THE TECHNICAL-OPERATIONAL INSTRUMENT HOME VISIT IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORK OF THE SOCIAL WORKER: AN INVITATION TO REFLECTION

Abstract

This article aims to reflect on the technical-operational instrument, home visits, in the daily work of social workers, highlighting the positive points found in the process of using this technique and also verifying the challenges to be overcome in its use. Regarding the methodology, the article is theoretically supported by social-critical theory, of a qualitative nature, with an exploratory approach, where through the narratives of the interviewed social worker, observations were extracted regarding the home visit technique in the professional practice of Social Work. As support for the analysis of the statements contained in the interview, the narrative analysis technique was used, thus allowing the textual analysis in full. Furthermore, as far as it is
worth considering, the production understood that the home visit, as well as the professional performance of the social worker itself, is complex, presenting a constant dynamism between the services provided. The positive points are inherent in freedom, confidentiality, closeness, strengthening of bonds between the social worker and the user, and the ethical-political commitment reaffirmed in each visit performed. As for the challenges, these are permeated by issues such as lack of human resources, professional burnout and excessive demand.