Young, unaccompanied refugees’ expectations of social workers and social worker roles

Background: Young people who have travelled to another country, unaccompanied and with refugee status, are a both resilient vulnerable group specific needs. Supporting them is often challenging for social workers, providing this support mediated by the expectations that these young of workers worker roles. Aim: In study, we explore how refugees (YURs) perceive roles in national context Norway, where concerns about quality work been highlighted. Method: Using theoretical lens role theory, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted 11 Afghan boys between 16 23 years age, living under protection Child Welfare Services (CWS) two municipalities Norway. The explored boys’ positive negative experiences worker. A thematic analysis was conducted, which coding framework informed premise actual experience informs our other individuals’ behaviour Findings: YURs’ more than instrumental, task they expect perform. They also be performed person-centred, therapeutic alliance (e.g. humour trust), exhibits particular personal characteristics or competences, besides being culturally competent sensitive. Conclusion: We find descriptions worker’s caregiver practical helper similar what contact CWS expect. However, YURs an additional role, field work, namely integration helper. each individual person has individual, flux contextual, not consistent over time. Therefore, recommend prioritizing learning person’s roles, as well useful weighting refugee.