Masters Degrees (Social Work)

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The features and use of mentoring as an activity in supervision of newly qualified social workers
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Cloete, Veronica; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mentoring, which is described as an activity in social work supervision, is promoted to assist with the recruitment and retention of newly qualified social workers. However research relating to the execution of mentoring within the context of social work supervision is limited. Also, a lack of supervision of newly qualified as well as existing social workers has resulted in a critical shortage of social workers in South Africa. This in turn decreases the quality of social work service rendering to communities in South Africa. In an effort to reverse the aforementioned circumstances, the South African government introduced the “Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers” in 2006. The Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers reaffirmed the value of supervision for social workers as well as the utilisation of mentoring in order to provide adequate support to newly qualified as well as existing social workers. Hence the study was undertaken, first to provide an overview of social work supervision and second, to explore the use of mentoring in the context of social work supervision. A combined qualitative and quantitative research approach was utilised to explore the experiences of social work supervisors in the Department of Social Development (Western Cape), with regard to the use of mentoring as an activity of social work supervision. The motivation for this study originated from an apparent lack of research relating to the use of mentoring as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers within the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the features and use of mentoring as well as how mentoring can be utilised as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers. The literature study first focused on giving an overview of social work supervision, to provide a contextual basis for mentoring as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers. The literature study then explored the features and use of mentoring as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers. The researcher utilised a purposive sample of 20 social work supervisors. These supervisors have been appointed to the different regional and local offices of the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape and provide supervision to social workers, specifically newly qualified social workers. Newly qualified social workers refer to social workers with a maximum experience of 24 months in the practical field. The researcher utilised an interview schedule as a measuring instrument. The results of the investigation confirmed that supervision of newly qualified social workers is essential to ensure quality service rendering. Second, the results concluded that due to the allocation of responsibilities other than supervision, inadequate time is spent on the execution of the social work supervision process. Third, the lack of formal training of supervisors in social work supervision, has a negative impact on the execution of the supervision process, as most of the supervisors provide supervision to newly qualified social workers, based on their own experience of supervision as well as the fact that social work supervision follows a process running parallel to the social work process. Fourth, a majority of the social work supervisors execute mentoring on an informal basis. Fifth, most of the social work supervisors are in favour of the appointment of multiple mentors for each newly qualified social worker. Lastly, senior social workers are viewed as important mentors to assist newly qualified social workers with the acquisition of skills relating to social work service delivery. Recommendations made by this study highlighted the importance of providing accredited supervision training to social work supervisors as well as introducing a policy on the execution of supervision, and mentoring as an activity in social work supervision. Further recommendations focused on the provision of training to all selected mentors as well as on the use of multiple mentors for each newly qualified social worker. Lastly, the use of senior social workers both within the Department and organisations in the NPO sector is promoted, especially to assist newly qualified social workers to attain those skills relating to the execution of their statutory duties and to improve quality service rendering through the enhancement of their professional report writing skills.
Die gesin se rol in die voorkoming van adolessente se middelemisbruik : 'n maatskaplikewerk-perspektief
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-12) Noble, Shimonay Eunice; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During the researcher's work at the South African National Council for Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA), based at the Paarl-office, it was obvious that adolescent substance abuse was growing into a huge governmental concern. During the first half of 2004 the average age of patients at drug rehabilitation centres who used crystal methamphetamine (streetname: "tik-tik") as their primary substance of abuse were between the ages of 15-19 years. Crystal methamphetamine is the latest drug that has taken the Western Cape by storm. It is obvious that the root of the problem is not being addressed since the number of adolescents abusing drugs seems to increase rather than decrease. The goal and aims of the study focuses on the factors contributing to adolescent substance abuse, parenting styles and -roles that contribute to adolescent substance abuse, and providing guidelines to social workers regarding the role of the family in the prevention of adolescent substance abuse. Adolescents have to deal with the new changes that occur, together with aspects such as, peer pressure, negative self-image, irresponsibility by the community and parents, poor parent-child relationships as well as socio-cultural variables that often lead tot substance abuse. Parents were found to be the role-models for their children and their parents' values, attitudes and behaviour regarding alcohol and/or drugs influence the values, attitudes and behaviour of their children. Therefore it seems that parents are primarily responsible for the prevention of adolescent substance abuse and the research study aims at providing facilitation skills on prevention strategies to social workers in order to successfully starting prevention of adolescent substance abuse. The quality of a family-system seems to have an important influence on adolescents in their growing up years, since adolescents experience a variety of changes and have to learn how to handle and accept these changes. During the literature study it was found that a negative family environment and negative experiences contribute to negative behaviour of adolescents, because the family is the primary unit where children learn their values, attitudes and processes that regulate their actions throughout their lives. A paradigm shift should be facilitated by social workers on maintaining healthy family relationships regarding the prevention of adolescent substance abuse. Supportive family-centred services therefore provide the best in adolescents' positive development, as well as identifying the most important needs of adolescents.
Kapasiteitsbou van informele gemeenskapsgebaseerde organisasies deur maatskaplike werkers van die ACVV
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Boshoff, Shanie; Engelbrecht, L. K.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
This research addresses the problem of how formal organisations can assist on building the capacity of informal community based organisations (CBO’s). Although informal CBO’s are being regarded as valuable resources rendering much needed services to marginalized communities, they are at present still exclude from governmental funding, because they do not meet the requirements prescribed by the state. To obtain the funds which will enable informal CBO’s to render effective and sustainable services to marginalized and poor vulnerable communities, it is from the developmental perspective in welfare crucial to build the capacity of these informal CBO’s. As a point of departure the researcher provides a general picture of the current structure of social service providers in South Africa. This is done, first of all, by conceptualizing “social service providers” within the context of general concepts such as “social welfare” and “social work”. In this respect a schematic representation provides a general picture of the various categories of social service providers involved, followed by a concise description of each, including their focuses, roles and responsibilities. This necessitates that a distinction should be drawn between the government sector, parastatal organisations, profit-yielding non-governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations without a profit-seeking motive. The concept “capacity building” is explored in accordance with the policy and legislative framework applicable to the capacity building of informal CBO’s by formal welfare organisations. This framework is supplemented by a description of other key concepts which have a bearing on the capacity building of informal CBO’s by formal welfare organisations, such as “empowerment” and “development”. Emanating from this an attempt is made to formulate the objective of the capacity building of informal CBO’s by formal welfare organisations. From the diversity of the developmental requirements and the obstacles informal CBO’s experience, aims for obtaining capacity building are deduced.
Management of volunteers at the Cape Town association for the physically disabled
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Damon, Michelle Lynette; Engelbrecht, L. K.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
An exploratory-descriptive research design together with a qualitative approach was chosen with the purpose of obtaining knowledge of and insight into volunteer management as a function of social work management, using the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled as a case study. The motivation for the study stemmed from personal experience of the researcher being employed at the aforementioned organization. The Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled is a non-government organization which utilizes volunteers for both direct and indirect volunteer work. The goal of the study is to provide a framework to the social workers of the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled for the management of volunteers, to enhance developmental social service delivery. The literature review covered the conceptualization, history and nature of volunteer work in social work focusing on the development of volunteerism internationally and in South Africa. This allowed the researcher to conceptualize volunteerism and also get a better understanding of what happens on an international, national and domestic level. The theoretical framework was social development focusing on the ecosystems perspective. The literature review specifically focused on the history of volunteerism, the management of volunteers including the different models of, as well as guidelines for, managing a volunteer programme. The researcher chose to involve social workers at the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled since the social workers utilize volunteers, and in so doing also manage these volunteers. The results of the investigation largely confirmed that the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled should refine their volunteer programme policy. Furthermore, the results confirmed that the social workers were not all aware of the process of management of volunteers. The research study also recommends the human resources model of management for volunteers to be utilized at the Association. The recommendations were aimed at the management of volunteers in terms of recruitment, selection, training, orientation and supervision of volunteers according to the human resources model of management.
Mediating adolescent-caregiver conflict : guidelines for social workers
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Maartens, Elize; Engelbrecht, L. K.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
An exploratory and descriptive research was conducted and the predominant research approach employed for this study is a qualitative research approach, however, elements of a quantitative research approach was included for the purpose of obtaining the goal of the research. The outcome of qualitative research is in the form of descriptive data in the participant’s own words, thereby identifying the participant’s beliefs and values that underlie the phenomena of adolescent-caregiver conflict. Consequently, this qualitative study is concerned with non-statistical methods and small samples that were purposively selected. However, some of the processed data were presented in a quantitative manner, by means of tables and figures. By means of observation within the field of social work, it has been noted that there is an increasing need for intervention between adolescents and caregivers, as disputes occur increasingly between caregivers and their children, especially during the adolescent years. Social workers often take on the role of mediator, or use elements of mediation, acting as intermediaries and emphasizing collaborative and consensual processes when dealing with conflict. However, mediation has been utilized in many different situations and problems, but the social work profession has not kept pace with the rapid development of mediation as both a conceptual framework and a practice approach to conflict resolution in diverse settings. Therefore, in doing this research study, the researcher’s motivation is to provide the necessary knowledge in this relatively new field by means of a theoretical framework and practical guidelines in using mediation.
'n Multi-sektorale benadering tot seksualiteitsopvoedingsprogramme vir adolessente
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-03) Titus, C. M.; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was undertaken to address the need for a multi-sectoral approach to sexuality education among adolescents. The rise in teenage pregnancies and the rapid spread of the HIV virus urged the researcher to assess how different sectors within communities can work together to sexually educate adolescents. The goal of the research is to initiate planning of prevention- and educational strategies among all sectors of the community. It is hoped that these programmes may provide adolescents with the necessary skills to make informed decisions regarding their sexuality. The use of a multi-sectoral approach to sexuality education was evaluated by means of a exploratory study and a comparison between the findings of questionnaires and existing literature. In chapter two the nature of sexuality education is assessed. Chapter three focuses on the specific multi-sectoral approach to this sexuality education. In chapter four the findings of the empirical study is discussed. Recommendations for further research is made in chapter five.
Occupational stressors of newly qualified social workers in non-governmental organisations : experiences and coping strategies
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Janse van Rensburg, Joseph; Engelbrecht, L. K.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory and descriptive research design, in combination with quantitative and qualitative research approaches were utilised to elucidate the experiences of newly qualified social workers in NGOs, with regards to occupational stress and the coping strategies employed by these workers in response. The motivation for this study came from a distinct lack of research related to the experience of occupational stress by newly qualified social workers working within NGOs. The goal of this study is thus to gain a better understanding of the experiences of occupational stress by newly qualified social workers practicing in NGOs, as well as elucidating the coping strategies they employ, so as to make recommendations focussing on key areas, where alleviation of occupational stress is vital. The literature study first focussed on the South African NGO, and the newly qualified social worker within the NGO, to provide a contextual basis for the experience of occupational stress by newly qualified social workers. The literature study then explored the range of occupational stressors that might be experienced by newly qualified social workers, to gain a better understanding of the diversity of stressors present within NGOs, and their aetiology. Lastly, the literature study focussed on the variety of coping strategies available to newly qualified social workers, for coping with, and alleviation of occupational stress. The researcher utilises a purposive sample of 20 newly qualified social workers, These workers had practiced for up to 24 months, in the Boland area of the Western Cape. An interview schedule was used as measuring instrument. The result of the investigation confirmed that particular occupational stressors affecting newly qualified social workers Whilst there were a wide spectrum of stressors experienced by newly qualified social workers on an occasional basis, occupational stressors such as very heavy workloads, unsatisfactory remuneration and the multivariate problems of the client population stood out as stressors experienced on a very frequent basis. The second conclusion to be drawn from this study was that personality traits may play less of a role than expected in determining how much newly qualified social workers experience occupational stress. The third conclusion to be drawn from this study was that a wide range of coping strategies were not only available to newly qualified social workers but that a great deal were effective in helping newly qualified social workers to alleviate their occupational stress. Recommendations made by this study pointed to the importance of NGOs as well as government targeting stressors such as heavy workloads and remuneration, with the aim of retaining skilled social workers just entering into the industry. Another recommendation focussed on the fact that newly qualified social workers have to take ownership over their occupational stress, and actively work to alleviate it in a positive manner.
The significance of social work supervision in the Department of Healh, Western Cape: Social workers experiences
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Silence, Estelle; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The profession of social work originated in the 19th century in England, as a means to address social deterioration caused by poverty. Supervision was used as a means to teach lay persons how to perform social work tasks, hence the reason why some experts in the field question the need for its continuance, as social work is a profession implying that once you qualify as a social worker you no longer need a more experienced person to guide your practice. The practise of social work is however governed by an ethical code of practice and legal prescripts which states that social workers can only be supervised by qualified social workers. Within the Department of Health, social workers are employed at health facilities where they have no access to social work supervisors. They are managed by other medical professionals or allied health staff, but not a social worker. This study therefore endeavoured to explore if social workers believe that social work supervision is still needed in the Department of Health by exploring the significance of social work supervision. This was done within the framework of understanding the practice of social workers, the organisational context of health services and the developments that have taken place within social work supervision over the last few decades. The researcher applied a qualitative research approach and as such, semi structured interviews was the data collection instrument which was used to gain a detailed picture of the participants’ beliefs on this topic. The research aimed to elicit the experiences of the significance of supervision by social workers and as such, one-on-one interviewing allowed for a more meaningful interaction between the researcher and participants. For the study, 17 production social workers in the Department of Health, Western Cape were interviewed. The study comprises of two literature chapters outlining the Department of Health as an employer of social workers, the functioning of interdisciplinary teams within this structure, as well as the profession of social work. The last literature chapter covers the role of social work within health and provides an overview of the writings of academics, on the significance of social work supervision within the practice of the profession, but not Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za iii necessarily specific to a health service. The 4th chapter is the empirical study and chapter 5 is the findings and conclusions of the research. The conclusions drawn from the findings identified social work supervision as being significant to equip, develop and provide support to the social work practice within health services. No distinction was drawn between the need for junior versus more senior social workers regarding supervision. Social work supervision is a strong indicator for quality service. The primary recommendation is for the provision of access to social work supervision for social workers employed in the Department of Health.
Social welfare services offered at shelters to female victims of domestic violence
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-12) Van Zyl, Ann-Marie; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
An exploratory and descriptive research design was selected together with a combination of both a quantitative and qualitative research approach to obtain the necessary information, insight and knowledge regarding the social welfare services offered to female victims of domestic violence in shelters. The motivation for this investigation stemmed from the lack of information on social welfare services offered to these female victims. The researcher became aware of this lack of information due to the fact that only limited studies and investigations had been done into the social welfare services offered to female victims of domestic violence within South Africa. The goal of this study is therefore to gain a better understanding of the social welfare services offered to female victims of domestic violence in shelters in order to provide recommendations to social service practitioners for the improvement of social welfare services in such circumstances. The literature study firstly focused on the theories, conceptualisation and dimensions of domestic violence in order to gain an understanding and knowledge base of the theories that describe domestic violence, concepts that provide an understanding of the phenomenon of domestic violence as well the dimensions of domestic violence. Furthermore, the literature study focuses on the policies, legislations and the government’s commitment to address domestic violence in South Africa. The primary focus of the literature study was to investigate the social welfare services that are offered to female victims of domestic violence in shelters. The researcher contacted the Department of Social Development of the Western Cape in order to identify the shelter organisations that offer social welfare services to female victims of domestic violence and finally a purposive sampling was done of ten shelters in the Western Cape Metropole area which offer social welfare services to female victims of domestic violence. A qualitative and quantitative investigation was performed by means of conducting semi-structured interviews with the aid of an interview guide. The results of the investigation mainly confirmed the findings of the literature study that domestic violence is an inherent part of the life in South Africa, also that domestic violence has a variety of causes and consequences and that social welfare services offered to female victims of domestic violence are an important part of the process of empowerment in shelters. The recommendations were aimed at services in shelters and professional persons involved in the rehabilitation and empowerment of abused women during their accommodation in the shelters. The recommendations also included further research to explore the impact of these social welfare services on female residents, and to address the areas where social welfare services fall short in order to provide insight into the development of other social welfare services that are needed by female residents when entering a shelter.
'n Verkennende ondersoek na maatskaplikewerkprogramme vir straatkinders
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-03) Swart, Mariette; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study attempts to gain insight into social welfare programmes for street children. In order to achieve this, a literature study was undertaken to explore social welfare programmes for street children and to describe street children as a social phenomenon. An empirical study was undertaken by means of interviewing through a structured questionnaire. The study indicates that the majority of street children have contact with their parents. The street children are mostly males between 13 and 16 years of age. The dominant socioeconomic aspects contributing to this social phenomenon are housing problems, unemployment and a lack of means. The following socio-cultural aspects were identified: the composition of the family, social pathology as well as an absent father figure. The majority of the street children have limited education and were not encouraged to continue their education. It was found that the street children and their families did not take part in prevention programmes that focus on the direct causes of family disintegration and support services. Welfare organisations had been involved with the majority of the families even before the children moved to the streets. The street children have the necessary knowledge regarding outreach programmes and take part in such programmes. It was found that street children would like to contribute to the compilation of these programmes. The study indicates that educational as well as occupational and vocational programmes are experienced as an opportunity for self-maintenance. It was found that the majority of street children do not want to return to their families and seek alternative care. It was concluded that street children come from families that do not have definite boundaries and structures. The majority of the street children do not experience their family setup as pleasant. The children developed insight into the correlation between education and selfimprovement only after they had left school. The needs of street children can be divided into two categories, namely the need for self-development and the need for better family circumstances. Recommendations are made regarding social welfare service
Views of social workers on their role in mental health outpatient and community-based services
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Ornellas, Abigail; Engelbrecht, L. K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mental health is a fundamental aspect of social functioning which affects a significant portion of the population. The movement toward deinstitutionalization became the core focus of mental health policies such as the White Paper (1997) and the Mental Health Care Act (17 of 2002) post-apartheid. However, this process was implemented at a rapid rate, with poor corresponding development of necessary outpatient and community-based facilities and services. Social, cultural, and economic conditions have significant and measurable effects on both individual health status and the delivery of health care. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the need for social work services within the mental health outpatient and community-based care context. Research regarding the role of the social worker within mental health care, particularly within a South African context is poor and therefore a research gap with regard to examining the views of social workers on their role in mental health outpatient and community-based services exists. The overall objective of the study was to, in light of the above, examine the views of social workers on their role in mental health outpatient and community-based care. A combination of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches was employed for the study, with a stronger emphasis on the use of qualitative data. A combination of exploratory and descriptive research designs was utilized as the framework for the implementation of the research approach. This was appropriate for the utilization of both quantitative and qualitative design elements. A purposive sample of twenty social workers was compiled, and data was collected through the means of semi-structured interviews; a pilot study was implemented to test the measurement instrument with two social work participants. Two literature chapters are presented, focusing on the topic of mental health and its related policy, as well as expanding on mental health care and service rendering according to an ecological perspective. These chapters served to achieve established objectives of the study. Chapter four is a presentation of the empirical study. Data which was collected was both relayed and analyzed, in accordance also with the literature study. Data was analyzed, through both quantitative and qualitative analysis and was presented according to identified themes, sub-themes and categories. Relevant tables, figures and participant narratives were used to further substantiate the analysis of data. Chapter five gives an overview of relevant conclusions and recommendations, in terms specifically of the role of the social worker in mental health outpatient and community-based care, in light of the empirical study and data analysis. Five specific roles were identified as being significant for the social worker in mental health care, with regard to their role in therapeutic intervention, working with clients and families in a one-on-one, counseling capacity; supportive services, through linking of clients to necessary resources; advocacy, through fighting for, and protecting the rights of clients and related vulnerable groups within mental health; relational role, recognizing the importance of social and interpersonal aspects on the functioning of mentally ill clients; and finally their role as a holistic worker within a multidisciplinary team, incorporating key aspects of the ecological perspective into assessments and interventions.

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