Psychology in social services: Practice in an "outsourced sector"

Abstract

This study aimed to discuss how psychologists working in the Sistema Único de Assistência Social (Unified System for Social Assistance) experience and perceive the outsourcing process of this public social assistance policy. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with psychologists who work in different social service settings, and a field research was carried out in a social assistance center. Among other things, the interviewees highlighted the fact that the outsourcing process of the Unified System for Social Assistance does not promote sustained employment, but rather low-wage jobs, lack of training, and high turnover. As a conclusion, it can be said that although Brazilian laws are aimed at effectively promoting employment stability and the end of outsourcing of social care services, there are gaps that allow unstable employment and insecure contracts, which affect the health of the Unified System for Social Assistance workers.

Keywords:
Psychology social; Social work; Nonprofit sector; Work