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    Radical social work practice : what are the barriers that block social workers from practising radically? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Arevalo, Luis
    Radical social work can trace its roots back to the beginning of the 20th century, but it exploded onto the social work consciousness with a vengeance in the 1970's. Radical social work was seen by many as the panacea to the prevailing mindset of individualising issues as opposed to viewing them within the context of broader societal ills. Over the last 40 years, with the onset of neoliberalism, radical social work has seen quite a steep decline; so much so that it is not widely practiced amongst most social work professionals. This research picks up that point and asks: What are the barriers that block practitioners from practicing radically in Aotearoa New Zealand? Using a qualitative methodological approach, 16 semi-structured face to face or phone interviews were conducted and transcribed. Through a thematic analysis of the data, key barriers to radical social work practice were identified. It was found social work education, contemporary social service funding regimes and high workload were the main barriers to practising radically in Aotearoa New Zealand. Results reveal that the benefits of practising radically included an increase in practitioner wellbeing and practice authenticity, the reclamation of social justice and human rights principles in Aotearoa New Zealand social work praxis and societal change at the systemic and structural levels. The risks of not practising radically meant further entrenching the neoliberal status quo of individualising the issues, being unable to create real systemic change and cementing the structural inequalities prevalent in today's society.
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    The string to my kite : how supervision contributes to the development of a newly qualified social worker's professional identity : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Social Work, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Bruning, Lynn Margaret
    This thesis examines how social work supervision contributes to the development of newly qualified social workers' (NQSW) professional identity. The research explored how NQSWs conceptualise their professional identity, what NQSWs require to successfully transition and adjust to their professional identities moving from student to a professional and the influence supervision has on professional identity development. Themes in the international and Aotearoa New Zealand literature informed the analysis and discussion of the research findings. A qualitative methodology informed by a social constructivist framework was utilised together with an interpretive approach to explore the research questions. The data was collected via semi-structured interviews with eight NQSWs. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify important patterns and themes in the data that enabled the research question to be addressed. There were six key findings from the study. (1) Professional identity is conceptualised on an individual level or collectively, based on shared values and fields of practice. Observing experienced social workers and experiential learning influences NQSWs to begin to perceive, develop and realise their professional identity; (2) Transitioning and adjusting to one's professional identity requires a support system in order for NQSWs to manage professional status; (3) Supervision was identified as an important source of support to build confidence and autonomy that enhanced NQSWs' professional identity; (4) Learning through reflective supervision, constructive feedback and professional development ensures NQSWs remained engaged in the construction, maintenance and ongoing shaping of professional identity; (5) NQSWs' professional identities will only develop if they are active participants in the supervision process; and (6) Organisations that provide challenges and barriers for NQSWs to access effective supervision have a negative impact on developing professional identities. The implications and recommendations from this study recognise that NQSWs' social work qualification represents the beginning of a new learning process. This involves the continuous development of knowledge, practice skills and experience over time before professional identity as a social process can fully engage the social worker. A commitment by employers and regulatory bodies is essential to provide the support required for NQSWs to develop as professionals and build confidence with practice competence and their social work identity.
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    Where has the advocacy gone? : the impact of neoliberalism on community-based social workers' ethical responsibility in the age of risk and vulnerability : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Policy at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Renau, Darren
    Advocacy is fundamental to social work and forms part of a social worker's ethical responsibilities. As part of these responsibilities, it is a requirement for social workers to understand structures and power bases which sustain social injustices. Over the past thirty years, neoliberalism has changed societal attitudes towards people in need of social support. The nature of social work practice has changed too, with advocacy primarily carried out at the micro level. This qualitative-exploratory study aimed to understand how neoliberalism impacted on the ability of social workers to provide support and advocacy to disadvantaged people. It sought to understand community-based social workers' views about neoliberalism and their accounts of how it has changed their practice. Within this environment, the research explored social workers' understanding of advocacy and opportunities for how social workers might extend their advocacy in a neoliberal environment. Using thematic analysis with a social constructionist framework, the research found that social workers have limited understanding of neoliberalism; are placing themselves at risk of sustaining neoliberalism and engaging in 'othering' discourses towards their clients. While social workers are wanting to meet the needs of clients, they are working at an individual level in a way which reinforces neoliberal messaging of self-responsibility and personal initiative. Social workers identify change as possible within their local communities but require greater leadership to engage in this advocacy. Further research into social workers' understanding of neoliberalism and how this impacts their worldview would offer further insight about their capacity to engage in social change. Finally, research into the leadership of social work associations and their perceived value by social workers would help explore the potential of critical reflection and coalesced leadership around community-level social advocacy.
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    Managing and leading social workers when you are not one yourself : opportunities and challenges in non-government organisations : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Cocker, Suzanne
    Social service management has regularly undergone transformation while adapting to an ever-changing social and political climate. Managerialism and New Public Management has redirected social service management expectations, resulting in the prevalence of employing non-clinical managers. This study uncovered the transferable skills held by managers with qualifications external to social work, and discussed what additional skills are considered required in order to succeed in their role as manager. A qualitative research design was utilised, underpinned by subjective ontology and an interpretivist approach, in order to uncover and highlight the participant voice. Semi- structured interviews gave room for topics to be proposed, and provided participants with the ability to share their experiences. The seven key themes which emerged from this study were management journey, external influences, internal influences, social work knowledge and interest, transferable skills, advice for future managers, and unanticipated findings. The participant group were found to be managers with an eclectic range of experiences, qualifications and knowledge crucial to the survival of social service organisations in the present day. This study uncovered the participant’s steadfast values and unwavering passion, and demonstrated their fierce commitment to empowering their staff, clients and communities.