Suchergebnisse

Practical training is essential while preparing for a career in social work. The quality of the practical training available depends on the providers, especially mentors in the field (also known as field mentors, instructors or field supervisors, hereafter referred as mentors). The satisfaction of a mentor is not only important for good mentoring but also for making them willing to mentor another social work student. Secondary quantitative data from the Centre of Practical Study at a Faculty of Social Work were obtained and analyzed using linear regression and structural models to answer the research question concerning what influences the satisfaction of mentors. The research showed that mentors are satisfied with the social work practice. Overall satisfaction rises with both the number of motives associated with the school and a better assessment of the student involved. Where satisfaction with elements of practice is an independent variable, overall satisfaction is best explained by satisfaction with the content of the practice, student motivation, self-initiative, and the mentor's collaboration with the school. Understanding what makes mentors satisfied with a practical placement is important for improving the quality of practical training provided in social work. Satisfaction on a higher level can add to a mentor's motivation to participate in the training of social work students. The sub-optimal (no financial and other compensation) system of mentoring in social work means that the factors to which social work schools in this area must pay attention are the content of the practice itself and the quality of the students. Key words quantitative research; field supervision; social work practice; social work education; skills teaching

AbstractThe article discusses the results of a research study on social work during COVID-19 in Slovenia. Governmental measures to prevent the spread of the disease have increased the need for assistance to various groups of people but at the same time limited their access to social services. The main research question was to what extent social workers and social services were able to reorganise and adapt to crisis conditions and how this relates to the role of social work in society. Data were collected using mixed methods: online survey and interviews with social workers. Content analysis and selective coding, thematic analysis and univariate descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The analysis shows that the ability of social workers to respond to the growing and changing needs of people during the pandemic depended on the context in which they worked. Social work was perceived as more effective and responsive in social services where professional autonomy was assured and valued and where horizontal relationships existed between staff and management. The study contributed to a better understanding of the context in which the pandemic occurred and identified some structural barriers to successful social work that are internationally comparable and relevant.