افاق للعلوم
Volume 11, Numéro 3, Pages 59-71
2026-06-01

The Role Of Social Work In Times Of Crises And Disasters

Authors : Drifel Saada .

Abstract

The rapid pace of social change in contemporary societies, along with the accompanying psychological and social challenges, and the increasing incidence of crises and disasters previously unfamiliar to these communities, have necessitated the development of specialized psychological and social programs and services by professionals in the fields of social work and psychosocial care. These interventions are designed to assist individuals in effectively confronting and managing such challenges through evidence-based, professional approaches. The prompt and direct provision of these services to those affected is a critical necessity during crises and disasters, as it plays a pivotal role in preventing the escalation of problems, mitigating their negative impacts on both individuals and society, and promoting overall resilience. These societal transformations have been paralleled by advancements in the human sciences, aimed at deepening the understanding of human behavior and enhancing the capacity to support individuals in overcoming adversity. Consequently, innovative methods and models have emerged to address the psychological and social ramifications of crises and disasters. Among the most prominent is crisis and disaster intervention within the framework of social work practice. As social work has evolved—through its three primary modalities: casework, group work, and community organization—to support individuals, groups, and communities in resolving problems and overcoming functional obstacles, new and complex challenges have surfaced, prompting the need for specialized intervention strategies. Crisis intervention in social work represents a contemporary methodological approach within the profession. It is specifically employed to deliver timely and targeted psychosocial support to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress due to sudden, disruptive events, thereby enabling them to regain stability and cope with their circumstances in a constructive and adaptive manner. From this perspective, the following points will be examined and analyzed: First: Key definitions of crises, disasters, and social work. Second: The role of social work in times of crises and disasters. Third: The role of the social worker during crises and disasters. Fourth: The theory of crisis intervention within the field of social work.

Keywords

Key definitions of crises, disasters, and social work