A Qualitative Exploration of Social Workers’ Job Preparedness in Law Enforcement Agencies
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svae005
Abstract
Police agencies are increasingly integrating social workers in response to more calls regarding mental health and social welfare needs. Limited research captures the experiences and needs of social workers in law enforcement agencies. This article explores social workers’ job preparedness through a qualitative phenomenological study. The study includes a semistructured interview with 40 participants from across the nation to identify factors for job preparedness, social workers’ experiences, and perceived areas for development. As a result, seven themes emerged: exposure, a lack of understanding, unpredictability, programmatic growth and support, systemic challenges, assessment needs, and workplace culture. Most participants revealed that they did not feel prepared for their role but shared instances of helpful experiences, insights, and needs of the profession. The participants highlighted the need for social workers to continue to educate themselves to better prepare for the populations they serve. Several implications are discussed to address and enhance the needs of the profession.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Social Work Research, v. 48, issue 2, p. 103-115
Scholar Commons Citation
Rhodes, Dasha J.; Ost, Jam H.; and Gandarilla-Javier, Sharon, "A Qualitative Exploration of Social Workers’ Job Preparedness in Law Enforcement Agencies" (2024). Social Work Faculty Publications. 304.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/sok_facpub/304
