Solution-Focused approach in a team working with social welfare benefits in social service

sussan-öster

Abstract

The article summarises a qualitative Grounded Theory analysis of interviews with a team working with social welfare benefits within the social service department in a Swedish town. Social workers had completed a five-day training and monthly super- vision in Solution-Focused coaching. As a result, the team changed their daily work noticeably in practical aspects, from a more problem-focused to an SF approach. The core categories derived from the data are about two things: dignity raising and value-focused meetings. When the client is approached in an SF way, he/she experiences greater respect and therefore also increased dignity. Value-focused meetings are about how the SF approach is helpful in clarify- ing the preferred outcome of the meeting by the client and administrative officials at a very early stage. The result suggests four key elements which contribute to a successful implementation of SF: support from management, professional training and supervision, the immediately visible results and the strong will to develop within the team. There is a change in attitude towards tasks among administrative officials and leaders. In shared responsibility they have begun to build solutions with their clients and colleagues, using the SF tools. Benefits of working in an SF way are described as improved work efficiency and enhanced team spirit. The meetings and conversations have become more comfortable. Address for correspondence: Ågatan 106, 731 33 Köping, Sweden The results affirm the power of asking and reflecting with an SF perspective. The administrative officials and the client co-construct a new image of reality in which the client is considered competent and an expert on his/her own life. Future research on SF connected to self-efficacy may inter- est the social and public health practices, who are concerned with how to make interventions more empowering for the clients.

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