Lessons for Social Work Development in Crisis Situations

Abstract

Social work practice during the COVID-19 pandemic can be learned and lead to the development of future practice. This article, therefore, aims to study social work practice during the COVID-19 situation and to reflect on the guidelines of social work practice for future crises that may occur. The study was a qualitative study with 16 social worker informants who gave in-dept interviews for this study. It was found that social work practice was adaptable and flexible to changing situations. That is to say, there was a call for assistance and collaboration from multidisciplinary teams and volunteers, the use of technology in social work practice, and cross-functional policy-making processes. However, in terms of research in the social work field, further studies and development are needed. For this reason, it is suggested that the guidelines should include the following aspects. First, social workers should review and develop their knowledge and skills. Also, organizations need to prepare sufficient resources and bring technology and innovations into social work practice, including developing leadership skills for team engagement. Another important aspect is participation from all parties and having short- and long-term crisis action plans. In addition, operating guidelines should clearly be set up, and a variety of service channels network should be created, including the networks, volunteers and local communities to systematically collect knowledge. Also, government or central agencies must be more integrated, as well as amend regulations that hinder operations.