SOCIAL WORK SPECIALIST DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT

Digitalization penetrates into all spheres of life and contributes to the formation of digital competencies. The article defines the concept and essence of digital competencies of social work specialists. Theoretical approaches to this concept are described.

Keyword: digitalization, digital competencies, social work, social work specialist, digital competencies of specialists.

Digital competencies of a social work specialist can be defined as a set of knowledge, skills and abilities about the ways of obtaining, processing, transmitting, storing and providing professional information using various digital technologies. Within the framework of digital competencies, a social work specialist has the ability to integrate digital technologies into the workflow without violating professional values and attitudes; understanding their role and place in continuous professional development through independent cognitive activity.

Digital competence of a social work specialist is a level characteristic that is formed in stages. The formation of this competence begins from the moment of the beginning of the study of digital technologies, including a personal computer, before their inclusion in professional activities.  Moreover, in this case, it is desirable that various digital technologies are used in the framework of professional activity.

Considering the digital competencies of a social work specialist, the following areas of application of digital technologies by a social work specialist can be distinguished:

-creation, storage and use of special databases (for example, customer databases);

-creation of software products for professional-oriented search and reference systems;

- diagnostics of clients with the help of specialized technologies;

-the use of specialized technologies for the development of programs and technologies of rehabilitation and adaptation;

-the use of the Internet to search for the necessary information.

According to Russian scientists, three components can be distinguished in the digital competence of a social work specialist: cognitive, operational, axiological. Let's look at them in more detail.

-The cognitive component of the digital competence of a social work specialist is characterized by minimal theoretical knowledge, understanding of the tasks of professional activity, knowledge of ways to solve them. A social work specialist can solve the upcoming tasks by owning and using minimal knowledge about the possibilities of using digital technologies.

-The operational component of the digital competence of a social work specialist is expressed in the skills and abilities of implementing known methods of professional activity, as well as personal qualities adequate to the professional activity of a social worker. The basis for the formation of the system of necessary skills and abilities is a set of appropriate theoretical training and consideration of the specifics of professional activity in which these skills and abilities are manifested.  This component in the structure of the digital competence of a social work specialist means that specific knowledge and skills, as well as motivation and purpose are necessary for professional activity.

-The axiological component of the digital competence of a social work specialist characterizes the specialist's interest in digital technologies, his interest and motivation to master these technologies, their use in solving professional tasks. Reflects professional and personal interest in the use of digital technologies professional activities.

The formation of digital competencies of a social work specialist is certainly an important component of his image and professional competence in general. Having digital competencies and using them to solve professional tasks has the following positive aspects:

-increased productivity, a specialist can perform a larger amount of work per unit of working time;

-reduction of paper forms, elimination of routine;

-formation of targeted targeting when working with clients;

-the possibility of creating a "portrait of social problems" of the family, solving problems comprehensively;

-reduction of mechanical errors.

Based on the above, we can note that in the modern world, the development of digital competencies of social work specialists is one of the key areas for improving professional competencies.  However, there are a number of significant problems in the formation and development of digital competencies of social work specialists.  When forming digital competencies of a social work specialist, certain problems arise, for example, the lack of a comprehensive approach to training, limitations, and disinterest of specialists in training.

References:

1. Simarova, I.S. Digital competencies: concept, types, assessment and development / I.S. Simonova, Yu.V. Alekseevicheva, D.V. Tigin // Issues of innovative economics. – 2022. – No.2. – pp. 935-948
2. Firsov, M.V. Digitalization of Russian social work: modern practice and ways of development / M.V. Firsov, V.M. Vdovina, V.I. Savinov // Theory and practice of social development. -2020. –№9 (151). – P.90-113.
3. Khalin, V.G. Digitalization and its impact on the Russian economy and society: advantages, challenges, threats and risks [Electronic resource] / V.G. Khalin, G.V. Chernova. – Access mode: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tsifrovizatsiya-i-ee-vliyanie-na