NCJ Number
28492
Date Published
1975
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR URGES THAT THE DISADVANTAGED, THE EX-OFFENDER, AND THE EX-MENTAL PATIENT BE EMPLOYED IN SOCIAL WORK POSITIONS, AND OUTLINES THE CHANGES THAT COULD HAVE TO BE MADE TO PROVIDE SUCH EMPLOYMENT.
Abstract
IT IS ARGUED THAT SUCH EX-SOCIAL SERVICE CLIENTS POSSESS SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE OF THE VERY SOCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH AGENCIES ARE ATTEMPTING TO TREAT AND THAT THESE PERSONS FORM A SIZEABLE AND VALUABLE MANPOWER RESOURCE. THE PROBLEMS WHICH THESE PERSONS MAY FACE IN TRYING TO GAIN SOCIAL WORK POSTITIONS ARE DISCUSSED. THESE INCLUDE LACK OF EDUCATION, LACK OF MOTIVATION, AND OVERT DISCRIMINATION. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT INSTEAD OF EXPECTING THESE EX-CLIENTS TO CHANGE AND CONFORM TO THE CURRENT STANDARDS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS, THE REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION METHODS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE EMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE ALTERED. SUCH REFORMS AS NEW EDUCATIONAL METHODS GEARED TO THE DISADVANTAGED, NEW WAYS OF EVALUATING APPLICANTS' QUALIFICATIONS, AND NEW APPROACHES TO RECRUITMENT ARE SUGGESTED. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES THAT EMPLOYMENT OF EX-OFFENDERS AND THE DISADVANTAGED WOULD BENEFIT BOTH THE EX-CLIENTS AND THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONS.