Social work and technology: Challenges for social workers in practice: A case study |
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| Authors: | Peter Humphries Peter Camilleri |
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| Institution: | 1. Social Work Services , National Support Office , Centrelink;2. School of Social Work , Australian Catholic University , E-mail: peter.humphries@centrelink.gov.au;3. School of Social Work at Signadou Campus , Australian Catholic University , E-mail: P.Camilleri@srgnadou.acu.edu.au |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Social Work is just beginning to consider the full impact of technology on practice. In this paper the experience of social workers working in Centrelink, the Australian Government's service delivery organisation, is explored in the context of Centrelink's increased reliance on technology to deliver its services to six million Australians. The results of a survey that indicated nearly one half of Centrelink's social workers have received no formal training in how to use the technologies they rely so heavily on in their work are considered, as is the role of the social workers who are working as a part of Centrelink's call centre network. It is argued that social workers need to be careful not to confuse means and ends when it comes to utilising technology as a part of their practice. |
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| Keywords: | Social Work in Call Centres Technology Training |
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