The role of the residential social worker

Abstract

Social Work in Malta is at an important stage of its development. Differing approaches has been recently introduced and yet no one approach has been adopted. This essay focuses on one approach, i.e. residential social work. Analysis is made on roles and tasks carried out by a residential social worker with the aim of classifying work carried out into compartments. For better insight into the profession of a residential social worker, this essay reports how workers in residential settings look at this role. Further on light is shed on an other approach utilised presently in Malta by residential staff. The residential workers team is not based on specialisation but on a composite range of skills which would be present in all workers. As yet, no one approach has been proven more suitable than the other. By providing an insight into the two approaches, this essay enables the reader to draw a clear picture of the work involved in a residential setting.