Social worker as an agent of change in times of social crises: role and challenges

Abstract

Given the current socio-economic and political challenges in Ukraine, especially during periods of crisis, social work acquires new strategic tasks. Social workers become not only providers of assistance, but also initiators of changes that contribute to the transformation of approaches to social protection. The article examines their role in crisis conditions through the application of modern methods, in particular social entrepreneurship, digital technologies and integrated support networks. The aim of the study is to identify mechanisms by which social workers become a driving force for positive changes, as well as to develop practical recommendations for improving the social protection system in times of crisis. The main attention is paid to the analysis of innovative approaches, such as social entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and digitalization, which allow not only to provide operational assistance, but also to create the prerequisites for the long-term restoration of social infrastructure. The international experience of social workers in crisis conditions and its possibilities for adaptation in the Ukrainian context are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to such aspects as crisis counseling, social integration, human rights protection and psychological support. The main challenges faced by social work professionals are identified, including professional burnout, limited resources and problems of interaction between the state and non-state sectors. The article suggests ways to improve social work in conditions of instability and formulates practical recommendations for increasing its effectiveness.