Department of Social Work

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Browsing Department of Social Work by Author "Baardtman, Desmond Andre"

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    Consultation services for social work supervisors at the Department of Social Services, Provincial Administration, Western Cape : an exploratory study
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1997) Baardtman, Desmond Andre; Cronje, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study relating to consultation for social work supervisors in the Department of Social Services, Provincial Administration of the Western Cape, in performing the supervisory function was undertaken. The relative absence of specific literature, research results and a written policy pertaining to consultation in social work, as well as deficiencies in social work practice relating to the inefficient utilisation of consultation promted this particular study, as a contribution to both the social work profession and the service agency involved. An empirical study based on the literature study was performed on a test sample comprising four service offices of the Department of Social Services in the Cape Metropolitan area. The empirical study examined and described the existing system of consultation in the Department Social Services and the respondents opinions, attitudes, knowledge and shortcomings in this regard. The data collected by means of interview schedules, described the utilisation and application of consultation in social work in the Department of Social Services in order to have a conception of variables which is proposed as a guide for action. Consultation in social work is important for the performance of the supervisory function. In fulfilling the supervisory function effectively, the social work supervisors should receive consultation on a regular basis as regular feedback or evaluation to social work supervisors is important in order for them to assess their performance progress. As an aspect of the more inclusive concept of staff development consultation also aims at improving working conditions of social work supervisors, thereby preventing the extensions of ineffective service rendering. The study also provided information on the theory of consultation in social work on the one hand and on the other hand suggested guidelines for developing and formulating policy for consultation in social work. It is, however, important that the proposed actions of the study are implemented in order to determine the effectiveness thereof.