Experiences Of Social Workers Research Articles

Understanding and addressing Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in residential care in Northern Ireland using a qualitative case study design: The residential social care worker perspective

BackgroundChildren in state care are one of the most vulnerable group of young people for sexual exploitation in today's society, with those in residential care being particularly vulnerable. The links between being in residential care and sexual exploitation are well recognised but are not well understood. ObjectiveThis exploratory qualitative case study aimed to reflect the perspective of residential social care workers in Northern Ireland regarding the challenge of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in residential care and to identify strategies to protect these children. Participants and settingSix semi-structured interviews were conducted with residential social care workers, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. MethodsData was analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step methodology for reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsSix themes were identified: (i) risk; (ii) reasons to engage/agency; (iii) vulnerability; (iv) identifying child sexual exploitation; (v) responding to child sexual exploitation; (vi) the residential social care workers experience. ConclusionThe findings indicate that sexual exploitation is a common concern amongst residential social care workers in Northern Ireland but that they often feel unable to successfully intervene. Further, current safeguarding procedures may require significant revision as a result of the internet generally and social media in particular increasing predatory access to children in residential care. The study highlights an urgent need for easier access to psychological support for children in residential care, outreach support services, and more clinical psychological input for residential social care workers. Purposely assembled support teams for children in residential care may be necessary.

Social workers in politics–a qualitative analysis of factors influencing social workers’ decision to run for political office

ABSTRACT The aim of this qualitative study is to explore factors that influence social workers’ decision to participate in parliamentary politics, and to identify important policy-making skills and competencies of social workers holding elected office. Seven semi-structured biographical interviews with social workers in Switzerland who are serving as elected politicians at local, state, or national levels were conducted and analysed according to the principles of qualitative content analysis. Based on the Civic Voluntarism Model as well as previous studies in the field of socialisation research, this study identifies families of origin and mobilisation networks as main influencing factors, alongside with professional experience in social work that also plays a significant role. It can be further concluded that important skills to be successful in policy-making processes are acquired through social work education and professional practice. The results support existing findings and emphasise that to further promote political engagement, political action should be more strongly integrated into social work education and encouraged by professional associations.

“Please Don’t Let Academia Forget about Us:” An Exploration of Nursing Home Social Work Experiences during COVID-19

ABSTRACT Nursing home social workers are on the frontlines during COVID-19 responding to individual resident needs, the needs of staff, and larger health needs of the nursing home. However, it is unclear whether nursing home social workers feel adequately trained and prepared in responding to disasters, such as COVID-19. To explore this, we used a study cross-sectional survey distributed via social media focusing on 1) prior training on disaster preparedness, 2) any content social workers wish had been a part of their education, and 3) suggestions for educators/academics to serve social workers on the frontlines. Data in this study are based on a sample of 63 (N=63) nursing home social workers. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the RaDar (rigorous and accelerated data reduction) technique. Findings revealed that most social workers had little to no training in disaster preparedness, and shared areas of future education initiatives. Participants also shared the need for bridging the research to practice gap through open access articles and support from academics. Findings from the present study reveal areas social work programs can expand gerontology-focused course offerings. Additionally, developments promoting practitioner support from academics is worth consideration.

Social Entrepreneurship and Volunteering: Moderation Effects of Volunteer Experience Levels on Social Entrepreneurial Intent Model

Abstract This study investigates whether an individual’s social work experience impacts the relationship between institutional environmental constructs and the perceived desirability and feasibility of establishing a social venture. It extends Urban, B. and L. Kujinga’s. (2017. “The Institutional Environment and Social Entrepreneurship Intentions.” International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research 23 (4): 638–55, doi: 10.1108/IJEBR-07-2016-0218.) social entrepreneurial intent model by comparing two groups of volunteers in Malaysia with different levels of social working or volunteering experience. The results show that the cognitive environment influences perceived desirability, with a distinctly higher path significance for perceived desirability among individuals with higher levels of experience. Perceived desirability has a relatively more substantial impact on social entrepreneurship intention for highly experienced individuals. Interestingly, the results indicate that neither the regulatory nor the normative environment influences perceived feasibility for either group. Governments and other relevant organisations can utilise these findings to devise better policies for promoting social entrepreneurship.

Australian Social Workers’ Understandings of Technology in Practice

ABSTRACT Existing international research that tracks technology use in social work practice often focuses on specific forms of technology. The study outlined in this article explored Australian social workers’ understanding and use of technology related to their practice experiences more broadly. With a sample of 100 participants who had less than 12 months to 20+ years of social work experience, the study found that Australian social workers utilise technology without clear boundaries, policies, or professional access. It found that organisations prioritise technological resources for outcomes measurement rather than finding ways technology could benefit service user relationships. Social workers attempt to mediate practice tensions and complexities by understanding client-centred approaches rather than specific theories or social work models with technology. This study suggests that guidelines and conceptualisations for social work practice with technology require further development. This article argues for a social work–based understanding of technology as a context of practice, requiring social workers to navigate profession-specific knowledge, skills, and values to contribute to social work–led technology. IMPLICATIONS Technology in social work practice is yet to fully support client connection, engagement, advocacy, and interaction. Organisational contexts shape and often limit technology use by social workers, thus minimising the potential for social work–led conceptualisations and practice. Social workers individually navigate limitations presented by practice contexts without drawing on social work–specific knowledge of technology, inhibiting the profession from contributing to practice-led technology.

The Impact of Crisis and Austerity on Long Term Care for Older People in Portugal – An Analysis Based on the Experiences of Social Workers in Private Institutions for Social Solidarity

In Portugal, long-term care (LTC) for older people rests mainly upon Private Institutions for Social Solidarity (IPSS). The debt crisis of 2008-2013 and the austerity policies that followed had a considerable impact on all sectors of the country’s economy and social services. How did this crisis and austerity impact long-term care for older people? We approach this question with a qualitative research using content analyzis, based on individual interviews of a geographically convenient sample (N = 20) with social work staff of IPSS providing social responses of LTC for older people (1 full-time social work staff per each institution), located at the Center Region of Portugal. The main themes revealed by the analyzis were: financing, human resources, partnerships and quality. The results show a strong impact at the level of financing, yet, a correspondent lower impact on the quality of the services. Also, some dynamics of innovation appear in issues of partnerships and human resources. Although the results and discussion are limited to a specific historical and geographical context, upon further research, they can be considered as implications of crisis and austerity on older people’s social services more broadly, and a reference point to compare with future social policies.

Migration intentions of international distance education students studying from a South African institution: unpacking potential brain drain

ABSTRACT The outward migration of skilled migrants has disproportionally affected the Global South, particularly in countries in Africa, producing what is commonly referred to as ‘brain drain’. Within this literature, there has been considerable focus on the future migration intentions of international students, who symbolise skilled migration. However, much previous literature assumes international education must be obtained through physical mobility, despite the growing provision of internationalisation at a distance, whereby students remain ‘at home’ while studying online or distantly from an institution based ‘abroad’. This study has unravelled the future migration intentions of students studying through online distance education, using a questionnaire of 607 South African, Namibian, and Zimbabwean students in relation to four sets of factors: academic and social adjustment, educational and work experience, socio-economic variables, and individual demographic characteristics. Our findings indicate a complex picture of international distance students’ future migration intentions and significant differences between students based on country of origin, socioeconomic status, and demographic variables. These findings have particular relevance following the increasing shifts to online distance learning following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Work in the Time of COVID-19: A Case Study from the Global South

This article explores the experiences of social workers at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in disaster responses to COVID-19 in a rural and resource-challenged region of Cambodia. The views of Khmer and international social workers in the NGO were gathered through an internal auditing process utilising survey and structured conversation methods. Key themes related to the importance of prioritising the safety of staff and clients, effective communication methods, responsiveness of case management systems, public health responses and adapting to emerging needs. To ensure responsiveness to future disaster events consideration should be given in strengthening partnerships, ensuring case management systems are effective for current use but able to be adapted in new circumstances, and that preparation incorporates a focus on diversified funding streams and open communication channels between staff and management. These elements will enable social workers to continue their practice, reassured and with the flexibility required in the post-disaster context.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Workers at the Frontline: A Survey of Canadian Social Workers

Social workers are facing increasingly complex client needs during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because of the social distancing requirements of the pandemic, social workers have undergone transformative changes in practice with the rapid uptake of virtual technologies. The objective of our study was to understand the experiences of social workers during the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey, comprised of close-ended and open-ended questions. Survey participants included social workers who were the members of a provincial social work association in Ontario, Canada. With n = 2,470 participants, the response rate was close to 40 per cent. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the close-ended questions. Two open-ended questions were coded using the thematic analysis. Nine themes were identified on the impact to social worker’s employment status: increased work-load; loss of employment; redeployment to new settings; early retirement; concern for personal health and safety; social workers in private practice seeing fewer clients; personal caregiving responsibilities; limiting recent graduates’ employment potential and social workers experiencing new opportunities. There were five themes on the impact on social work practice: clients with increasing complexities; challenges with transition to virtual care; benefits with transition to virtual care; adapting in-person services and personal well-being.

To Shield or Not to Shield? There Should Be No Question-Black African Social Workers Experiences during COVID-19 in England.

Using three tenets of Critical Race Theory as the analytical lens, namely, counter story-telling, everyday racism and whiteness as privilege, this qualitative study examined the experiences of twenty Black African social workers during the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in England. The findings suggest that there was a different and often less favourable application of the rules and policies for Black African social workers in relation to COVID-19 and in comparison to their White peers. In addition, Black African social workers expressed frustration about the inadequacy of risk assessments undertaken to gauge the level of risk posed by continuous engagement with service users. A strong recommendation for culturally responsive leadership is made alongside the need for managers, supervisors and employers to become allies to their staff from Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds.

Merging micro and macro practice: The point of view of social workers working with at-risk young adults

In recent years, partly in response to significant changes in the economic and political environment in which social workers operate, scholars have called for the integration of micro and macro practice in social work settings. Yet, little attention has been given to how social workers construct their practice to integrate these two types of interventions. This qualitative exploratory study examines the perceptions and experiences of frontline social workers who are expected to carry out micro and macro practice in their daily work. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 30 social workers who work with at-risk young adults in Israel, findings show that social workers support the integration between micro and macro practice and share a profound understanding of its importance in promoting their clients’ interests. However, findings show that social workers are confronted with various challenges and barriers while trying to engage in multilevel practice. Specifically, four types of challenges arose: (a) unequal or limited skills and knowledge associated with both practices; (b) limited hours of work and high workload; (c) incongruity between available supportive services and organizational expectations; and (d) the highly political nature of interventions at the macro level. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Native American social work – Including family and community

Summary This study investigates family involvement and culturally informed social work in Native American communities. The study was conducted in Native American communities in Montana, USA. Twenty-three Native American social work professionals participated in qualitative interviews. Analyses draw on theory of historical trauma and family involvement in indigenous social. Throughout the study, indigenous methodology has been a central principle. Findings Among social workers, there is a common understanding that social work should involve family and community if it is to be culturally informed. Social work professionals talk of family involvement in indigenous social work as “common sense.” For the Native American social work professionals interviewed, the following tenets are all “common sense”: (1) family and community belonging are important aspects of Native American culture; 2) oppression and colonization had a negative impact on family, community, and tribal relations; and (3) social work has an obligation to restore family, community, and tribal relations. Application Social work has a responsibility to connect culture, trauma, and the resolution of trauma. Furthermore, family and community involvement plays a core part in restoration and resilience processes, healing historical trauma caused by the colonization. Hence, in order to provide culturally competent care, social work practices serving Native American clients should involve family and community. Mainstream social work does not sufficiently build on family involvement as an ideological foundation for qualitatively good social work. We argue that social work curricula impacting Native clients could benefit from the experience and knowledge of these Native American social workers.

The impact of the institutional environment and experience on social entrepreneurship: a multi-group analysis

PurposeThis study presents a framework for integrating distinct perspectives on social entrepreneurship by combining institutional theory with the social entrepreneurship intention model. The framework assesses the relationships between social support and the perceived feasibility and desirability of social entrepreneurship, the relationships between social support and the institutional environments of social workers, and the moderating role of prior experience of social work and volunteering.Design/methodology/approachThe model was tested using 266 validated responses from an online and paper-based survey distributed among social workers. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data, and multi-group analysis was conducted to examine the moderation effects.FindingsThe findings indicate that experience moderates the relationships between the regulatory and cognitive environments, cognitive environments and social support, and social support and perceived feasibility. Experience negatively moderates the relationship between the normative environment and social support.Practical implicationsActive government involvement in the form of incentives and financial support would encourage the creation of social ventures.Social implicationsEducational programmes are also necessary to help raise awareness and increase the familiarity and knowledge of potential social entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe study analyses the effects of institutional environmental components, recognised as highly influential on the development of social entrepreneurship, as well as the impact of perceived social support on the antecedents of the perceived desirability and feasibility of social entrepreneurship. It also addresses how social work experience modifies these relationships. Contrary to previous studies, the findings suggest that increasing social work experience isolates entrepreneurs from their environment.

Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one outcome from prenatal alcohol exposure. Social workers are likely to encounter children with the condition, due to the greater likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure among children in social services settings. This study explores the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected of having FASD and the support offered to social workers, the children and their families. Semi-structured interviews followed by qualitative framework analysis were conducted with seven child and family social workers along with one child protection solicitor who had experience of handling FASD cases. The two main themes that emerged from the data were a lack of knowledge about FASD and the paucity of diagnosis. Lack of knowledge among the social workers was linked to difficulty in managing children suspected to have the condition, feelings of frustration and normalisation of challenging behaviours. The paucity of diagnosis led to an under-emphasis of FASD in assessments, a dearth of specialist services and confusion about its specific effects in contexts of multiple substance misuse and harmful socio-environmental factors. The need for increased FASD awareness within social services and the development of FASD-targeted support for children and families is highlighted. Social workers would benefit from the inclusion of FASD-focused training in their curricula and professional development plans. Improving the diagnostic capacities of health institutions would address the paucity of diagnosis and raise the profile of FASD, especially in the social services setting.

Explaining the Experiences of Social Workers in Utilizing Professional Capital to Deal with Client Violence

Introduction: Establishing an appropriate and effective professional relationship in social work practices is always emphasized, but sometimes this relationship is likely to be exposed to violence. The purpose of this study was to explain the experiences of social workers in utilizing professional capital to deal with clients’ violence.Methods: The present study was conducted using a conventional qualitative content analysis approach through 20 semi-structured interviews with 17 social workers selected via purposive sampling. The interviews continued until the data saturation and the identification of related themes and categories.Results: Based on the findings from the data analysis, four main themes (knowledge, experiences, techniques, and commitment to professional principles and values) and 14 subthemes related to the professional capital were identified.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the social workers try to cope with the violence of clients by utilizing knowledge, experiences, professional techniques and their commitment to professional principles and values in such a way to cause the least possible harm to the clients and themselves. Promoting the education and learning of violence coping skills, especially during internship courses, is one of the issues that need to be addressed from a social, organizational, and academic perspective.

Older immigrant Latino gay men and childhood sexual abuse: Findings from the Palabras Fuertes project.

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) and maltreatment have long-term negative impacts on survivors, including older adults. Yet, limited qualitative examinations of how these experiences impact the lives of older adults exists and even fewer among older Latino gay men. We drew data from life-history narratives the first author conducted with five Spanish speaking older Latino gay men in New York City. Our analyses were guided by an Ecological Model, a Suffering lens, and our clinical social work experience with older adults, sexual minorities and people of color. All participants reported sexual experiences prior to the age of 15 and possible emotional and physical maltreatment. Yet, not all participants perceived these experiences as abuse. Our findings indicate how cultural, linguistic and contextual factors may affect disclosure and coping. Despite the fact that CSA and maltreatment occurred decades ago, these early experiences affected long-term psychosocial functioning. Our findings support a need for future research and clinical practice that considers the subjective perceptions of childhood sexual experiences and maltreatment and how these relate to psychosocial functioning in Latino gay men during older adulthood.

Chinese students’ experiences of learning social work: a Chinese/Australian comparison

ABSTRACT The contemporary development of Chinese social work has occurred in the context of strong engagement with international education exchanges and curriculum. Many issues in training students for practice have emerged. This study explored how Chinese students learned social work in two different educational contexts in China and Australia. A qualitative insider researcher approach with thematic analysis was used to explore learning experiences of two cohorts of participants over a two-year period. The first cohort studied social work in China only, while the second cohort studied both in China and in Australia. Five key themes emerged. The first three themes related to learning experiences, and the other two themes related to interactions with teachers and support systems. These five themes suggest that social work is learned in very different forms in China and Australia. Recommendations are made for better understanding of these differences and the resulting impacts for Chinese students.

Working in complex contexts; mother social workers and the mothers they meet

ABSTRACT Drawing on findings from a psycho-social qualitative doctoral study, this paper considers the intimate and extraordinary emotional intensity, ambivalence and pain associated with the experience of mother social workers engaging with mothers and their infants in the context of child protection work. In this yearlong study undertaken with a group of female Irish child protection social workers, their role as mothers was an unanticipated emergent theme and was found to be inextricably linked to their work and their capacity for realistic decision-making. We consider the wider contexts of societal ambivalence about motherhood, mothering and social work itself, as a way of locating these experiences as fully psycho-social. The work discussion seminars offered as part of the research study afforded a rare opportunity for workers to talk about predicaments, failures and worries, in conditions of containment for anxiety, support for their learning, and a confidential reflective setting.

“That’s the Beauty of It”: Practitioners Describe the Affordances of Direct to Consumer Tele-Mental Health

Tele-mental health, or the provision of remote counseling services, has been available for decades. This qualitative study uses the framework of affordances, derived from Gibson, to examine what social work practitioners working on direct to consumer tele-mental health (DTCTMH) platforms are discovering about the features, benefits, and constraints of virtual therapy. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to document the lived experiences of social workers who practice in this manner. According to the practitioners interviewed, for a subset of individuals seeking treatment, DTCTMH can offer meaningful interpersonal interaction that confers benefit. Key affordances include accessibility, anonymity, meaningful work, autonomy, lifelong learning, and access by new populations. Practitioners simultaneously acknowledge the ethical complexities and structural challenges of DTCTMH practice. The article concludes with suggestions for future research, policy, and practice.

How Power Dynamics and Relationships Interact with Assessment of Competence: Exploring the Experiences of Student Social Workers Who Failed a Practice Placement

Abstract Students have identified practice placements (or practice learning) as the single most important factor of social work education, but it is usually where issues of professional suitability become apparent. Whilst most students successfully complete their placements, a number experience difficulty and a minority ultimately fail. Protecting the profession from students not deemed suitable for professional practice requires a rigorous gatekeeping function and fair standards. On receipt of written consent, we interviewed eleven social work students who failed placement, and accessed progress reports written by Practice Teachers/Practice Educators. Participants included nine females, mean age of 33 years, seven failed their final placement and eight had registered with university disability services. Professionally transcribed interviews were analysed using an adapted version of Braun and Clarke’s method. Identified themes included the impact of personal issues; importance of working relationships; use and misuse of power; assessment and decision-making processes and developing insight and useful feedback. Students valued the opportunity to reflect on their experience and provided clear recommendations for improving how Practice Teachers, on-site supervisors, Tutors and peers can provide a supportive learning experience for students who require additional support during placement, and how to communicate concerns regarding competence more effectively.