Die hoof maatskaplike werker in die Departement Maatskaplike Dienste se kennis van en vaardighede in maatskaplike konsultasie

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:An exploratory study relating to the knowledge of and skills in social workconsultation of chief social workers in the Department of Social Services wasundertaken. The absence of a written policy pertaining to consultation in social workis one reason for consultation not being optimally practiced and utilised. Thisnegatively influences the standard of service delivery to the client system. The studyaims to serve as a guideline for the Department of Social Services with regards to thepossible formulation of a policy document on consultation within social workpractice.An empirical study supported by the literature study was performed on a test samplecomprising of six service officers of the Department Social Services, Cape Peninsula.The empirical study examined and described the respondents opinions, skills,knowledge and shortcomings regarding social work consultation. The utilization andapplication of consultation in social work by chief social workers in the Departmentof Social Services was determined through the usage of interview questionnaires.The empirical study enabled the researcher to draw certain conclusions. Therespondents were confused and uncertain about the term consultation in social work.A clear and definite need for a written policy that could serve as a guideline in theutilization of consultation was identified. Selection criteria for social workers toprogress from supervision to consultation should form part of a consultation policy.Most of the respondents identified a need for training in social work consultation andhalf of the respondents experienced problems in the use of consultation.A number of recommendations stem from the findings and conclusion. The chiefsocial workers theoretical knowledge regarding consultation needs to be updated.This knowledge should be implemented practically. The Department of SocialServices needs to create clear guidelines for consultation in social work and theseshould be reflected in a policy document that promotes and compels the use ofconsultation.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University