PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF SOCIAL WORKERS: MAIN CHALLENGES AND TOOLS TO OVERCOME THEM IN TODAY’S CONDITIONS

Abstract

In the article, the authors examine the professional activities of social workers in the context of current challenges and transformations in Ukraine. Social work, as a vital component of the social support system, is facing unprecedented demands due to economic, social and geopolitical changes. The study highlights key challenges, including inadequate resource allocation, growing demand for services, and the need for emotional resilience of social workers. Particular attention is paid to innovative tools, methods and strategies for addressing these issues, such as the introduction of digital technologies, professional training programs, and interdisciplinary cooperation. The study emphasizes the importance of adaptive approaches and effective policy-making to improve the quality and efficiency of social services. It is established that today Ukraine is actively reforming the social protection system aimed at improving the quality of life of the population and ensuring social justice. One of the key areas of this reform is to improve the mechanisms of social service delivery. This involves adapting existing models and processes to the new economic, social and political realities that have emerged in the context of constant changes and challenges, including war and economic instability. Updating the social service delivery system includes not only improving access to basic social guarantees, such as health care, pensions and social support, but also expanding the range of services for vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, the elderly, young families and other socially vulnerable groups. An important component is also the introduction of innovative approaches and technologies in the process of providing such services, which allow for efficiency, transparency and accessibility at all stages of social services.