Social Workers in Turkey: Identifying and Addressing Professional Problems and Concerns

KARACA N., KARACA E., Dziegielewski S. F.

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SERVICE RESEARCH, vol.44, no.5, pp.656-664, 2018 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 44 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/01488376.2018.1477702
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SERVICE RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.656-664
  • Keywords: Social work in Turkey, emerging profession, professional problems, addressing change in social work, problem perceptions
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of social workers in terms of the occupational problems they experience in the country of Turkey. Using a mixed-methods approach, a survey of 98 social workers was followed by individual interviews with 10 social workers. Utilizing this combined approach, social workers reported several problem areas with the most common concerns being: work execution and working conditions that can impair the delivery of efficient and effective service delivery; limited community awareness of the profession leading to occupational identity concerns; employment setting and expectations that limit the capability of what can be done to assist those in need; and, employment setting difficulties such as long hours, limited wages, and strict requirements that limit creative problem-solving. Suggestions and future practice improvement suggestions are provided.