Community work strategies and support needs of social workers in providing substance use services to young people

Abstract

Background: Substance use among young people is a pressing concern both globally and in South Africa. Thus, social workers, as frontline workers, employ community work strategies in assisting young people grappling with substance use. Equally, they need support in their efforts to provide effective substance use services to young people.

Aim: The study aimed to explore community work strategies of social workers in providing substance use services to young people. In addition, the study explored the needs of social workers providing substance use services to young people.

Setting: The study was conducted at 10 service points of the Department of Social Development (DSD) within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM).

Methods: A qualitative research approach was employed, characterised by an exploratory and descriptive design. A purposive sampling method was implemented to recruit a sample of 11 social workers from the 10 service points operated by the DSD in Gauteng, located within the CTMM. Subsequently, individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews with an interview guide were used to collect data. Thus, Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was utilised.

Results: Two themes emerged: Community work strategies of social workers and support needs of social workers.

Conclusion: Awareness campaigns, collaboration with local stakeholders and community dialogues are the backbone of social workers’ community work strategies. Additionally, social workers need support to provide substance use services to young people effectively.

Contribution: This study seeks to address a gap in understanding the community work strategies and support needs of social workers who provide substance use services to young people.