guidelines become a means of its professionalization.

The ecosystem approach in health social work

The ecosystem approach in health social work

Reflections on theJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research

Reflections on the<i>Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research</i>

Fundamentos de un trabajo social clínico feminista: una perspectiva de género, raza e interseccionalidad

El texto que aquí se expone corresponde a un análisis documental del Trabajo Social Clínico (TSC) con un enfoque feminista. En nuestro país, en los últimos años, ha ido cobrando fuerza un movimiento que se ha logrado posicionar tras la publicación de las Normas y Orientaciones Técnicas del Trabajo Social en Salud; esto, a su vez, ha llevado a los colegas, practicantes e interesados, en la búsqueda de un proceso reflexivo que proporcione un conocimiento situado localmente. En este documento se espera contribuir a este propósito; para ello, se analiza, reflexiona, materializa y genera una serie de conceptos, hipótesis y análisis reflexivos sobre algunas prácticas que debieran ser incorporadas y aplicadas a la práctica del TSC feminista.

Omniscience at the Edge of Chaos: complexity, defences and change in a Children and Families Social Work department

ABSTRACTThis paper will explore a period of organisational change in a Children and Families Social Work team, applying ideas from complexity theory and psychoanalysis to explore the changes that occurred. In doing so it will critique the Newtonian concept of cause-and-effect linear causality, instead positing a nonlinear model of an organisation as a complex adaptive system in flux as it interacts with its environment. The paper will go on to posit that Bion’s psychoanalytic concepts of Omniscience and K Activity are self-organising forces in social care organisations, and when anxiety is not managed effectively, reductionist technical-rationale approaches to Children and Families Social Work dominate practice. It will conclude by outlining how the organisation’s effective management of anxiety through the creation of containment, created a series of organisational changes. These changes better supported the management of the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the social work task, raising possibilities of improvements in social work practice beyond the organisation.

Through the lens of infant observation: some reflections on teaching infant observation and its applications to professionals working with infants

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses the teaching of infant observation to social workers. A brief literature review of publications about the relevance and application of infant observations to social work tasks is given. The relevance and application of infant observation to two specific social work tasks is considered: supervision of contact between Looked After infants and their birth parents; and assessment of parenting capacity where infants have been removed at birth and a decision has to be made about whether to return the infant to the birth parents or seek permanence (usually in the form of adoption). The innovation of running two short life infant observation groups for social workers undertaking each of these two professional tasks respectively is described. Anonymised infant observation extracts from a local authority social work Parenting Capacity Assessment Team are used to illustrate the learning process of the team in the course of undertaking infant observation training. The use and relevance of infant observation is explored with respect to four inter-related core professional tasks: observation; recording; analysis and comment; reporting. Finally, the specificity and uniqueness of psychoanalytic infant observation is discussed in relation to the added value it brings to professional practice.

Framing Writing as a Social Work Skill: Evaluating a Pilot Intervention

Writing skills frequently are cited as an area that social work students need to improve. This article details a pilot intervention that incorporated a series of writing exercises into an Introduction to Social Work course. Writing exercises were framed within common social work tasks, such as creating case notes and fundraising materials. Using a multifaceted pretest, posttest assessment, participating students demonstrated significant reduction in writing errors in three key areas and increased understanding of the role of writing in social work practice.

РОЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ПЕДАГОГІВ У ПАТРІОТИЧНОМУ ВИХОВАННІ ДІТЕЙ ТА МОЛОДІ

The actual problem of patriotic upbringing of children and youth, the formation of their national consciousness and civic attitudes discussed in the article. The special role of patriotic education in the formation of a young person as a citizen is highlighted. The patriotic upbringing in the context of modern socio-pedagogical realities is considered. The crisis situation of the socio-political conditions of the young generation's existence is emphasized. In modern conditions, the growing role of social pedagogues in the patriotic education of children and youth is noted. The main tasks of social work in this direction, requirements to professional qualities of social pedagogues are defined. The main technologies of social work that can be applied in forming patriotism of children and youth are characterized. The content of social work technologies with families who have suffered from military aggression is revealed. In the article, social work is considered as a significant means of forming patriotism not only children, the younger generation, but also their families. The expediency of development of optimal directions of social and pedagogical activity in patriotic education of children and youth of Ukraine is substantiated. In order to organize the patriotic education of students in educational institutions, recommendations were given to social educators. Summarized the importance of social pedagogue function in cooperation with all participants in the process of patriotic education of children and younger generation. The necessity of state support in this direction is emphasized not only educational establishments, social institutions, social institutions, medical, legal institutions, public organizations, but also necessarily all those who wish to this process. The further research will be focused on the multidimensional activities of social educators for the formation of new young patriots generations to defend the future independence and prosperity of Ukraine.

Analysis of a School Social Work Consultation Instrument: Findings from a National Exploratory Study

Multidisciplinary professional literature depicts consultation as a multidimensional method with multiple models and sets of practice tasks. Classical and contemporary school social work task analyses consistently include questions about consultation but rarely define the term. Without a definition, we do not know what the researchers are really asking and what the findings truly mean. To address this issue, a national exploratory survey was conducted to gain a better understanding of current school social work consultation practice tasks. This article presents (a) the development of a researcher-constructed consultation questionnaire, and (b) the findings of a principal component analysis used to refine and revise the items measuring six consultation models. The goal was to establish the reliability and validity of the instrument, enhance data collection on the topic, provide confidence in the interpretation of school social workers’ self-report on their current consultation practice, and expand the literature on evidence-based school social work consultation.

The contribution of the intervention in social networks and community social work at the local level to social and human development

ABSTRACTThe primary task of community social work is building social networks by reinforcing people's resources and those of the different environmental and social contexts from three dimensions: personal development, social development and organisational development. The new information technologies today establish a relationship of communication with local communities and citizens that promotes proximity to social networks. Social intervention is supported by a set of methods from human geography that can be used as tools to create maps of the territory and the networks for planning, diagnosing and classifying the management of community network intervention. In this discussion we set out to analyse the contribution of the intervention in social networks as a means of achieving a new configuration of social networks at the local level. This information is obtained from semi-structured interviews with social workers and other professionals in the social sphere in municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants in the Madrid region (Spain). The research results show that intervention in social networks locally multiplies the opportunities to enhance the quality of people's social relationships, thus expanding their social support by strengthening their bonds, their personal network and support systems; secondly, it increases empowerment to facilitate a type of intervention to strengthen human potential and to gain autonomy and full citizenship.

Professional Curiosity in Child Protection: Thinking the Unthinkable in a Neo-Liberal World

This conceptual paper explores the notion of professional curiosity within child protection practice considering the barriers that can inhibit social workers invoking curiosity. The authors contend that definitions of professional curiosity are lacking in clarity and transparency, at the time of writing we are not aware of any other endeavours to create a definitional reference point or analysis of this concept. Furthermore, invoking professional curiosity is challenging when the social work task is pressurised, stressful and operates within a system that is stretched to breaking point. Drawing on messages from Serious Case Reviews in the UK which identify social work failings in context of a lack of professional curiosity, this paper initially focuses on constructing some definitional reference point, moving on to explore factors that may inhibit curiosity in practice. We cement connections between the emotional dimension of child protection practice, organisational context and the wider neoliberal political climate, constructing these as potential barriers to invoking curiosity. We contend the interplay of such complicated relational dynamics has the potential to distort professional judgement, including enacting curiosity. Finally, we consider realistic mechanisms by which social workers could be supported to generate creativity and curiosity in their practice.

The future of child protection may not be in local government

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a view about the future of children’s social work from the perspective of a frontline practitioner.Design/methodology/approachReflections of a frontline practitioner are based on his experience of practising social work with children and families.FindingsThe professional task of assessment and intervention in order to protect the nation’s children from significant harm is probably one of the most complex in modern society. However, a focus on gathering too much information and the need for certainty can be detrimental to analysis and judgement. Further, the most complex and challenging part of the social work task, namely, direct work in the family home, is rarely subject to formally structured analysis or feedback. There is insufficient analysis of good practice, and the organisational conditions that will promote and sustain it, but there are alternative models, including outside local government and including from other countries, that appear promising.Originality/valueThe study offers the perspective of a frontline children and families social worker on issues facing the profession.

Exploring Self-Efficacy among Entry-Level and Advanced BSW Students

ABSTRACTThis study compared a sample of entry-level and advanced BSW students, who completed pretest and posttest self-efficacy measures, to assess their level of confidence in performing social work tasks after 15 weeks of instruction. By the end of the semester, only advanced students made significant gains in self-efficacy beliefs, and they showed a significantly higher self-efficacy belief than entry-level students. Results suggest that increased mastery experiences, as found in the advanced social work curriculum, may help students develop confidence in their ability to practice as professional social workers.

Training Outcomes of Field Instructors in the Evidence-Based Practice Process Model

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field educators’ capacities to support students in their application of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. A cohort of social work field instructors and task supervisors from agency-based settings (N = 186) attended a 1-day interactive skill-based training. Pre- and postsurveys assessed learning outcomes. Findings reveal a significant improvement from pre- to posttraining in the social work educators’ familiarity, t(179) = 22.8; attitude, t(180) = 12.73; and intentions, t(178) = 11.89, regarding EBP. Results indicate that skill-based training in the EBP process model via continuing education is feasible and acceptable.

An example of a competency assessment portfolio, adapted for publication

The competency assessment panel which assessed my competency assessment portfolio invited me to adapt it for publication in Social Work Review as a helpful contribution to social work practice. In adapting it I have reduced the word length and paid attention to matters of privacy and confidentiality. I am a registered social worker in an Allied Health Adult Team. I am of Te Arawa/Ngati Whakaue/Ngati Te Roro O Te Rangi descent with Scots/Irish/Spanish ancestry. In describing the main focus of my current role and the key social work tasks and responsibilities involved, I reflect on how I keep my passion and motivation alive.

Reviewing the literature on the breakdown of foster care placements for young people: complexity and the social work task

ABSTRACTYoung people in long-term foster care are at risk of experiencing poor social, emotional, behavioural and educational outcomes. Moreover, these placements have a significantly greater chance of breaking down compared with those involving children. This article critically evaluates the factors associated with this particular outcome. The article was researched through a literature review conducted by a social work practitioner in one Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. The findings evidenced that, apart from overriding safety concerns, placement breakdown was not a one-off event but rather a complex process involving the interplay between a range of dynamic risk and protective factors over time, operating in the wider context of the young person's history and life experiences. The significance of these findings for social work practitioners is finally considered by identifying key theories to inform understanding and intervention.