Desafios à autonomia relativa do/a assistente social na proteção básica no Brasil.

Abstract

The present study is dedicated to analyzing the challenges faced by social workers' autonomy in basic protection. Initially, a historical review of the trajectory of social assistance policy in Brazil was carried out, as well as the emergence and institutionalization of the Social Service profession. The profession has as one of its bases relative autonomy, characterized by freedom of action supported by the professional Code of Ethics, although limited by structural conditions and the need to respond to the demands and interests of employers and users. The theoretical framework addressed issues linked to political interests, precarious training and devaluation in the job market, highlighting that the main challenges for realizing autonomy are political, ethical and professional. The research focused on scientific studies that discuss the history of Social Service, the meaning of the profession in society, relative autonomy and the challenges encountered in the daily life of Basic Social Protection. The methodology adopted was bibliographic in nature, with the analysis of relevant literature on the history and practice of Social Service, in addition to scientific research that discusses professional autonomy and the specific challenges of working in Basic Social Protection. With the promulgation of the Federal Constitution of 1988 and the institution of the Unified Social Assistance System, in 2005, social assistance was consolidated as a social right, but the autonomy of social workers continues to face political, ethical and professional. The precariousness of training, devaluation in the job market and political interference were also addressed as limiting factors. The results indicated that the autonomy of social workers is often compromised by the need to maintain confidentiality, respect the autonomy of users and act impartially, in addition to facing political pressure and resource limitations. The conclusion emphasized the importance of facing these challenges to guarantee a more autonomous and effective professional practice, essential for the effective implementation of social assistance policy and care for vulnerable populations.