Social Workers’ Experiences and Perceptions of Open-Entry Group Work

Abstract

Background: Although anecdotal accounts suggest the widespread use of open-entry groups in social work, research has not kept pace with this practice. With group members continuously entering and exiting, open groups are a unique form of group work requiring trained and accomplished facilitators (N. Brown, 2014; Turner, 2011). However, the international literature details a progressive decline in group work training within social work education. As such, many workers likely enter the field without training specific to groups with open membership. For those who necessarily learn on the job, there is limited research and theory to guide their practice. Furthermore, existing research is dated and does not include local perspectives on open group work practice. Methods: The study employed a qualitative exploratory research methodology to examine social workers’ perceptions and experiences of open-entry group work. Aims included raising the profile of open group work and giving direction to future research efforts. More specifically the study sought to gain an understanding of what social workers need to support them in their practice. The study further sought to clarify the skills and knowledge necessary for skilled facilitation of these groups. Six participants provided data via semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed using NVivo software, through inductive thematic analysis to identify, define, and describe, six major themes developed from the data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Findings: Participants reported gaps between their general group work training and practice realities, which included minimal if any, training for open-entry group work. Support for workplace learning, such as mentoring, was similarly lacking, leading to a steep learning curve and a sense of vulnerability and compromise around the participants’ open group work practice. The absence of foundation concepts, to help establish markers for effective practice, generated obstacles to developing competence, and questions about the merit and value of open group work. However, despite the challenges and limited evidence base, participants seemed to view open-entry groups as valuable and worthwhile. Social work experience, an understanding of particular group dynamics, and increased flexibility, adaptability and acceptance, constituted some of the skills participants identified as necessary for open group work.