Assessing the imperative for school social workers: insights from principals and circuit managers in Mankweng circuit, South Africa

Abstract

This research study investigated the critical role of school social workers within the educational landscape of Mankweng Circuit, South Africa. School social workers play a pivotal role in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by students, their families, and school communities. Through a qualitative research approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with principals and circuit managers to explore their perspectives on the role of school social workers in promoting holistic student development, improving school climate, and addressing socio-emotional barriers to learning. The findings uncover the multifaceted challenges faced by school social workers, including limited resources, high caseloads, and the need for ongoing professional development. The implications of this research are significant, shedding light on the critical need for recognising and investing in the roles of school social workers in South African education. The insights gained from this study can inform policymakers, educators, and stakeholders in the field of education on the imperative of integrating school social workers into the educational system as vital contributors to the overall success and well-being of students. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on strengthening the educational support system in South Africa and beyond.

Keywords: {'name': 'Assessing'}, {'name': 'imperative'}, {'name': 'school social workers'}, {'name': 'principals,'}, {'name': 'circuit managers'}

Authors & affiliations

Katekani Sibise
Affiliation not supplied

Wiseman Ntlhari Mathebula
Affiliation not supplied

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

Anciano, F., Cooper-Knock, S., Dube, M., Majola, M., & Papane, B. (2020). COVID-19 exposes South Africa’s unequal schooling system. Africa at LSE.

Argus, C., & Farquhar, P. Wise, S., Pollock, S., Mitchell, G. (2010). Ciao. Care system impacts on academic outcomes. Melbourne, Australia: Anglicare Victoria/Wesley Mission Victoria.

Bezuidenhout, F.J. (2013). Juvenile delinquency. In FJ Bezuidenhout (ed). A reader on selected social issues (5th ed). Pretoria, South Africa: Van Schaik.

DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000909

Blyth, E., & Cooper, H. (2002). School social work in the United Kingdom: A key role in social inclusion. National Association of Social Workers.

DOI: 10.1177/2158244017706710

DOI: 10.1007/s00192-017-3340-5

DOI: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

DOI: 10.4159/9780674028845

Collins, R. L. (1982). Colonialism on Campus: A Critique of Mentoring to Achieve Equity in Higher Education.

Constable, P. (2008). Merchants, Skollies and Stones: Experiences of school violence in South Africa. Cape Town: Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-84678-7_26

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfbs.2014.01.007

De Vos, A. S., Delport, C. S. L., Fouche, C., & Strydom, H. (2011). Research at grassroots: A primer for the social science and human professions. Van Schaik Publishers.

DOI: 10.4135/9781483385686

DOI: 10.1093/cs/cdaa016

DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2012.09.003

Engel, R. J., & Schutt, R. K. (2016). The practice of research in social work. Sage Publications.

Fink, D. D. (1974). The Grand Rapids Story: Extension Units Form a Consortium. Planning for Higher Education, 3(6), 4/6.

DOI: 10.1177/104973150101100202

DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13377

DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30288-6

DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105044

Huxtable, M. (2016). International survey of school Social work. International network for school social work.(Online) Available: https://www.jssssw.jp/images/pdf/ins/ins2016.pdf Accessed: 16/04/2017.

Huxtable, M., & Blyth, E. (2002). School Social Work Worldwide. NASW, 750 First St., NE, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241.

DOI: 10.4148/2161-4148.1090

International Federation of Social Workers (2021). Global Definition of Social Work. Updated information on IFSW & COVID-19. Switzerland

International Centre for investigative Reporting (2023). How poverty is forcing Nigerian children out of school. https://www.icirnigeria.org/how-poverty-is-forcing-nigerian-children-out-of-school/.Nigeria

Janousch, C. (2022). Conceptualizing and Measuring Psychological Resilience of Lower Secondary School Students: A Variable-and Person-Centered Approach.

Kabir, S. M. S. (2016). Basic guidelines for research. An introductory approach for all disciplines, 4(2), 168-180.

Kasiram, M. I. (1988). The perceived roles and functions of the interactional system in the field of school social work. Durban: Universiteit van Durban-Westville (M A-verhandeling).

Kasiram, M.I., 1993. School social work service delivery: models for future practice (Doctoral dissertation).

Kelly, M. S. (2008). The domains and demands of school social work practice: A guide to working effectively with students, families, and schools. Oxford University Press.

KEMP, M. (2017). School social work in South Africa: Partner on psycho-social support in education. International Network for School Social work:1-2(Feb 2017). [Online] Available: https://www.guenterbuis.at/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/170227 Newsletter-February-2017.pdf [Accessed: 28/03/2018].

Kemp, R. (2014). The development of management guidelines for school social work in the Western Cape.

Kemp, R. J., Kemp, R., Pretorius, E., & Avenant, J. (2015). Application for school social work as a specialisation area. A National Association of Social Workers SA submission to the South African Council for Social Service Professions. The National Association of Social Workers SA.

Kirst-Ashman, K.K. (2010) Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare. Critical Thinking Perspectives (3rd ed). University of Wisconsin- Whitewater: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning

Le Roux, J. (1987). A Sociopedagogische perspektief op skool-maatskaplikewerk as ‘n integrale onderwysondersteunende hulpstelsel binne die blanke onderwys bestel van die RSA. Port Elizabeth: Universiteit van Port Elizabeth (D. Ed verhandeling). University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Mabote, O. ., & Diraditsile, K (2017). Alcohol and substance abuse in secondary schools in Botswana: The need for social workers in the school system. Journal of Sociology, Psychology and Anthropology in Practice, 8(2), 90-102.

Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (2016). We are designing qualitative research. Sage publications.

DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v11i9.2199

DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13631

McCombes, S. (2019). How to create a research design. Retrieved from Scribbr: https://www. scribbr. com/research-process/research-design.

DOI: 10.1177/2333393615597674

McRoy, R.G.(1995). Qualitative research. In Edwards, R.L& Hopps, J.G. (Eds), 1995.Encyclopedia of social work, 19th ed. Washington, DC: National Association of Social Workers

DOI: 10.1080/18146627.2018.1464653

National Association of Social Workers (2000). The new standards in School Social work practice. Standards for School Social Work Services Work Group.

Ogar, E., Eyang, B., Egbara, A., & Iwuagwu, A. (2021). Social Work Counselling: A Panacea for Youth Involvement in Migration and Modern Day Slavery. European Journal of Social Sciences, 61(2), 85-95.

DOI: 10.1177/002087287001300406

DOI: 10.2478/poljes-2018-0006

Rocher, H. J. W. (1977). An Investigation Into the Role of School Social Work with Special Reference to the Republic of South Africa. University of Pretoria.

Sabatino, C. A., Timberlake, E. M., Hooper, S. N., Constable, R., Flynn, J. P., & McDonald, S. (1991). Research in school social work: Charting the future. School Social Work: Practice and Research Perspectives, 403-418.

SACSSP (2010). South African Council for Social Service Professions. Scope of Practice: Social Work Final Draft. Pretoria: South African Council for Social Service Professions.

DOI: 10.4324/9781003041122

DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.6003

DOI: 10.1007/s00267-012-9930-6

South Africa (1996). Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. As adopted, 704, 705.

DOI: 10.1177/104973159500500408

Strauss, N (2019). Combating drug abuse in South African Schools. TrueLife Talks. Kwazulu- Natal

Swart, S. (1997). Riglyne vir die effektiewe bestuur van skool maatskaplike werk in die Wes-Kaapprovinsie (Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University).

DOI: 10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a1228

DOI: 10.1080/09649060500168150

The South African School Act (1996). The changing principalship in South African schools. Educare, 31(1_2), 251-274.

Thyer, B. A., & Myers, L. L. (2007). Research in evidence-based social work. Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Clinical Social Work Practice, 45-66.

UNICEF, U. (2019). Child rights: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

DOI: 10.4324/9781351328005

Western Cape Department Education (2010) the development of management guidelines for school social. https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/documents/calendar2010.html

Western Cape School Social Work Conference (1995). The foundations and nature of South African school social work: an overview. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) 56(2) Stellenbosch. http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0037-80542020000200003.html

Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 30(1), pp.108-110.