Emerging Trends in Social Work Intervention : Response to the Pandemic in various Social Work Settings

 The School of Social Work, St. Joseph's University collaboration with University of North Carolina Wilmington conducted International Virtual Conference on "Emerging Trends in Social Work Intervention : Response to the Pandemic in various Social Work Settings" from 19th to 21st April, 2022. 

The guest speaker at the Conference Dr. Panagiotis Pentaris, Associate Professor in Social Work spoke about Social workers in healthcare settings have been at the forefront of the pandemic response. They have collaborated with medical professionals to provide holistic care to patients and their families. Their roles included psychosocial support, facilitating communication, and ensuring access to resources for vulnerable populations. They also engaged in bereavement support, helping families cope with the loss of loved ones.

He also added the pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, and social workers in mental health and counseling settings have been instrumental in addressing this crisis. They have adapted to remote counseling methods, providing teletherapy and virtual support groups. Social workers have developed innovative approaches to tackle anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues arising from social isolation and uncertainty.

Furthermore, the pandemic has increased the risk factors for child welfare, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and neglect. Social workers in this setting have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of children. They have utilized technology to conduct virtual visits, monitor families at risk, and provide virtual parenting education. Social workers have been crucial in advocating for children's rights and connecting families with essential resources.