| Abstract [eng] |
In Master’s thesis the scientific literature analysis was done revealing the structure of the competence of social workers, a theoretical model of excellence and holistic complexity. Social workers’ work was disclosed in Lithuania and Ukraine as well as the legal regulation of activities features providing services for people in mental disability situation. Empirical research has been conducted which methodology is based on humanism and social constructivist philosophical paradigms that are mutually correlated both theoretical and practical level of competence in the development of social workers. The purpose of the survey – to reveal the professional competencies of social workers who work with mentally disabled people. In order to achieve this purpose the methods of triangulation concept were applied that are based on a systematic methodology point of view when combined quantitative and qualitative research methods. The complexity of the investigation and substantiated mixed use of research instruments and techniques (semi-standardized interview and questionnaire method) allowed the respondents to disclose the professional competencies and attitudes to the opportunities available to improve for them. The study involved 50 social workers who work with mentally disabled people. The main conclusions of the empirical parts are as follows: The research respondents’ opinion about necessary knowledge and skills for social workers reveal that in educational institutions graduators do not acquire enough knowledge and skills necessary for professional activities. For social workers who work with mentally disabled people it is very important to comply with social work values and principles that help to shape positive attitudes to mental health problems having patients. Based on a qualitative study, it can be concluded that the respondents’ moral values are correct. Skills combine the knowledge and values together and convert them into action. In the respect of skills development the practice is most useful which precisely shape the specific abilities and skills and sets the knowledge. The data of qualitative research indicates that at the start of career informants lacked a variety of skills: communication skills with mentally disabled clients, self-protection, teamwork, independent decision-making, mobilizing the necessary resources, information gathering, dealing with official papers. Having analysed the data of quantitative analysis it can be said that social workers who work with mentally disabled people have a properly formed approach to knowledge, values and importance of business skills in social work. |
