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Role comparison between social workers and support workers.
Source publication
Within New Zealand there is a definite confusion between the role identity of social workers and support workers within community mental health services. Currently there appears to be a degree of confusion as to the distinguishing features of these two roles. The objective of this preliminary investigation was to identify the similarities and diffe...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... themes identified through the thematic analysis indicated marked similarities between the two roles examined. The fundamental differences identified were the level of qualification, competencies, clinical work and experience of the workers (Table 1.). Social workers required at least a bachelors level qualification and a minimum of two years' experience, standard requirements of social worker registration in New Zealand, whereas with support workers there was no minimum qualification, or level of experience. ...Citations
... In one of the three older articles in this selection, 'Preliminary comparison between the roles of support workers and social workers in community mental health services' Barnaby Pace (2009) explores the issue of confusion between paraprofessionals, such as support workers, and professionals, including social workers which could lead to conflict in the workplace. Pace hypothesises that, if support workers were recognised more appropriately for the work they do, there would not be the conflict that currently appears present between these two disciplines. ...
Introduction:
The social worker (SW) role in the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) is complex and broad, providing direct support, spanning across micro, mezzo and macro levels of care.
Aim:
Research demonstrates discrepancy between actual and ideal SW roles among the HTC SW community. Soliciting perceptions from HTC staff about the SW role can provide a deeper understanding of this discrepancy and improve collaboration amongst care team members in meeting the psychosocial needs of HTC patients.
Methods:
Funded by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), a national online survey was conducted in 2020 to determine the views and attitudes of what the SW role is by HTC staff. Separate surveys were emailed to active HTC SWs and staff to collect anonymous data. Demographics of SWs gathered included age, education, years of practice, full time equivalent (FTE) status, and caseload. All disciplines were asked questions about perceptions, barriers, and potential ways to enhance and strengthen the SW role within HTCs.
Results:
Results demonstrated that subcategory-oriented questions (40 in total) and qualitative responses highlighted diverse viewpoints and offered clarity about these differences.
Conclusion:
Findings indicated most HTC staff value the multi-faceted role of SW at their centres, and both groups identified time, limited resources, and role confusion as barriers to utilizing SW services. Outcomes will inform the development of a "standards of practice" tool that will provide education for HTC staff, patients, and families, and serve as an empowerment tool for SW to highlight their skillset and define their role.
