MSSW Community Extension Program: Impact on Social Workers Working with Drug Reformists

ABSTRACT: This phenomenological study explores the impact of Social Work Community Extension services on drug reformists through semi-structured interviews with five participants. The study addresses three main research questions pertaining to the unique experiences and challenges of working with drug reformists, their coping strategies in dealing with this population, and the insights gained from handling drug reformists. The Focus Group discussion revealed several themes, including motivation and work, the impact of training on helpfulness, knowledge and understanding, and shared experiences. Additionally, short-term impacts included knowledge expansion, skill development, and practical application. Furthermore, additional themes emerged during the analysis, such as preparation and client management, unexpected and surprising situations, time management and scheduling, challenges, reactions, and responses. Finally, themes related to insights encompass empathy, nonjudgment, continuous learning, self-sufficiency and independence, responsibility and service, challenges and consequences, and professional competence. The study’s implications are significant for the social work profession in addressing the challenges of handling drug reformists. The contribution to society lies in enhancing social workers’ abilities to handle drug reformists, potentially breaking the cycle of drug abuse and addiction and improving overall societal well-being. This underscores the importance for future social workers to pursue graduate education and consistently attend seminars and training to maintain and enhance their professional competence, leading to greater self-fulfillment in their work.

KEYWORDS: social work, drug reformist, community extension, experiences, phenomenology, Philippines