الملخص الإنجليزي
Electronic social work is considered one of modern trends of social work profession
in the family counseling field at present, particularly when health crises prevail such
as Covid 19 Virus dispersion and its consequent global technological modifications in
all sectors. Which necessitate application of this technology all over the world to
provide social works in all aspects.
As a result, a social worker may face several challenges and obstacles when
utilizing these technologies if he/she interacts with family counseling field beneficiaries.
This current study attempts to identify electronic social work intervention challenges in
the field as viewed-pointed by beneficiaries and service providers in a prelude to
reach a proposed scenario to activate the electronic intervention for family social work.
This study is considered as descriptive study. It depends on social survey approach
with its categories including social workers of family counseling centers, and by non probability sample of beneficiaries of those centers in the Governorate of Muscat. To
collect the required data, techniques of e-questionnaires and focused Interview have
been utilized by the researcher.
Through this study, a group of findings, pertaining to social, psychological and
technological challenges, have been concluded. The most prominent results are
number of social workers find difficulty in setting an appropriate time for both parties
to hold e-counseling; there is weakness in the social worker academic and skill
preparation relating to provision of examinations and assessment electronically; there
is a difficulty in building occupational relationship with the beneficiary; sudden internet
fade and poor slow internet while using technological programs. Several beneficiaries
responded they have not sufficient time to make phone calls with the social worker;
the assistance given via communication techniques by the social worker for them is
زnot fruitful and is not effective; however, they prefer direct face-to face contact to
electronic communication with social worker.
In addition, this study reveals several proposals. The most important ones are
provision of data base containing details of the beneficiaries at family centers;
customization of an academic course inclusive of how to apply digital family
communication; and presence of a documented manual containing types of family field
-related digital applications. In the light of findings and proposals reached by this
study, a proposed scenario is offered to activate social work electronic intervention in
the family counseling field as well as some recommendations.
