2006 - School of Social Service Administration - University of Chicago
2006 - School of Social Service Administration - University of Chicago
2006 - School of Social Service Administration - University of Chicago
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DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS<br />
MAJOR FINDINGS<br />
What emerged is a portrait <strong>of</strong> the daily activities that reflects workers’<br />
negotiations and coordination activities. In the midst <strong>of</strong> these activities, direct<br />
practice with clients themselves represents the most pr<strong>of</strong>ound source <strong>of</strong><br />
satisfaction as well as the greatest challenges for staff.<br />
PRINCIPLE CONCLUSIONS<br />
Interfaith House’s holistic interdisciplinary approach emerged as the central<br />
organizing principle for service provision. This holistic approach led the<br />
agency to expand its on-site services through external linkages, enhancing the<br />
way workers are able to respond to client needs. The availability <strong>of</strong> on-site<br />
services was cited as a source <strong>of</strong> job satisfaction. Staff reported they were able<br />
to make a more personalized contribution to client care. Workers attributed<br />
the holistic multidisciplinary approach to enhanced job satisfaction for workers<br />
and better outcomes for clients at Interfaith House.<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
LISSETTE M. PIEDRA is an assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Illinois at Urbana–Champaign<br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Social</strong> Work. Her research interests center on how race and ethnicity intersect with class<br />
to influence the development, delivery, and utilization <strong>of</strong> health and social services for vulnerable<br />
populations. She is the coeditor <strong>of</strong> the forthcoming book Our Diverse Society (NASW Press).<br />
She received her M.S.W. from Loyola <strong>University</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>.<br />
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