Social Work Practice in the Time of Quarantine

A Photo Elicitation Study of Experiences of Remote Work during COVID-19

Authors

  • Terra Rosten University of Denver
  • Georgianna Gaitan University of Denver
  • Pari Shah University of Denver
  • N. Eugene Walls University of Denver

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/25561

Keywords:

COVID-19, pandemic, telehealth, remote service delivery, photo elicitation, Social work

Abstract

Using quantitative, qualitative, and photographic data that were collected early in the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examined the reflections of ten U.S. social workers on their experiences migrating to remote service delivery. Participants were asked to share strategies, opportunities, coping mechanisms, self-identified professional values, and predictions for the future of social work. Three primary themes - professional flexibility and creativity, connection, and recentering general-ist social work skills – emerged with numerous additional subthemes. The study’s findings underscore the critical importance of contextualizing service delivery mov-ing forward – neither adopting a one-size fits all approach for the sake of financial efficiencies nor failing to incorporate the lessons learned during the pandemic. As such, service delivery systems should adapt in such a way as to incorporate in-creased flexibility in meeting client needs.

Author Biography

N. Eugene Walls, University of Denver

Graduate School of Social Work Assistant Professor

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Published

2022-06-14