The expectation of a multidisciplinary team on the role of social worker in accordance with a Social Work Profession Act B.E.2556 (2013) section 28(1)

Abstract

This research aims to study the expectation of multidisciplinary teams on the role of social workers in accordance with the Social Work Profession Act B.E.2556 (2013) section 28(1). The group of participants are multi-disciplinary practitioners in the Bangkok area, including prosecutors, doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, probation officers, lawyers, social developers, vocational trainers, mentors, observation workers, etc.The research instrument were questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results showed that the perception of all professionals regarding the roles of social workers according to the Social Work Profession Act B.E.2556 (2013) is on “a medium to high level” The sample group reflected higher expectations towards academic roles of social worker than administrative and service roles. The academic role consists of two aspects: the role of an assessor, and the role of an educator. Social workers collect data and then assess the problems of individuals, groups or communities, and contribute to the decision-making process. These roles are part of the authority specified in all 4 of the 8 laws under the Social Work Profession Act B.E. 2556, Section 28(1).