Gerontological Social Workers' Perceived Efficacy for Influencing Client Outcomes

Abstract

Using a sample of practitioners (n = 269) from the 2004 National Study of Licensed Social Workers, this article employs a quality assurance structure–process–outcome model to examine factors at the practitioner, workplace, and service delivery levels that influence the perceived efficacy of licensed gerontological social workers to affect client outcomes in the context of a highly challenging health care environment. A regression model accounted for 33.9% of the variance (adjusted R ² = .291) in perceived efficacy with 3 aspects of service delivery satisfaction having significant effects: ability to address complex/chronic care, to influence the design of services, and to help clients navigate the system.

Keywords:

• social work practice
• perceived efficacy
• job satisfaction
• quantitative methods
• curriculum and training

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant from the Arizona Geriatrics Education Center.

Notes

¹New England, Middle Atlantic, East North Central, West North Central, South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific