Social workers who work with people who have mental retardation /developmental disabilities: A qualitative study exploring processes of entry and continuation in the field.
Item
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Title
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Social workers who work with people who have mental retardation /developmental disabilities: A qualitative study exploring processes of entry and continuation in the field.
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Identifier
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AAI3037438
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identifier
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3037438
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Creator
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Russo, Rosalie (Rose) J.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Michael J. Smith
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Date
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2002
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Education, Special | Sociology, General
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Abstract
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This study explored the processes of how social workers first became interested in working with people with mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) and why they stayed in the field of practice. Using qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 MSW level social workers, who were members in the social work division of AAMR, the American Association on Mental Retardation. The study found that 70% of social workers reported that they first became interested in the field by "accident" through their first jobs in the field where they experienced enjoyable work with the clients, helpful staff/co-workers, dedicated supervisors, a variety work tasks, and a supportive agency environment. Ninety-one percent (n = 22) reported that their commitment to the field developed through their organizations, where they had support of supervisors, co-workers, and availability of training; mentors, AAMR membership, day-to-day work with the clients, history of the field of MR/DD, doing administration, family/personal experiences, teaching, and religion, all played important roles. They stayed in the field for a single reason or a combination of factors, such as their work with clients, job opportunities, agencies, and their jobs. Symbolic interaction, career/vocational development, and organizational theories were used to develop questions and explain the findings. Implications of the findings of the study for social work education, research, policy, and organizations are discussed.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
