Australian and New Zealand social workers adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

In 2020, social workers across the world responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent strict lockdown procedures over several months. In many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, this virtual shutdown period necessitated a reframing of social work practice to incorporate factors including delivery of services via virtual means and more limited access for vulnerable clients. This article draws on the integration of two methods designed to address the research question: ‘How has social work practice in Australia and New Zealand been affected by COVID-19?’ These include (i) a narrative review of papers published during 2020 on social work practice and the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) an online survey, undertaken from October to December 2020, of Australian and New Zealand social workers. The questionnaire data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic analysis. The findings of this article details include the significant impacts of COVID-19 on practice, the increased needs of clients, including a rise in health issues, violence, homelessness and financial concerns, and the resulting critical changes to social work workloads. Social workers also reported greater use of technologies to deliver services and fears for their families and themselves if exposed to COVID-19.

Social care for the migrant population in Spain: needs and strengths of organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic

“…The workload of social care organisations has increased their users' needs grow, related to health issues, isolation, financial concerns, domestic violence and homelessness (Alston et al, 2021;Nisanci et al, 2020). Alston et al (2021) have also focussed on the lack of media coverage concerning the essential work carried out by social workers during the pandemic. Despite the previously mentioned disadvantages, some studies have also reported positive aspects of teleworking in social care, such as reduced travel time, digitalisation and working from home as a "more effective and peaceful" experience (Forsberg, 2021), in addition to opportunities for digital j INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE j health care and for providing information, guidance and protection (Thomas et al, 2021).…”

“…Infodemic vs scarce migration information Alston et al (2021) have analysed the lack of media coverage in Australia and New Zealand concerning the essential work of social workers during the pandemic. In our current study, the vast majority of respondents believe that media coverage about migration has been scarce and even biased as follows:…”

“…Some of the changes and lessons learnt affecting social care organisations in various countries during the pandemic have been analysed in the burgeoning literature. Among the challenges that have been highlighted are a reduction in staff due to health measures, dwindling economic resources, the greater use of technologies and social workers’ fears of being exposed to COVID-19 (Alston et al , 2021). Social workers around the world have experienced an “emotional roller coaster”, with feelings of hope, happiness, excitement, fear, sadness, anxiety and frustration, and difficulties resulting from a blurring of boundaries between work and home (Alston et al , 2021; Forsberg, 2021).…”

“…Among the challenges that have been highlighted are a reduction in staff due to health measures, dwindling economic resources, the greater use of technologies and social workers’ fears of being exposed to COVID-19 (Alston et al , 2021). Social workers around the world have experienced an “emotional roller coaster”, with feelings of hope, happiness, excitement, fear, sadness, anxiety and frustration, and difficulties resulting from a blurring of boundaries between work and home (Alston et al , 2021; Forsberg, 2021). As with many other workers, they have reported working “in the middle of the unknown” (Nisanci et al , 2020), with a lack of clear procedural guidelines or personal protection equipment in the initial months (Forsberg, 2021; Watterson, 2020).…”

“…Furthermore, forced migrants experience a greater digital divide (Alam and Imran, 2015; Nisanci et al , 2020). The workload of social care organisations has increased their users’ needs grow, related to health issues, isolation, financial concerns, domestic violence and homelessness (Alston et al , 2021; Nisanci et al , 2020). Alston et al (2021) have also focussed on the lack of media coverage concerning the essential work carried out by social workers during the pandemic.…”