The experiences of newly qualified social workers' readiness in providing services to families and children in Gauteng province

Abstract

Social work is a practice-based profession, which aims to provide various social work services to vulnerable groups who experience social ills. As Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW) enter the profession, they are exposed to various experiences regarding their readiness to render social work services to families and children. This study aims to address the lack of information regarding the work readiness of NQSWs in providing services to families and children from their experiential perspective. In addition, the literature review provides evidence that there are limited African research studies in this field, making this study even more relevant. The goal of the study was to describe and explore NQSWs’ experiences regarding their work readiness to provide social work services to families and children in the Gauteng province. The research followed a qualitative research approach, with interpretivism as a research paradigm that was underpinned by applied research. The research had a dual purpose, as it focused on exploring and describing the experiences of NQSWs readiness to provide services to children and families. An instrumental case study design was employed as it was informed by the case study design. The study population involved NQSW who provide services to children and families. Non-probability sampling was used, specifically purposive sampling, where 9 participants for the study were recruited, as this number of participants was found sufficient to reach data saturation. Semi structured interviews were used and guided by the interview schedule, as a data collection method. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis, using an inductive and latent approach for coding. To verify data, credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability of the study was used. The ethical considerations of the study included observing the ethical clearance from the University of Pretoria, as well as the avoidance of harm, voluntary participation, informed consent, no deception of participants, and confidentiality and anonymity. The key findings were based on the following research question: “What are the experiences of NQSW providing social work services to families and children in Gauteng regarding their work readiness to provide these services?” Participants alluded to their roles and responsibilities; the challenges that they experience through service delivery to children and families and the nature of support structures that they themselves follow and those that the employer implements for them. In addition, participants shared their experiences of work readiness and perceived omissions in knowledge that are expected and/or required by the employer. Recommendations for social workers, Higher Education Institutions (HEI), and related organisations to maintain or improve NQSWs’ readiness for providing services to families and children in Gauteng, include more exposure to different social work fields and the practical implementation of theory-based lectures. Recommendations for future research include placing an emphasis on the African perspective pertaining to competencies required by NQSWs for ensuring work readiness, exploring the factors that that hinder work readiness and to consider the transition process after graduating and then entering the workforce.