Application of the ecological model to school social work in Ruzomberok, Slovakia

Abstract

This research attempts to explore the roles, challenges and practical strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of school social workers in Ruzomberok, Slovakia. This exploration is grounded by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and investigates how micro-, meso-, and macro-level stressors influence social workers’ ability to support at-risk students. This research used a qualitative approach; data were collected via semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with experienced school social workers and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings highlight three critical themes: (1) the multifaceted roles of school social workers, including counselling, advocacy, and bridging schools, families, and communities; (2) practical obstacles they face, encompassing unstable funding, high caseloads, burnout, lack of specialized tools, and societal stigma surrounding social work; and (3) practical strategies to address these barriers, including strengthening community engagement, implementing policy reforms, and adopting evidence-based practices from countries like Germany and Finland. This research emphasises the urgent need for stable fund allocation, professional development programs, and community-based networks to lessen workloads and enhance social workers’ effectiveness. Moreover, it advocates for the creation of a dedicated community collaboration roles and the development of culturally responsive intervention tools to address students’ needs. This study contributes to the sparse literature on school social work in Ruzomberok, Slovakia. It proposes practical recommendations for policymakers, school administrators, and practitioners to improve student’s well-being, create inclusive educational environments, and enhance the status of social work within the Slovak educational system. The findings have broader implications for other post-socialist contexts facing similar socio-economic and structural challenges.