SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN THE FOR-PROFIT SECTOR: AN EXAMINATION OF EXPERIENCE, IDENTITY AND PRACTICE

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this qualitative study was to learn more about the experiences of social work practitioners who are employed in the for-profit sector. Data were collected through individual interviews with four registered social workers. Findings showed that social worker’s experiences of practice within for-profit or private practice settings falls into six main categories. ‘Social work identity’, which includes a comparison of social work and other professions, professional values and ethics, and professional practice issues. ‘Valued characteristics’, which includes past and current work experience, goals for practice, service provision, and job flexibility. The category of ‘fee for service’ examines charging fees in exchange for social work services, salary and compensation, funding, and advertising. ‘Challenges’ of social work practice in the for-profit sector includes experiencing financial pressure, client no-shows, and navigating the “balancing act” of providing services while earning an income. ‘Supervision’, which addresses issues of debriefing. The final category, ‘social work education’, explores the current post-secondary social work program and includes recommendations from participants on improving the curriculum and preparing graduates for working within the field. A central issue for social workers within the for-profit sector is the misconceptions that exist regarding their work. The conclusion is that unlike private practice, social work practice within non-profit and for-profit agencies has a number of similarities. The social work profession offers a multitude of career options for practitioners; different social workers fill different roles, according to their proficiencies, experience, and expertise.</p>