The Role and Challenges Faced by Social Work Stations in the Field of Social Assistance

Abstract

 

With the continuous downward extension of social assistance to the grassroots level, township (street) social work stations have become an important platform for addressing the shortcomings of grassroots civil affairs and carrying out public services. This study reviews the development history of social work stations and their differentiated governance and service operation models in various regions, and explores their functions in the field of social assistance through practical cases. Studies have shown that social work stations can effectively address the shortcomings of grassroots civil affairs services and bridge the ‘last mile’ in serving the people by accurately identifying those in need of assistance, translating policies, integrating social resources, and empowering service recipients to integrate into society. Meanwhile, the development of social work stations still faces problems such as a shortage of professional personnel, frequent staff turnover, weak resource integration, and susceptibility to administrative constraints. This study clarifies the value and practical challenges of social work stations in the field of social assistance, and provides a reference for the standardized implementation of assistance services by grassroots social work stations.