Challenges Facing the Professional Preparation of Social Workers for the Labor Market: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to reveal challenges facing professional preparation of social workers for labor market.

Methods: A qualitative approach was used. The study community consisted of expert social workers working in social institutions. A purposive sample was selected, represented by 13 social workers specializing in social work and experienced in field under the title (social worker, case manager). A guide for individual interview was built as a main tool.

Results: The study reached a set of results: weakness of personal capabilities that qualify social workers for labor market and failure to establish foundations for accepting the specialist in profession, which measures his/her desire and psychological and social readiness for field. As for the theoretical preparation, some of the taught courses are insufficient, especially those related to specialization areas and their levels. Regarding the practical readiness, the study showed weakness in some institutions ability to train social specialists, to provide students with field knowledge and skills, in addition to the lack of interest of some field supervisors in transferring their expertise to students during training period.

Recommendations: setting standards for accepting students in social work field that measure their desire and personal readiness to practice profession, in addition, developing study plans that help students acquire knowledge and skills in a more comprehensive manner than current plans, activating advanced methods in learning and practicing social work, and activating role of institutions in tasks required from them in training social specialists.