| Abstract [eng] |
Social workers working in organizations that provide care for minors in residential settings assume a wholesome responsibility for children. Not only do they work towards satisfaction of their physical needs, but also, become the most important persons in their lives. They become exemplary figures from whom children learn essential life skills. The goal of this study is to reveal social worker’s competencies that aid in strengthening the mental resilience of children living in care homes based on their experience. The objectives of the study: 1) Empirical analysis of resilience development in connection with social support received from caregivers, 2) Identification of the competencies of social workers, which they mindfully or unintentionally use to work with children who are facing adversity daily, 3) Analysis of the competencies in terms of effectiveness, and a description of their implementation in connection to encouragement of resilience, 4) Drawing practical inferences from the study and suggesting them for wider population, for practitioners, who work directly with children in care. Qualitative phenomenological study was done. Since the intention was to reveal social worker’s competencies that strengthen the mental resilience in residential care children, the choice was made to use qualitative study design and gather data through semi-structured interviews. Results were analyzed via employing the features of thematic analysis. Five female participants, who are employed at SOS children village, took part. The researcher was able to discover five major competencies and a catalogue of related abilities that showed resilient pathways are best formed through social worker’s competence to affiliate and maintain connection with a child, providing safe place for children to live in, one’s ability to satisfy children’s needs, and understanding children’s behavior by tying them up with adaptation processes. It also showed teaching of resilience is only possible because workers demonstrate skills of professional resilience themselves first. The conclusions lead to the realization that social worker’s need non-formal assistance for finding ways to unwind, and avoid burnout, as well as emotional support from organization is crucial for helping professionals deal with daily struggles they face at work. |
