Service Workers Research Articles

Self-Care Pedagogy in the Undergraduate Curriculum: A Post Pandemic Faculty Survey

This exploratory study describes the post pandemic integration of classroom-based self-care pedagogy with students engaged in field placements in human services organizations. Forty-nine undergraduate faculty members at a large public university system in New York City completed an online survey about how they teach self-care (i.e., integrate self-care pedagogy) in their courses, their needs for resources, and barriers to integrating self-care. The survey is grounded in the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS) Ethical Standard 35, which requires human services workers to prioritize their own wellness and self-care. Burgeoning research demonstrates the deleterious effects of the Covid19 pandemic on undergraduate students’ well-being. Students’ difficulties are further exacerbated for those undertaking human services work in community-based organizations as student interns. Faculty recognized the mental health challenges faced by students in field placements, both because of the demands of agency-based human services work, as well as the exposure to sensitive classroom discussions about clients’ psychosocial needs and traumas. However, most faculty have not meaningfully integrated self-care into the curriculum. This study highlights the need to develop strategies to promote student well-being and mitigate the effects of exposure to potential sources of vicarious trauma. Recommendations for best practices for undergraduate departments are offered.

A phenomenological study into Zimbabwean-Australian clergy’s understandings of the causes and their responses to mental health problems among Zimbabwean-Australians

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explored the experiences and perspectives of 16 clergy members from African Initiated Churches in Australia. Through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, data from semi-structured interviews was analyzed and found that mental health problems in the Zimbabwean-Australian community were attributed to both spiritual and psychological factors. Clergy play a crucial role as gatekeepers, often the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing mental distress. The study emphasizes the significance of spirituality and the critical role of clergy members in supporting individuals with mental health issues and connecting them to appropriate mental health services. Greater collaboration between clergy members and social work services is needed, and this research contributes to the mental health field and enhances social work understanding of the clergy’s role in addressing mental health issues in African communities.

The Odd Year: Experiences of Care Leavers in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of the study is to describe how young care leavers conceptualize their subjective sense of wellbeing, as a lived experience during the “Odd Year” which refers to the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic—from 2020 to 2021. Qualitative data from seven young people's open discussions by using the Time Out Method and essays. Principles of Joint Research were used. Fattorés theory of children and young people's subjective well-being as well as Eskelineńs (2020) themes of social philosophy during a disaster were employed in the analysis. The Odd Year's effect was to restrict agency relating to study and employment but simultaneously highlight moral agency. The downscaling of services created a sense of uncertainty. Background in Foster Care strengthened the sense of resilience and agency for some. The transformative resilience of society can be strengthened by peer support and by utilizing digital services in social work.

Property management services under the Malaysian Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers Act 1981 and the Property Management Standards

Purpose Although a regulatory framework was established in Malaysia to govern practising property managers, the satisfaction level on residential property management remains low. This unfortunate situation necessitates a review of property managers’ job scope and their current standards of practice. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between the performance of property managers in residential property management job scope and resident satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The scope of work in property management services was first identified through a review of existing research and literature on property management. Subsequently, a survey questionnaire was administered, and the data collected was analysed to determine the relationship between the performance of the scope of work in residential building management and resident satisfaction. The research data was obtained from occupiers of residential properties and the findings formed the basis for research with an objective to enhance current property management practice. Findings Residential buildings represent the major building stocks of the country. The research showed that a majority (7 out of 9) of the identified scope of work significantly influence and affect resident satisfaction. Additionally, the logistic regression analysis outcome further confirms that the performance of maintenance management is a significant predictor of resident satisfaction. Originality/value This research identifies the critical scope of work in property management services which affects resident satisfaction. It also suggests various recommendations to improve property management services to achieve a higher level of resident satisfaction.

Peran Satuan Bakti Pekerja Sosial dalam Penanganan Kasus Anak Terlantar di Kota Kupang Berdasarkan Peraturan Perundang-Undangan di Indonesia

Abandoned children are a type of social welfare problem where the child's physical, mental and spiritual conditions are not met. Social workers have an important role in handling cases of abandoned children in accordance with Indonesian laws and regulations. This research aims to determine the role of the social work service unit in handling cases of abandoned children as well as the challenges and obstacles faced in handling cases of abandoned children. This research uses empirical research methods that are empirical juridical in nature. The sample was selected by purposive sampling, data collection techniques used interviews, observation and documentation review. Social workers strive to rescue children from dangerous environments, help provide temporary shelter if necessary, and collaborate with various parties to ensure the safety and welfare of children, in providing protection for abandoned children social workers identify children who are at risk of experiencing neglect, exploitation or violence, this is done through surveys, direct interactions, or reports from other parties, after identifying children at risk, social workers carry out an in-depth evaluation of their situation by conducting an assessment. The results of the research on the role of social workers in handling abandoned children, namely companions as facilitators and counselors, as service providers or liaisons and advocates, however there are several obstacles and challenges faced, namely unclear identity of children, complex conditions of children's families, long legal processes, limited resources and lack of public awareness.

‘Just One Day of Unstructured Autonomous Time’: Samuel A. Moore Supporting Editorial Labour for Ethical Publishing within the University

Universities have traditionally supported the distribution of critical and cultural theory through departmental and centre publishing (e.g. Working Papers in Cultural Studies) and the establishment of university presses. However, over recent decades publishing has been increasingly outsourced to commercial providers, buttressed by volunteer academic labour extracted for profit by the publishing industry. At the same time, faced with ongoing casualisation and ever-increasing workloads, the labour required for academic publishing is severely undervalued by the university and in a permanent state of crisis. In this article we put forward a radical proposal for universities to provide scholars dedicated time to support publishing as part of their academic service work. We intervene strongly into discourses that approach the publishing labour crisis by arguing for calculative solutions in the form of payment or credit. Instead, this article explores reorienting the labour underpinning academic publishing within the university itself by positioning it as an integral part of scholarly research and what it means to be a researcher. We make this argument through an in-depth engagement with debates on academic citizenship on the value of service work and discourses on academic labour derived from within critical university studies. We further support our argument by drawing on discussions on labour and open access (OA) publishing, referencing various alternative models currently being developed that, based on scholar-led, library-led and ‘new’ university press publishing, are experimenting with innovative ways to value and perform labour relations as part of community-controlled collective organisations. As universities are increasingly financially and infrastructurally supporting such initiatives, particularly with recourse to library budgets, we explore how this in many ways has left labour issues for publishing as a service performed as part of an academic’s workload unaltered. We therefore argue for the urgent need to reconfigure how universities view the labour behind academic publishing, to support more ethical engagements and relations with publishing, bring knowledge production back under the control of academic communities, and to support greater academic autonomy within universities.

Settler colonialism and the administrative state: The transfer of the Government of the Northwest Territories to Yellowknife in 1967

AbstractIn September 1967, the federal government transferred the Government of the Northwest Territories from Ottawa to Yellowknife. While the transfer brought the machinery of government closer to the governed, it also established settler institutions in the homelands of Dene, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Using the tools of administrative history and settler colonial theory, this article reconstructs the transfer using newly released archival papers of NWT Commissioner Stuart Hodgson, who oversaw the transfer and the development of government in the NWT until 1979. It analyzes the role federal public servants played in facilitating settler colonial development in northwestern Canada and, in turn, how that development affected the structure and work of the federal public service in Ottawa. While the transfer entrenched Westminster parliamentary government in the NWT, it also served as a focal point for Indigenous resurgence and resistance that has remade contemporary governance in the territory.

Navigating social work practice research challenges: collaboration, participant rights and ethics

In this article, we discuss the challenges in engaging with research participants from marginalised communities, including from some minority communities where there are interconnecting issues of poverty, racism, school exclusion, family breakdown and sometimes youth crime. This is aligned with experiences of developing research partnerships with local services in evaluation work. Two research case studies, from evaluation research with child and family social work and the youth justice system, discuss experiences of researching within inner-city areas, navigating researcher–practitioner relationships and maintaining ethical research standards. In both cases, entering the research field presented challenges related to sensitivities and distress experienced by participants. Our case-study discussions demonstrate how the researchers responded to risk and unwitting involvement with young people in conflict, in prison and experiencing family bereavement. Highlighted is the vital importance of local agencies providing accurate information about the families and young people that the researchers are asked to contact in order to ensure that respect and research ethics are upheld and no trauma is caused. Planning and building trust are key to ensuring that time is given for respectful engagement and that agencies are ready for ongoing support and follow-up as needed. The article will explore how these methodological considerations can be taken forward.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND WORK ENGAGEMENT IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC SECTOR: A DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

The South African public sector's failure to meet its citizens' requirements has proved to be a troublesome issue. In light of the demand for better services, performance management systems and work engagement are two of the most important ways to improve public sector performance. Aspects of the South African public sector can impair work engagement and performance management. The public sector operates in a diverse environment where gender, marital status and race may impact service delivery, performance and work engagement. This study examined the impact of gender, marital status and race on performance management systems and work engagement. It employed non-probability purposive sampling and a quantitative research approach and used ANOVA and t-tests to analyse data. Work engagement and performance management system subscales revealed no significant differences related to either race or marital status. However, positive and statistically significant differences were observed between gender groups. Given its significance, this study could contribute to the development of a positive work environment for managers and employees in the public sector.

Analysis of Determinants of Labor Absorption in Small and Medium Enterprises of Weaving Craft Industry in Sukarara Village, Lombok Tengah

This study aims to analyze the determinants of labor absorption in small and medium enterprises of the weaving craft industry in Sukarara Village, Jonggat District, Central Lombok Regency. The research is quantitative, involving a population of 40 woven fabric handicraft entrepreneurs in Sukarara Village. Data collection techniques included interviews, documentation, and distributing questionnaires containing questions about work culture, employee performance, and service quality. The analytical tool used was multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the data analysis show that capital and production value have a positive and significant effect on labor absorption in Sukarara Village, Jonggat District, Central Lombok Regency. Wages have a positive but insignificant effect on labor absorption. However, when considered together, capital, production value, and wages have a significant effect on labor absorption in the region.

ENHANCING TECHNICIAN & PLUMBER HIRING STRATEGIES WITH PYTHON: A TRENDSETTING COMPUTER SCIENCE ANALYSIS

Abstract: The Online Platform for Technician and Plumber Hiring is a digital marketplace designed to streamline the process of connecting individuals and businesses with skilled technicians and plumbers for maintenance and repair services. The platform offers an intuitive interface accessible via web browsers and mobile applications, allowing users to search, compare, and hire technicians and plumbers based on their specific needs and preferences. Service providers create detailed profiles showcasing their qualifications, experience, areas of expertise, and customer reviews, allowing service seekers to evaluate the suitability of technicians and plumbers for their specific requirements. The platform also offers advanced search and filter functionality, allowing users to narrow down their options based on location, services offered, availability, pricing, and ratings. It facilitates seamless booking and scheduling of service appointments, allowing users to specify the date, time, and nature of the required services. Clear pricing and payment information are provided for each service, ensuring transparency and eliminating ambiguity for both service seekers and providers. After service completion, users can rate and provide feedback on the quality of work and customer service received from technicians and plumbers, maintaining accountability and encouraging continuous improvement within the service provider community. The platform also offers customer support services to address inquiries, resolve issues, and facilitate communication between parties if disputes arise during or after service delivery. Mediation mechanisms are in place to ensure fair resolution of conflicts. IndexTerms – HTML, CSS, AngularJs , NodeJs , Bootstrap, MySQL

Caminhos e intermediações entre serviços do Sistema de Saúde e da Socioeducação

Abstract Socio-education is an educational and (re)socialization proposal for young people having troubles with the law, a law which also includes the right to health care guaranteed by the Unified Health System (SUS). This study aims to investigate the relationship between health services and socio-educational units in Paraná state, from the perspective of service workers and managers. The qualitative and exploratory research consisted of sixteen semi-structured interviews in five municipalities in the state, with subsequent categorization of the narratives based on hermeneutic analysis. As a result, there was considerable weakness in the coordination between the network’s facilities to promote overall health care, specifically the mental health of young people. Security issues have a strong influence on the regulation of actions, even health actions, in socio-education. The current policy of comprehensive health care in socio-education, implemented in Brazil in 2014, is, however, an important counterpoint for the reordering and nudging policies in this area.

Paths and inter-mediations between Brazilian Health Services and Youth Detention Centers.

Socio-education is an educational and (re)socialization proposal for young people having troubles with the law, a law which also includes the right to health care guaranteed by the Unified Health System (SUS). This study aims to investigate the relationship between health services and socio-educational units in Paraná state, from the perspective of service workers and managers. The qualitative and exploratory research consisted of sixteen semi-structured interviews in five municipalities in the state, with subsequent categorization of the narratives based on hermeneutic analysis. As a result, there was considerable weakness in the coordination between the network's facilities to promote overall health care, specifically the mental health of young people. Security issues have a strong influence on the regulation of actions, even health actions, in socio-education. The current policy of comprehensive health care in socio-education, implemented in Brazil in 2014, is, however, an important counterpoint for the reordering and nudging policies in this area.

A national research survey of childhood autism assessment services in the UK: empirical evidence of diagnostic practice, challenges and improvement opportunities

BackgroundThe UK National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Plan aims to reduce waiting times for childhood autism diagnostic assessment and improve parent and child satisfaction. This empirical research investigated current...

Qualitative study on the problems and potential solution strategies for part-time clinical pharmacists’ clinical services work in a tertiary hospital in China

ObjectiveTo provide an initial understanding of problems and potential solution strategies for part-time clinical pharmacist work in China, and provide references for the training of part-time clinical pharmacists.MethodsThe study was...

Dementia care coordinators in primary care: a realist evaluation.

A dementia care coordinator (DCC) service has recently been implemented across Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). DCCs are provided at the primary care network (PCN) level and work closely with GP practice teams. The service is intended to help service users navigate the care system and provide proactive support to mitigate crisis points. However, the value of this service from key stakeholder perspectives is not yet known. To understand: 1) how the DCC service works, for whom, and in what circumstances; and 2) identify outcomes, resource implications, and costs. The study uses mixed-methods realist evaluation with an embedded economic component. Data collection includes: questionnaires, service provider metrics, and qualitative interviews with healthcare practitioners and service users. Interpretive comparative analysis and narrative synthesis including evaluation of service costs against outcomes will produce a refined final programme theory. Patient and public involvement have been consulted throughout. Preliminary results indicate that when embedded in a local practice, healthcare practitioners including GPs welcome DCC involvement. DCCs act as community lynchpins, bridging service users to appropriate care pathways. The service may be capable of increasing diagnosis rates and reducing crisis points. However, caseloads are currently untamed. Therefore, the service and its workforce are becoming over-stretched. This evaluation describes preliminary findings from a recently implemented DCC service in Kent and Medway ICB. There is a crucial need to enhance the support of this workforce in order to ensure sustainability of this service. These findings will inform service development and future investment decisions.

Association between work environment changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and post-traumatic stress disorder in Japanese workers during the emergency declaration.

This study investigated the association between COVID-19 pandemic-related work environment changes and suspected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Japanese workers. A web survey of 1104 workers was conducted in Japan between February 24 and March 2, 2021. The Japanese version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised and questions regarding work environments and COVID-19 pandemic-related lifestyle changes were used. PTSD was suspected in 19.7% of respondents and was significantly higher in men (22.2%) than in women (17.2%). Being older and having an independent business were associated with decreased suspected PTSD risk. Longer online work hours, decreased sleep duration, and alcoholism were associated with increased suspected PTSD risk. When stratified by sex, long online work hours and fewer years of service were associated with increased suspected PTSD risk in men. An association between alcoholism and suspected PTSD was also observed in men. Younger age and decreased sleep duration were significantly associated with suspected PTSD in women. Younger men with shorter work service duration were particularly vulnerable to pandemic-related PTSD, emphasizing the risks associated with long online work hours and alcoholism in men. Decreased sleep duration was a PTSD predictor in both sexes, suggesting its importance in PTSD prevention strategies for workers.

Stories from Edzell Lodge children’s home in the 1940s and 1950s: lessons for practice and research

‘Gnatola ma no kpon sia, eyenabe adelan to kpo mi sena’ (‘Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story’) (Ghanian proverb, available at: http://thelionandthehunter.org/). Historically, both the discipline and profession of social work have been imagined and constructed by those who oversee social work services – ‘the hunters’, according to the aforementioned Ghanaian proverb. Thus, it has been predominantly white, middle-class, non-disabled, mainly female, Global North voices that have determined what social work looks like and how it is carried out across the world. However, this is changing. Today, many more ‘lions’ are telling their stories, as this article demonstrates. Through the curated narratives of Bob, Doug and Rose, as well as that of their storyteller/collaborator, Viv, we learn that growing up in care in Scotland in the 1940s and 1950s was ‘confused and confusing’ for the children at the heart of it. Contradictory discourses competed for dominance, and the children experienced unintended consequences from the ‘care’ they received. While not attempting to universalise on the basis of three people’s stories, we believe that they have much to teach social work.

Reach of GetCheckedOnline among gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men and Two-Spirit people and correlates of use 5 years after program launch in British Columbia, Canada

ObjectivesUnderstanding who uses internet-based sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) services can inform programme implementation, particularly among those most impacted by STBBIs, including gender and sexual minority (GSM) men. GetCheckedOnline,...

Structural and philological features of text generative neural networks

INTRODUCTION. Studying the features of text generative neural networks is an important step in the development of artificial intelligence. Despite the fact that the models have shown high efficiency in solving various problems in the field of journalism and media communications, they have a number of disadvantages. When working with neural networks, you can encounter both gross grammatical and semantic errors. To identify the leader in the most productive text generation, it is necessary to conduct a comparative analysis of the data produced by various services.MATERIALS AND METHODS. In the Russian segment, the most developed neural network services are GigaChat and YandexGPT. To conduct a comparative analysis, the most discussed and generally recognized service was selected – GhatGPT. The study was carried out over several months: September–December 2023. The methodology is based on philological analysis of generated texts and comparison of the accuracy of query output of selected models.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Philological and grammatical analysis of the three models allows us to determine the relevance of services for work in the field of journalism and media communications, as well as the software and technical limitations of neural networks. The analysis showed the presence of certain patterns in all neural network models. Generation is carried out according to a preprogrammed scenario. The result consists of a number of factors: the presence of names, abbreviations and wishes specified in the request. Only ChatGPT showed the absence of any censorship; other models refused to generate if the request contained words or names prohibited by the developer.CONCLUSION. The findings can be applied in practice in the media, blogging and media sphere. All three services have their positive and negative sides. According to the results of the study, ChatGPT is currently the leader in text generation and processing. Leadership of the service is ensured due to a wide range of capabilities and stability in issuing answers to requests. However, due to the availability of a large amount of information on the Internet necessary for rapid training of Russian networks, the situation may change in the near future.