Fältarbetets uppsökande natur - En kvalitativ studie om fältarbetares arbetssätt och eventuella svårigheter som uppstår

Sammanfattning: The primary purpose of this thesis was to examine the work methods implemented by outreach workers in their interaction with at risk youths. The secondary purpose was to research the possible difficulties that may occur and the tactics to deal with these difficulties. In order to examine the purposes presented the authors produced a qualitative study with 5 semi-structured interviews with outreach workers. After conducting the interviews, the authors used thematization in order to illustrate the empirical data. The theoretical framework used to analyze the empirical data consist of three theories; the theory of communication, system theory and social bond theory. The results of the empirical material gathered from the interviews and from the analyzation of the interviews using out theoretical framework, provided multiple answers as it relates to the purpose. The results regarding the primary purpose showed that there is a lack of evidence-practice within the field of outreach work, which in turn leads to the fact that there is a vast variety of work methods applicable within their field. The results of interviews implied that outreach workers adapt their work methods depending on the situation and their personal expertise indicating that there are no specific set of methods that have to be used. As it pertains to the secondary purpose a clear correlation is shown between the vast variety of work methods and the many difficulties that may occur. Subsequently the occurrence of the different difficulties ensues based on the diverse established work methods. The study highlights the knowledge, communicational abilities and social skills of the individual outreach worker as way to reduce the probability of the conceivable diverse difficulties from occurring.