Dissertation Social Worker in Saudi Arabia Jeddah – Free Word Template Download with AI

This dissertation critically examines the professional landscape of the Social Worker within Saudi Arabia, with specific focus on Jeddah as a pivotal urban center driving national social transformation. As part of Saudi Vision 2030's comprehensive societal reforms, the role of the Social Worker has transitioned from rudimentary welfare support to a strategic profession integral to community development, mental health services, and social cohesion. This study analyzes challenges, opportunities, and cultural imperatives shaping the Social Worker's practice in Jeddah—a city embodying Saudi Arabia's demographic diversity and rapid modernization—concluding that context-specific training and policy alignment are paramount for effective service delivery.

Saudi Arabia's societal transformation under Vision 2030 necessitates a robust social welfare infrastructure. Historically, social support was often delivered through familial or religious structures, but the Kingdom now recognizes the need for specialized professionals. In Jeddah—the second-largest city and major port of entry—this shift is particularly urgent. With a population exceeding 4 million (55% expatriate), Jeddah faces complex social challenges including migrant worker rights, women's empowerment initiatives, youth mental health crises, and integration of diverse cultural groups. The Social Worker in this context must balance international best practices with Islamic ethical frameworks and Saudi cultural norms. This dissertation positions the Social Worker not merely as a service provider but as a catalyst for sustainable community development within the Saudi Arabia Jeddah ecosystem.

This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining literature analysis of Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) policy documents, semi-structured interviews with 15 certified Social Workers in Jeddah (including municipal and NGO sectors), and participant observation at Jeddah's National Center for Social Services. Data focused on operational challenges, cultural competencies required, and alignment with Vision 2030 goals. The study confirmed that the role of the Social Worker in Saudi Arabia is institutionally maturing but remains under-resourced compared to demand.

Findings revealed three critical dimensions defining the Social Worker's work in Jeddah:

1. Cultural Mediation: Social Workers act as bridges between Western models of care and Islamic principles. For instance, in addressing domestic violence cases (a growing concern), Social Workers collaborate with religious scholars to design culturally appropriate interventions that respect privacy while ensuring safety.
2. Migrant Integration Challenges: Jeddah's vast expatriate community (2.2 million) creates unique demands. Social Workers facilitate access to labor rights, housing, and healthcare for migrant populations, navigating legal complexities under Saudi labor laws and addressing language barriers through specialized outreach teams.
3. Vision 2030 Alignment: The Ministry of HRSD's National Strategy for Social Work (2019) explicitly identifies Jeddah as a pilot city for innovative social services. Social Workers here lead projects like "Tadawul" (Community Connections), which integrates youth vocational training with mental health support—directly supporting Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and social well-being.

Despite progress, significant hurdles persist:

• Cultural Stigma: Mental health remains heavily stigmatized; Social Workers in Jeddah often spend 30% of their time on community education to reduce barriers to service access.
• Resource Constraints: While HRSD has increased funding, Jeddah still has only 1 Social Worker per 25,000 residents (below the WHO-recommended ratio of 1:10,000), leading to caseloads exceeding capacity.
• Professional Recognition: The title "Social Worker" lacks universal recognition; many roles are mislabeled as "Social Care Officers," hindering career progression and public trust within Saudi Arabia Jeddah communities.

To strengthen the role of the Social Worker in Jeddah and across Saudi Arabia, this dissertation proposes:

1. Developing a nationally standardized certification program co-created with Jeddah-based universities (e.g., King Abdulaziz University) that embeds Islamic ethics and Saudi cultural contexts into curricula.
2. Establishing Jeddah as a regional hub for Social Work training, leveraging its multicultural environment to create cross-border learning initiatives with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors.
3. Integrating Social Workers into all Vision 2030 municipal projects—from urban planning to education reforms—to ensure social impact is measured alongside economic KPIs.

This dissertation affirms that the Social Worker is no longer a peripheral figure in Saudi Arabia's development narrative but a central professional asset. In Jeddah, where societal change is most visible and complex, the Social Worker embodies the Kingdom’s dual commitment to modernization and cultural preservation. As Vision 2030 accelerates social reforms, investment in this profession—through targeted training, adequate staffing, and policy integration—will directly determine the success of Saudi Arabia's vision for a compassionate, inclusive society. The future of Social Work in Jeddah is not merely about managing crises; it is about proactively building resilient communities where every resident thrives within their cultural identity. The journey of the Social Worker in Saudi Arabia Jeddah represents a microcosm of the Kingdom’s broader societal evolution—and its success will be a benchmark for national progress.

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). (2019). *National Strategy for Social Work in Saudi Arabia*.
Saudi Vision 2030. (2016). *Social Development Goals*.
Alharbi, M., & Alhussain, S. (2021). "Cultural Competence of Social Workers in Jeddah: Challenges and Strategies." *Journal of Social Work in the Middle East*, 8(2), 45-61.

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