Bemötandet inom socialtjänsten : En kvalitativ studie om klienters upplevelser

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to examine how clients who have or have previously had a drug- and/or alcohol addiction experienced interchanges with social workers. In this study, eight semi-structured interviews were made with respondents from an out-patient clinic in a small town in Sweden. Questions were asked regarding clients’ experience of the social workers' attitudes during the initial meeting as well as all continuing meetings. Other possible variables that affected the interchanges, either positively or negatively, including how the clients wanted to be treated, were also explored. Theories used in the interpretation of the results were power and an interactional perspective. The power at the social bureau is unevenly dispensed in favor of the social worker and they should use that power in a non-offending way. Good communication is essential to avoid misconceptions and to make the interaction work well between social workers and clients. The results showed that concepts such as being listened to, mutual trust between client and social worker, and that the clients felt respected, were all important. Aspects that had a negative effect were mistrust from the social worker, lack in professionalism as well as the clients’ attitudes. Most respondents were satisfied with the way they were being treated.