Social Work Practice in the Time of Quarantine: A Photo Elicitation Study of Experiences of Remote Work during COVID-19

Abstract

Using quantitative, qualitative, and photographic data that were collected early in the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examined the reflections of ten U.S. social workers on their experiences migrating to remote service delivery. Participants were asked to share strategies, opportunities, coping mechanisms, self-identified professional values, and pre-dictions for the future of social work. Three primary themes-professional flexibility and creativity, connection, and recentering generalist social work skills – emerged with numerous additional subthemes. The study’s findings underscore the critical importance of contextualizing service delivery moving forward – neither adopting a one-size fits all approach for the sake of financial efficiencies nor failing to incorporate the lessons learned during the pandemic. As such, service delivery systems should adapt in such a way as to incorporate increased flexibility in meeting client needs.