Challenges of Case Management in Social Work

Abstract

Case management is a method that has a long history of its application in social work with beneficiaries of services and rights within the social protection system. The application in the Balkan countries is for a shorter period and it is in the process of development and in some countries such as the Republic of North Macedonia, it is at the very beginning of its introduction, which started in 2020. The reason for development of this paper is to critically refer to the use of the case management method, especially in the Balkan countries, to see the segments needed for its development, especially in the countries that are at the beginning of its application. The main objective is to observe certain social circumstances, the creation and application of new laws and by-laws, as well as conceptual professional issues related to modern principles, theory and practice of social work, as well as organizational issues related to the analysis of the process itself through operational phases in the work with beneficiaries. It is pointed out that there is a need to introduce the indicator of the complexity of the case, determining the number of beneficiaries with whom one case manager can work, as well as the analysis and development of the documentation. Research was conducted in three centers for social work and professional experiences and testimonies of professional workers, case managers, as well as the primary experiences of the author of this text were used.