Between differences and common features: The work of social workers in Italy

Abstract

This article analyses the work position of social workers in Italy according to national research carried out in 2008 which considers 1000 people registered at the OAS (Ordine Assistenti Sociali). The first theme it dealt with concerns spheres of professional engagement and the most relevant types of users whom social workers encounter depending on territorial context and work seniority. The other two themes concern working conditions, analysed according to activities actually carried out, and the interests that social workers show in these activities. On the whole, we found a national situation characterized, on one hand, by a wide plurality of working areas corresponding to the increasing plurality of types of users, and on the other hand, by elements of substantial homogeneity, concerning both the types of intervention actually carried out, and, above all, concerning the subjective importance they gave to them. In particular, the respondents gave high priority to the nature and quality of the relationship with the users of social services.

Social work and the politics of ‘austerity’: Ireland and Italy

“…For example, it opposed the so-called 'security package', which obliged public officers or public servants to report instances of illegal immigration (Campanini & Facchini, 2013, p. 89). In an effort to defend social workers within the academy, the Ordine Professionale aided the funding of significant research projects studying changes in the professional social work role at both practitioner and academic levels (Burgalassi, 2012;Facchini & Lorenz, 2013).…”

Social workers' attitudes to privatization in five countries

“…Social workers face both the changes in the demands of citizens for social assistance and protection, and changes occurring in the regulation, organization, and financing of the services. They are entrusted with the delicate task of translating universal policies into daily practice and hence play a crucial role in interpreting and organizing the services, as the offer is usually not presented in the form of rights, but depends on the resources available and the assessment made in individual cases (Facchini & Lorenz, 2013). Social workers are practising their profession in an increasingly complex web of social service providers.…”

“…When it comes to social welfare services Italy has witnessed a stronger increase of third sector providers than of private enterprises (Fazzi, 2012). Lack of coordination and regulation have made it difficult to meet the increasing demand for social assistance and protection among the population (Facchini & Lorenz, 2013).…”

Mapping social work across 10 countries: Structure, intervention, identity and challenges

“…In England, challenges to social work employment were resulting from recent changes to public spending, with many social work professionals experiencing or anticipating workplace restructuring, job loss, fears of service cuts, and axed posts (British Association of Social Workers [BASW], 2012; Martin et al, 2014). Many countries also reported the impact of social services being outsourced to private organisations or, in other cases, social work professionals being called upon to take up complex work often beyond their expertise, as a result of growing need and reduced resources, such as is the case in Italy (Facchini and Lorenz, 2013).…”