It is well known to everyone that Social Work as a profession has wide career options, being therefore present in a wide range of areas of action, such as social services, education, justice, health, third sector, dependency among many others.
However, we are faced with a global problem, COVID-19, and the "Social Health Work" has begun to ring louder, for obvious reasons.
Before this tragic situation that we are living, social health work was not so recognized or identified by society, neverthless, in the current times, this has taken a turn. We can speak of the emergence of this area that until then was "hidden" in a certain way.
Is social health work a new area that has emerged from this situation? Or did it already exist? Or perhaps what has emerged have been new areas of action? That being said, do you think so? Or, by contrast, do you consider that this area was already recognized before the situation we are currently experiencing? Opinions in networks are diverse.
This is the most talked about topic in networks at present, but there are many other areas that in my humble opinion have gained more importance during this pandemic and that were not previously taken into account.
Actually, that's an issue to be considered by people who are not related to Social Work. People involved in this and the students in this university career are aware that all areas of social work are important. At all times they are in operation, relentlessly. It is a pity that the effort of this profesion is just recognised when a global pandemic exists.
Finally, I leave you some questions that which make us wonder, Has this state of global pandemic been an opportunity to recognize the work done by social work professionals in general, not just in this health field?
How do you feel about the current state?
Best Regards
I think people, at different levels in society, realize the value of social workers' services more now.
Now more than ever persons require social workers as challenges have increased in varying areas.
I would imagine that definetely social workers are more valued now in light of the pandemic.
Just think of how many people must be feeling really lonely and in need these months.
Indeed, more than ever, the services of a social worker is sought just about everywhere. I dare to say that it's not just because the world is trying to tackle a health crises, but that the nature of the health crises has highlighted the fundamental needs of life, some of which happen to be what the social worker freely gives: The need for dignity and worth; they need for compassionate treatment mindful of individual differences, and more.
I am just wondering if someone asks us in future -
What was the response of professional social work to the pandemic?
what would be our answer? and what info do I have?
In fact, while asking the question, I am keeping in mind the fleet of students that we have in all our social work programmes in the country and the involvement of our departments plus professional social work organisations and organisations involving professional social workers.
Not what can be done, but what is currently done? What are the specific interventions.
For many months, social service workers have been on the frontlines of promotive, preventative and treatment services during COVID-19 to ensure the health and well-being of the people they serve. In countries where many individuals are infected, workers are ensuring they have access to needed services, providing remote counseling and organizing ways to overcome isolation. In other communities, workers are distributing factual information to dispel myths and fears, reaching out to agencies to assist with preparedness, ensuring inclusive planning efforts and advocating to governments for increased support. Workers and associations are also advocating to governments for recognition as essential service providers so they can continue in-person services when necessary http://socialserviceworkforce.org/resources/blog/social-service-workers-mitigating-impact-covid-19
A well-supported, appropriately equipped, empowered, and protected social service workforce is essential to mitigating the damaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social service workers can build on their existing strong ties to children, families, and communities to rapidly respond in ways that are effective. However, to do so, they must stay safe and healthy. The new technical note Social Service Workforce Safety and Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Response provides guidance and recommended actions to support the social service workforce and empower them to safely serve children, families, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document is a collaboration between the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance, UNICEF, International Federation of Social Workers and Alliance for Children Protection in Humanitarian Action. http://socialserviceworkforce.org/resources/blog/social-service-workers-mitigating-impact-covid-19
Check https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7197589/
What can be taken up by us during the pandemic is speculation. In fact what is actually being done in these cotexts needs to be captured and guided. Otherwise we social workers will pass the pandemic witout actually doing any significant intervention(s).
