The utilisation of community work within a military context : the role of the social worker

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Community work fulfils definite functions within the social work milieu and developsaccording to a process. The SANDF does not possess any definite guidelines regardingcommunity work. The resultant consequence is that community work is not utilised to itsfull potential in that the client system does not always receive a quality service.The purpose of this study was to compose a framework for the Directorate of Social Workwithin the SANDF, which can serve as a guideline for the possible formulation of a policydocument on community work within social work practice. The objectives of the study arefirstly to provide theoretical and practical guidelines which social workers in a militarysetting can follow when utilising community work as a social work method of intervention.Secondly, to explore the knowledge and skills of social workers in the military within theSANDF regarding community work. Thirdly, the need for guidelines with regard tocommunity work within the SANDF, was explored. This study was confined geographicallyto the social workers in the military of the Western Province. An exploratory study wasexecuted in order to achieve the stated goal and objectives. The research methodologywas a quantitative design being a data collection instrument in the form of a questionnaire.The questionnaire was used to probe skills, knowledge perceptions and attitudes relatingto community work and to determine the impact of existing community programmes.The empirical study enabled the researcher to draw certain conclusions. Although certainmisconceptions were evident, the respondents understood the term developmental socialwork, community and community work, as well as the systems involved in the communitywork process and the practice models. The most utilised social work method wascasework. The respondents who utilised community work made use of a community workprocess. Most of the respondents utilised the social community education model in themilitary. Most of the respondents indicated that guidelines for community work within theSANDF would be helpful. Approximately thirty percent of the respondents experiencedproblems while making use of community work as a social work method of intervention. A number of recommendations stem from the findings and conclusions. The social workersknowledge with regard to community work needs to be updated. Practical opportunitiesneed to be provided to afford the social worker the opportunity to implement the newlyacquired knowledge. Community work guidelines need to be determined within theSANDF, and need to be formulated into a policy document. Specific community workposts, which include all disciplines, need to be created within the SANDF. Post-graduatesstudies should be undertaken by social workers before being promoted into managerialpositions.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University