Abstract:
Social workers as professionals largely work within health and social services-related settings. This study explored social workers’ experiences in working with HIV and AIDS infected clients in the Khomas, Kavango-East, and Oshikoto regions. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and a phenomenological design was used. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. The study population included state social workers from three different regions of Namibia. Specifically, the Rundu hospital, Windhoek Central hospital, Katutura State hospital, Tsumeb District hospital, Omuthiya hospital, and the Onandjokwe Intermediate hospital. A total of eleven social workers were selected to participate in the study, using the convenience or availability sampling technique. Braun and Clarke’s six-step model of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings of this research uncovered four major aspects: Firstly, most social workers worked in a multi-disciplinary environment. Secondly, social workers perceived their work experience as both negative and positive. Thirdly, the lack of in-service training, poor supervision, human resources management injustices, and compassion fatigue are institutional challenges encountered in their work environment. Fourthly, social workers use coping mechanisms such as debriefing, positive self-talk, and time off from work to mitigate work related stressors. The study thus proposed the following recommendations: the development and implementation of an in-service and supervision training guide for social workers working at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS). Secondly, the implementation of a specialized social work program at UNAM will enable social work students to focus on a specific area of expertise. Finally, the Social Work and Psychology Council of Namibia (SWPCN) should advise the MoHSS on the optimal working conditions for social workers in the public health sector.
