Abstract

The essay analyses the work position of social workers in Italy according to a national research carried out in 2008 which considers 1.000 people registered at Oas (Ordine assistenti sociali). The first theme deals with the spheres of professional insertion and the most relevant types of users whom these workers encounter depending on territorial contest and work seniority. The other two themes concern activities actually worked out, and the interest that social workers declare towards these activities. On the whole, we found a situation characterized on one hand by a wide plurality of working spheres which is connected with a growing plurality of types of users, on the other hand by elements of substantial homogeneity, both for what concerns activities actually worked out, and, above all, for what concerns the subjective importance given to them. In particular the role played by the relationship with the users is absolutely central.