SOCIALINIO DARBUOTOJO PROFESINĖS VEIKLOS PRADŽIA: VEIKSNIAI SĄLYGOJANTYS VEIKSMINGĄ PROFESINĘ ADAPTACIJĄ

Abstract

Starting a career in social work is a complex stage that requires the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations, as well as the development of professional, personal and general competencies. Once they have started their professional activities, social workers often face various challenges related to the diversity of client needs, emotional burdens, ethical dilemmas, organisational culture and the constantly changing context of social policy. Therefore, the process of adapting to a new role becomes a key factor in ensuring the continuity, effectiveness and professional growth of a social worker’s career. The adaptation process is important not only for the novice specialist, but also for the organization. Proper introduction of social workers who are beginning their professional activities, provision of assistance and mentoring, and a favorable work environment determine the effectiveness of professional activities, reduce employee turnover and the risk of burnout. Therefore, the adaptation of new employees in the organization is considered one of the most important areas of personnel management practice in a modern organization, because it is not only a mechanism for theinteraction of employees with the organizational environment, but also one of the ways to develop the organization’s human resources potential. Analysis of scientific sources revealed that Lithuania lacks research that reveals the adaptation of social workers who are beginning their professional activities in it. The following research question is therefore raised: What factors determine the effective adaptation of novice social workers in professional activities? The object of the study is factors that determine the effective adaptation of social workers who are beginning their professional activities in it. The object of the study is factors that determine the effective adaptation of social workers who are beginning their professional activities in it. The aim of study is to reveal the factors determining the effective adaptation of novice social workers in professional activities based on their experience. The study used a semi-structured interview method. This method allows for a combination of a predefined set of questions with flexibility and openness to the experiences and insights of the research participants. Semi-structured interview allows the researcher to get to the heart of the problem and answer the research questions, while the interviewee has the opportunity to express his/her own position and experience on the issue under study. This form of interview helps to create a dialogue, gives more authenticity and allows the participants to reveal their experiences and opinions. The study used a criterion-based method to select research participants. The sample of participants was selected according to the following criteria: 1) social workers with higher social work education and a bachelor’s or professional bachelor’s degree; 2) those who have been working for less than a year; 3) those with work experience ranging from six months to a year; and 4) those who work in social service centres in family assistance departments. The study involved 11 novice social workers from different Lithuanian municipalities. Study data were collected based on the saturation principle. Ethical principles were followed throughout the study, including the participants’ free decision to take part, provision of information about the study, and ensuring anonymity, confidentiality and the safety of the participants. The obtained study data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. This involved transcribing and reading the interview recordings several times, coding the data, grouping the codes into categories, and describing and interpreting the data. The study found that the effective adaptation of social workers to their professional roles depends on subjective and objective factors, such as their professional training, organisational support, and their own motivation to engage in professional activities. A social worker’s professional preparation relates to the competencies acquired during their studies and to the development of these competencies after completing their studies. The study showed that, once they had started working, social workers needed specialised training to help them improve their specific skills and gain practical experience in their field. This 
demonstrates the need for organisations to prioritise the training of social workers at the beginning of their careers. Training facilitates the adaptation of workers starting their professional activities, enabling them to work more effectively, reducing emotional stress, increasing self-confidence and promoting professional growth. Organisational support is an important factor in helping social workers adapt to their new roles. The study found that clearly defined functions and responsibilities are important for these social workers. When they know their specific functions and responsibilities, they feel more confident. The study data show that respect and support from colleagues are important at this stage. Cooperation, trust, and mutual understanding among colleagues help social workers to solve professional challenges more effectively, reduce emotional burnout, and strengthen teamwork when starting their professional activities. Support from colleagues can manifest itself in various ways, such as sharing experience and advice, providing professional assistance in overcoming difficult situations and offering emotional support. The study data revealed that mentors play an extremely important role in helping social workers to start their professional activities, as they facilitate faster adaptation to the organisation, improve understanding of the practical aspects of work, encourage the adoption of good practices, promote critical thinking and strengthen self-confidence. Mentors can provide professional knowledge and emotional support to help overcome stress, professional difficulties, and doubts about decisions. The study found that support and assistance from leaders is also an important factor in employees’ effective adaptation to professional activities. With the support of their leader employees feel valued, respected and cared for, which improves their wellbeing and engagement at work. The study data revealed that opportunities to express oneself and realise one’s potential in pro
fessional activities are another important factor in the effective adaptation of social workers starting their careers. With such opportunities, employees starting their professional careers feel more motivated, confident, and engaged with their work. The study also revealed that having the necessary work tools and a properly equipped workplace are important organisational support factors that facilitate the dissemination of information, communication and cooperation, and speed up work and increase the sense of professionalism. Intrinsic motivation is also an important factor influencing the adaptation of social workers to their new roles. The research data shows that an employee’s own desire to work, their 
tendency to seek innovations and take on new challenges, and their tendency to learn are important factors of internal motivation that help employees overcome professional challenges, support their resilience and encourage improvement professional competencies.

Keywords: adaptation, beginning of professional activity, social workers.