Fältarbetets professionella utmaningar. En kvalitativ studie om hur fältarbetare beskriver upprätthållandet av och utmaningar med professionalitet

Abstract

The aim of this study was to look into detached youth workers' experiences of being perceived as professional in their work, whether they meet challenges in upholding professionalism and in what way they describe how they cope with different expectations. The empirical base consisted of seven semi-structured interviews with employed detached youth workers from three different work groups. A qualitative method was chosen, and the material was analysed by using thematic content analysis. For further analysis the theoretical concepts new institutionalism theory, professionalism, street-level bureaucracy and accountability were used. The result of the study showed that detached youth workers experience several recurring expectations from different actors, in which they perceived a need to uphold a professional status. These expectations were sometimes conflicting, which complicated the management of professionalism and added ethical challenges to their work. The challenges threatened the perceived professionalism and resulted in a need to develop different strategies to secure the survival of their organization.