חוויותיהם של עובדים סוציאליים קהילתיים נוכח אתגרי מגפת הקורונה

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has required social workers to cope with an unexpected and almost unprecedented emergency situation. Community social workers have played a crucial role during the pandemic, working to afford relief to vulnerable populations and reduce the pandemic’s negative consequences, which disproportionally affected these populations. This work entailed many practical and emotional struggles that affected the functioning of community social workers during the pandemic.Aim: The current study sought to examine the experiences of community social workers as they coped with COVID-19.Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 community social workers in Israel, who took an active part in the welfare departments' responses to the pandemic. The interviews were conducted during the second wave of COVID-19 in Israel.Findings: The findings of the study highlighted three main themes: (a) professional and organizational challenges of community social workers during COVID-19; (b) practical coping strategies, manifested in adherence to the values of community social work, creativity, and flexibility; (c) emotional coping strategies, manifested in emotional distancing, sharing feelings, self-calming, and politicization.Conclusions: The findings reveal the professionalism and integrity of community social workers,despite the difficulties they faced at the local and national levels.Implications for practice: Community social work has been essential for tackling COVID-19. Decision makers at the local and national levels need to recognize the unique capabilities of community social workers and provide them with the resources and discretion they need.