In my diploma, I explored the role of Centres of social work (CSW) in Slovenia in case of emergency or natural and other disasters. What interested me was the difference in definition, tasks and aid that units of CSW offer regarding their experiences in emergency work. I was also interested in the concrete experiences with work in emergencies depending on the geographical position of CSW in Slovenia. In the theoretical part, I have identified the most common types of emergencies, situations or accidents in Slovenia. I was interested in what extent the state is ready for emergencies, what is the situation regarding the assistance plans, cooperation with other communities (at several levels), organizations or countries, and legislation that covers emergencies. My primary focus was on how CSW are involved in emergencies and inclusion of community and vulnerable groups. Particularly I was interested in the tasks of social workers at CSW and their readiness for different situations. I highlighted psychosocial support and assistance as an aid that social workers can provide to people in emergencies and other forms of assistance appropriate for crises. In the last part of the theoretical findings, I paid attention to the CSW in Slovenia. It interested me how they connect and organize with other organizations in such cases. The central part takes into consideration forms of assistance, services, measures and rights that social workers and workers at CSW can offer to people affected by emergencies. In the empirical part, I presented the results of qualitative research conducted on a non-random, convenience sample. The research involved eight social workers from units of CSW from the Savinjska Region and Central Slovenia who had some or no experience of working in emergencies. I discovered that the role of the CSW in emergencies is to provide psychosocial support and assistance and to perform the tasks and duties of social workers following the prescribed legislation fundamental to social protection. In assisting people who face the challenges of an emergency, either on their initiative or at the urging of civil protection, the municipality, other organizations or others, it is important to include a responsible CSW. With emergencies, we can notice more integration and the possibility of long-term cooperation of CSW with institutions, organizations, the municipality and others in providing broader assistance to people, especially after the calming and stabilization of emergencies. Despite the different experiences of emergencies, social workers have expressed a desire for better knowledge of assisting in emergencies and for more training in simulated emergencies, with emphasis on their role and tasks in an emergency. The survey also revealed the pressing problem of a staffing shortage, which is noticeable in sudden emergencies. The potential solutions could be in better responsiveness and more flexibility of the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities that could help in further facilitating and speeding up the reorganization of CSW work and inter-institutional cooperation of CSW during and after the emergencies. I have linked the obtained results with the known theoretical findings and formed suggestions based on the results got. I see the potential solutions in the development of CSW prevention programs, increased awareness about the assistance, and in implementing age-appropriate workshops for people experiencing the consequences, hardships and traumas of an emergency.
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