Abstract The rickshaw-puller is the person who drives the rickshaw and carries passengers from one place to another to earn financial capital. The research aims to examine Dhaka city’s older rickshaw-pullers’ demographic, social, and economic situations to gain an understanding of their living arrangements along with suggestions to enhance their livelihood conditions. The study uses purposive sampling to explore the living arrangements of older rickshaw-pullers in Dhaka city by collecting primary data from forty respondents. The major findings showed natural disasters and the search for better living standards are the two determining factors behind migration. However, most of the respondents did not have any prior experience in pulling rickshaws. Major problems noted to borrow money as a substantial portion of their earnings was spent on their medical treatments. Both short-term and long-term rehabilitation to other occupations is an urgent requirement considering their age. Future research needs to provide a comparison between young adult rickshaw-pullers and older ones and how this relates to their need for social services.
{"title":"Factors Associated with Living Arrangement of Older Rickshaw-Pullers in Bangladesh","authors":"Omar Faruk, Avijit Saha, Arpita Dutta, Ridwan Islam Sifat, Loban Rahman","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2112364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2112364","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The rickshaw-puller is the person who drives the rickshaw and carries passengers from one place to another to earn financial capital. The research aims to examine Dhaka city’s older rickshaw-pullers’ demographic, social, and economic situations to gain an understanding of their living arrangements along with suggestions to enhance their livelihood conditions. The study uses purposive sampling to explore the living arrangements of older rickshaw-pullers in Dhaka city by collecting primary data from forty respondents. The major findings showed natural disasters and the search for better living standards are the two determining factors behind migration. However, most of the respondents did not have any prior experience in pulling rickshaws. Major problems noted to borrow money as a substantial portion of their earnings was spent on their medical treatments. Both short-term and long-term rehabilitation to other occupations is an urgent requirement considering their age. Future research needs to provide a comparison between young adult rickshaw-pullers and older ones and how this relates to their need for social services.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"682 - 695"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45925034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-08-10DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2096171
S. Shaw, P. Poulin, Kirra Crump
Abstract As refugee resettlement to a new country can involve uncertainty and stress, recently resettled refugees in the U.S. may benefit from psychosocial support groups. This pilot project assesses two group intervention approaches provided by resettlement agencies in three U.S. states. The purpose of the project was to assess participant feedback on group benefits and limitations, to evaluate the feasibility of group implementation across resettlement agency sites, and to assess group effects on participant psychosocial outcomes (emotional distress, quality of life, social support, self-efficacy, and resilience). Ninety-seven refugees from multiple countries of origin participated in one of twelve psychosocial support groups. Eight groups received a community adjustment support group curricula and four groups received culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy. Within focus groups, participants described the value of group participation in building understanding, skills, and social connections. Group facilitators reported satisfactory adherence levels. Analyses of Cohen’s d effect size, bivariate, and multivariate findings indicate improvements on some outcomes subsequent to group participation, as well as some differences in outcomes by group modality. Such programs may provide a beneficial component of U.S. resettlement services. Additional research and support for psychosocial group interventions among refugee communities is needed.
{"title":"Implementing Psychosocial Support Groups in U.S. Refugee Resettlement","authors":"S. Shaw, P. Poulin, Kirra Crump","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2096171","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2096171","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract As refugee resettlement to a new country can involve uncertainty and stress, recently resettled refugees in the U.S. may benefit from psychosocial support groups. This pilot project assesses two group intervention approaches provided by resettlement agencies in three U.S. states. The purpose of the project was to assess participant feedback on group benefits and limitations, to evaluate the feasibility of group implementation across resettlement agency sites, and to assess group effects on participant psychosocial outcomes (emotional distress, quality of life, social support, self-efficacy, and resilience). Ninety-seven refugees from multiple countries of origin participated in one of twelve psychosocial support groups. Eight groups received a community adjustment support group curricula and four groups received culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy. Within focus groups, participants described the value of group participation in building understanding, skills, and social connections. Group facilitators reported satisfactory adherence levels. Analyses of Cohen’s d effect size, bivariate, and multivariate findings indicate improvements on some outcomes subsequent to group participation, as well as some differences in outcomes by group modality. Such programs may provide a beneficial component of U.S. resettlement services. Additional research and support for psychosocial group interventions among refugee communities is needed.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"593 - 605"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47396747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-28DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2097359
K. Lovato, J. Ramirez
Abstract This qualitative study explored how service providers perceived the stressors that Latinx immigrants experienced due to COVID-19 and the restrictive immigration enforcement climate in the U.S. The study also examined how social service providers responded to immigrant families’ social service needs in light of the impediments imposed by the pandemic. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone and Zoom with social service providers. (n = 28) who provided direct services to immigrant clients in Los Angeles, CA. Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method was utilized as a data analysis guide. Findings showed that Latinx immigrants experienced: (a) high rates of economic stressors and negative mental health outcomes due to the pandemic; (b) immigration-related distress and barriers seeking services; (c) shifting social service needs; and (d) relied on spiritual practices and mutual aid. Culturally responsive practice and policy implications are included. Future research recommendations include addressing the importance of enhancing relationships with immigrant-based centers and faith-based agencies to assist practitioners in serving more immigrant families to restore their physical, mental, and emotional well-being and prevent child welfare systems involvement. Policy recommendations are provided to encourage effective, culturally responsive innovations and adaptations to improve service provision and policy changes to best optimize the health of immigrant communities.
{"title":"Addressing the Social Service Needs of Latinx Families Impacted by COVID-19 and Immigration-Related Stressors","authors":"K. Lovato, J. Ramirez","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2097359","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2097359","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This qualitative study explored how service providers perceived the stressors that Latinx immigrants experienced due to COVID-19 and the restrictive immigration enforcement climate in the U.S. The study also examined how social service providers responded to immigrant families’ social service needs in light of the impediments imposed by the pandemic. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone and Zoom with social service providers. (n = 28) who provided direct services to immigrant clients in Los Angeles, CA. Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method was utilized as a data analysis guide. Findings showed that Latinx immigrants experienced: (a) high rates of economic stressors and negative mental health outcomes due to the pandemic; (b) immigration-related distress and barriers seeking services; (c) shifting social service needs; and (d) relied on spiritual practices and mutual aid. Culturally responsive practice and policy implications are included. Future research recommendations include addressing the importance of enhancing relationships with immigrant-based centers and faith-based agencies to assist practitioners in serving more immigrant families to restore their physical, mental, and emotional well-being and prevent child welfare systems involvement. Policy recommendations are provided to encourage effective, culturally responsive innovations and adaptations to improve service provision and policy changes to best optimize the health of immigrant communities.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"617 - 632"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41737694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-25DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2100860
J. Kim
Abstract The older adult population is rapidly increasing in South Korea. Because older adults experience more loss, their anxiety related to aging may be more serious than that of other age groups. The present study analyzed the demographic, health, economic, and psychological factors that affect anxiety in older adults. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze data on 1,055 individuals over 65 years of age from the Survey on Social and Psychological Anxiety of the Korean Society in 2015. Marital status, education, health status, drinking status, degree of preparation for old age, and depression had significant effects on anxiety in older adults. This study suggests practical and policy measures for older adults to alleviate their concerns and anxiety about aging. Suggestions are made for successful aging in contemporary society, which include strengthening the care system, revitalizing health promotion projects, and implementing health education programs. Future studies should examine several measures to reduce or prevent anxiety in older adults.
{"title":"Factors Affecting Anxiety in Older Adults in South Korea","authors":"J. Kim","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2100860","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2100860","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The older adult population is rapidly increasing in South Korea. Because older adults experience more loss, their anxiety related to aging may be more serious than that of other age groups. The present study analyzed the demographic, health, economic, and psychological factors that affect anxiety in older adults. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze data on 1,055 individuals over 65 years of age from the Survey on Social and Psychological Anxiety of the Korean Society in 2015. Marital status, education, health status, drinking status, degree of preparation for old age, and depression had significant effects on anxiety in older adults. This study suggests practical and policy measures for older adults to alleviate their concerns and anxiety about aging. Suggestions are made for successful aging in contemporary society, which include strengthening the care system, revitalizing health promotion projects, and implementing health education programs. Future studies should examine several measures to reduce or prevent anxiety in older adults.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"647 - 655"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47939988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-25DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2096746
Robert G. Hasson III, Caitlin Corbett, Antonia Díaz-Valdés, Kerri Evans, T. Crea, Dawnya Underwood
Abstract Some unaccompanied children (UC) who migrate to the United States (US) receive post-release services (PRS) to help them adjust to the US and access community-based supports. Upon their arrival to the US, UC discuss their need(s) with their PRS caseworker in order to identify their primary needs. This study examines factors associated with UC who reported education services as a primary PRS need. The sample is based on administrative data shared by a major nonprofit in the US that provides technical support for PRS for UC throughout the US (n = 851). The cross-sectional research design includes a binomial logit regression model. Older UC have higher odds of reporting educational services as a primary need and UC placed with their mothers have lower odds of reporting education services as a primary need. The results can inform how education professionals and social services assess the needs of vulnerable immigrants. For example, older UC may require additional support with navigating barriers for accessing education. Conversely, UC who are placed with their mother may require less support with accessing education. Future research includes examining education levels and need for education support, and qualitative methods that describe how family dynamics inform the need for education services.
{"title":"Educational Services for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children in the United States","authors":"Robert G. Hasson III, Caitlin Corbett, Antonia Díaz-Valdés, Kerri Evans, T. Crea, Dawnya Underwood","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2096746","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2096746","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Some unaccompanied children (UC) who migrate to the United States (US) receive post-release services (PRS) to help them adjust to the US and access community-based supports. Upon their arrival to the US, UC discuss their need(s) with their PRS caseworker in order to identify their primary needs. This study examines factors associated with UC who reported education services as a primary PRS need. The sample is based on administrative data shared by a major nonprofit in the US that provides technical support for PRS for UC throughout the US (n = 851). The cross-sectional research design includes a binomial logit regression model. Older UC have higher odds of reporting educational services as a primary need and UC placed with their mothers have lower odds of reporting education services as a primary need. The results can inform how education professionals and social services assess the needs of vulnerable immigrants. For example, older UC may require additional support with navigating barriers for accessing education. Conversely, UC who are placed with their mother may require less support with accessing education. Future research includes examining education levels and need for education support, and qualitative methods that describe how family dynamics inform the need for education services.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"606 - 616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47631084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-25DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2101584
Hajara Bentum, E. Manful
Abstract Informal foster care remains the preferred alternative care option for children in many parts of the world. However, the processes of reunification in informal foster care are largely unknown. This qualitative study sought to explore the reunification processes within informal foster care in Ghana to inform child protection services for better program design for such children. Twenty interviews were conducted with reunified fostered children and their biological parents. Data from the in-depth interviews with parents and children were analyzed thematically. Three main processes of reunification were identified in this study namely; open, flexible exit plans and educational threshold arrangements. The findings show that reunification pathways are informed by the factors that informed the placement. A model of reunification, based on the study findings has been suggested to guide further studies. Child protection workers should utilize the reunification model as a framework to design services for children who are reunified in informal foster care. Researchers could also utilize the reunification model as a tool to study the outcomes for children who have been reunified. Further research should also explore measures and mechanism that are needed to integrate best practices of the informal foster care processes within the formal child protection domain.
{"title":"Reunification in Informal Foster Care Child Placement: Examining the Different Pathways in Ghana","authors":"Hajara Bentum, E. Manful","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2101584","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2101584","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Informal foster care remains the preferred alternative care option for children in many parts of the world. However, the processes of reunification in informal foster care are largely unknown. This qualitative study sought to explore the reunification processes within informal foster care in Ghana to inform child protection services for better program design for such children. Twenty interviews were conducted with reunified fostered children and their biological parents. Data from the in-depth interviews with parents and children were analyzed thematically. Three main processes of reunification were identified in this study namely; open, flexible exit plans and educational threshold arrangements. The findings show that reunification pathways are informed by the factors that informed the placement. A model of reunification, based on the study findings has been suggested to guide further studies. Child protection workers should utilize the reunification model as a framework to design services for children who are reunified in informal foster care. Researchers could also utilize the reunification model as a tool to study the outcomes for children who have been reunified. Further research should also explore measures and mechanism that are needed to integrate best practices of the informal foster care processes within the formal child protection domain.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"672 - 681"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45339128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-21DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2101583
Rachel A. Minkoff
Abstract Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study examined how advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York State came to their decision on guardianship (n = 11). This included what motivated them to make their decision, what led to choose guardianship or an alternative, who provided guidance toward their supportive role, as well as determining the advocates’ level of knowledge on the subject. Through a thorough examination of the interviews with the participants, the research below shows a lack of knowledge amongst advocates for this population both surrounding guardianship and its alternatives. While the study focused on New York State due to the variability of guardianship law, the results below have the ability for far reaching impact for this population. Future research should include contrasting access to resources on this subject based on socioeconomic backgrounds and a deeper exploration of this same subject in a quantitative manner to widen the scope.
{"title":"Guardianship Knowledge Amongst Caregivers: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Rachel A. Minkoff","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2101583","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2101583","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study examined how advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York State came to their decision on guardianship (n = 11). This included what motivated them to make their decision, what led to choose guardianship or an alternative, who provided guidance toward their supportive role, as well as determining the advocates’ level of knowledge on the subject. Through a thorough examination of the interviews with the participants, the research below shows a lack of knowledge amongst advocates for this population both surrounding guardianship and its alternatives. While the study focused on New York State due to the variability of guardianship law, the results below have the ability for far reaching impact for this population. Future research should include contrasting access to resources on this subject based on socioeconomic backgrounds and a deeper exploration of this same subject in a quantitative manner to widen the scope.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"656 - 671"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45113090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-17DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2100562
W. Tsang, Kitty Yuen-han Mo, J. Cheung, Eva Y. W. Wong
Abstract This qualitative research examined Hong Kong social workers’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Invitations to participate in this research were sent to various social welfare agencies, resulting in the recruitment of 23 social workers with different work experiences. In-depth interviews followed by thematic analysis were employed to explore participants’ experiences of using ICT in their practice during the pandemic and factors influencing their readiness to use ICT. The results showed that various factors influenced social workers’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of using ICT, including digital service output quality, shared expectations and subjective norms, technology self-efficacy, and organizational support. The research further identified ethical considerations that posed challenges to ICT utilization. The research provides insights into social work management regarding the strategies of enhancing social workers’ motivation and acceptance of utilizing ICT. Recommendations on future development and research of digital social work services were discussed.
{"title":"Social Workers’ Acceptance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Practice during COVID-19: Search for Embracing Ethical Considerations in Hong Kong","authors":"W. Tsang, Kitty Yuen-han Mo, J. Cheung, Eva Y. W. Wong","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2100562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2100562","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This qualitative research examined Hong Kong social workers’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Invitations to participate in this research were sent to various social welfare agencies, resulting in the recruitment of 23 social workers with different work experiences. In-depth interviews followed by thematic analysis were employed to explore participants’ experiences of using ICT in their practice during the pandemic and factors influencing their readiness to use ICT. The results showed that various factors influenced social workers’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of using ICT, including digital service output quality, shared expectations and subjective norms, technology self-efficacy, and organizational support. The research further identified ethical considerations that posed challenges to ICT utilization. The research provides insights into social work management regarding the strategies of enhancing social workers’ motivation and acceptance of utilizing ICT. Recommendations on future development and research of digital social work services were discussed.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"633 - 646"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42954436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-04DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2089439
Ya-Hui Lee, Yi-Fen Wang
Abstract Employment specialists play a key role in promoting the utilization of older workers’ human resources. In this study, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 employment specialists to illustrate their experiences in matching employers for older job seekers. The results showed the following: (1) employment specialists enhance professional competencies by constantly learning and accumulating experiences; (2) employment specialists should possess a willingness to serve, empathy, communication skills, stress tolerance, and a desire to work in the labor market; (3) employment specialists adopted the strategies in assisting older job seekers in securing employment include understanding their demands and motivations for seeking employment, providing training and emotional support, and keeping track of them after their employment; (4) employment specialists utilized four strategies to increase employer’s willingness to employ older workers. The results can serve as a reference for the government to develop measures to enhance the professional competencies of employment specialists in serving older job seekers. Future research is suggested to use this study as a blueprint and conduct a questionnaire survey on employment specialists in the country to understand the outcomes of services provided to older job seekers and propose suggestions for policy revision and formulating training programs for employment specialists.
{"title":"The Matchmaker between Employers and Older Job Seekers: Employment Specialists’ Service Experiences in Taiwan","authors":"Ya-Hui Lee, Yi-Fen Wang","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2089439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2089439","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Employment specialists play a key role in promoting the utilization of older workers’ human resources. In this study, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 employment specialists to illustrate their experiences in matching employers for older job seekers. The results showed the following: (1) employment specialists enhance professional competencies by constantly learning and accumulating experiences; (2) employment specialists should possess a willingness to serve, empathy, communication skills, stress tolerance, and a desire to work in the labor market; (3) employment specialists adopted the strategies in assisting older job seekers in securing employment include understanding their demands and motivations for seeking employment, providing training and emotional support, and keeping track of them after their employment; (4) employment specialists utilized four strategies to increase employer’s willingness to employ older workers. The results can serve as a reference for the government to develop measures to enhance the professional competencies of employment specialists in serving older job seekers. Future research is suggested to use this study as a blueprint and conduct a questionnaire survey on employment specialists in the country to understand the outcomes of services provided to older job seekers and propose suggestions for policy revision and formulating training programs for employment specialists.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"512 - 521"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49113858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-07-04DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2022.2095476
Avijit Saha
Abstract Union Digital Center (UDC) is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based one-stop service center at the doorsteps of the population that provides quicker and smoother services to citizens. Females all over the globe use ICT to a lesser extent than men, and in patriarchal Bangladesh, it is even lower. The study tries to fill the knowledge gaps by considering rural females’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding UDC. The aim is to reveal how effectively KAP has been shaped to attain self-efficacy for rural females. A mixed-method research approach was applied utilizing demographic survey through a semi-structured questionnaire followed by ten focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising eighty-seven participants and three Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Primary data has been collected using non-probability purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis, the study identified fields requiring special attention toward strengthening e-service, health, finance, and gender-based violence and found two broad themes of interventions, including service quality assurance and capacity enhancement to improve participants experience of using UDC. As the study revealed eighty-seven rural females’ experience, future studies can consider this as a pilot study and investigate the pattern of livelihood upgradation of indigenous community by adopting government’s latest social service delivery mechanism. HIGHLIGHTS Government established Union Digital Center (UDC) to simplify public service delivery processes and make them citizen friendly. ICT based service delivery usages by females is low comparing to male counterparts. Even though UDC charged less (75%) and thus saved time (72.5%) and made life easier (77.5%) for rural females, almost two-thirds of participants require to visit sub-urban cities to complete their ICT related activities. Family members (73.75%) receive services on behalf of the female participants and among those mostly spouse (63%) avail those services. Service Quality Assurance and Capacity Enhancement are two broad strategies recommended by the specialists and participants to improve female participation in UDC service delivery system.
{"title":"Knowledge Attitude and Practice toward Union Digital Center (UDC): Strategies and Recommendations Regarding Building Self-efficacy for Rural Females of Bangladesh","authors":"Avijit Saha","doi":"10.1080/01488376.2022.2095476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2022.2095476","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Union Digital Center (UDC) is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based one-stop service center at the doorsteps of the population that provides quicker and smoother services to citizens. Females all over the globe use ICT to a lesser extent than men, and in patriarchal Bangladesh, it is even lower. The study tries to fill the knowledge gaps by considering rural females’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding UDC. The aim is to reveal how effectively KAP has been shaped to attain self-efficacy for rural females. A mixed-method research approach was applied utilizing demographic survey through a semi-structured questionnaire followed by ten focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising eighty-seven participants and three Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Primary data has been collected using non-probability purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis, the study identified fields requiring special attention toward strengthening e-service, health, finance, and gender-based violence and found two broad themes of interventions, including service quality assurance and capacity enhancement to improve participants experience of using UDC. As the study revealed eighty-seven rural females’ experience, future studies can consider this as a pilot study and investigate the pattern of livelihood upgradation of indigenous community by adopting government’s latest social service delivery mechanism. HIGHLIGHTS Government established Union Digital Center (UDC) to simplify public service delivery processes and make them citizen friendly. ICT based service delivery usages by females is low comparing to male counterparts. Even though UDC charged less (75%) and thus saved time (72.5%) and made life easier (77.5%) for rural females, almost two-thirds of participants require to visit sub-urban cities to complete their ICT related activities. Family members (73.75%) receive services on behalf of the female participants and among those mostly spouse (63%) avail those services. Service Quality Assurance and Capacity Enhancement are two broad strategies recommended by the specialists and participants to improve female participation in UDC service delivery system.","PeriodicalId":47419,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Social Service Research","volume":"48 1","pages":"545 - 560"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42667606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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