Human Service Nonprofit Agencies

Abstract

• Summary: Human service nonprofit agencies exist within a turbulent environment. Recent developments and social policy changes have impacted upon nonprofit agencies and transformed services, thereby changing the service delivery system. Services for clients have changed and agencies are challenged to meet clients’ needs with new constraints. Social workers in this environment have been faced with the challenge of developing new skills to respond to the political climate while continuing to meet clients’ needs. Moreover, social work students placed in nonprofit agencies for their field education also encounter challenges.

• Findings: Through the use of focus groups, this study found social workers’ primary concerns related to managed care and welfare reform. Thus, student roles often involved functioning as staff and filling gaps within the agency, and students were challenged in their efforts to meet their learning needs.

• Applications: Knowledge of agency context is essential for competent, effective social work practice. This qualitative study highlights the nature of the changing environment for nonprofit agencies, agency responses and the implications for social work practice and social work education. Agency administrators, social workers and students must continue to assess and respond to their environment as they seek to provide the most efficient and effective services to clients.