(The Future of the Social Work Profession in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Transformation Challenges and Empowerment Opportunities)

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The Higher Institute of Social Work-Kafr El-Sheikh

Abstract

The social work profession is undergoing an unprecedented transformation due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), raising fundamental questions about the future of the profession and the evolving roles of social workers in the digital age. This paper explores the impact of AI on professional social work practice, focusing on both emerging challenges and opportunities for empowerment. It examines the inherent human-centered nature of social work—based on empathy, ethical judgment, and contextual sensitivity—which remains irreplaceable by intelligent systems.
The paper reviews key AI applications in social work, including mental health chatbots, case management systems, and predictive analytics tools. It also highlights critical challenges, such as job displacement risks, the digital divide, and ethical concerns regarding data privacy, while offering strategic solutions to address them. Central to the discussion is the concept of the “Smart Social Worker,” a future-oriented model that integrates technical competence with ethical and professional awareness.
The paper concludes with recommendations to reform academic curricula, develop AI-integrated training programs, and restructure professional roles to align with the demands of the digital transformation. It emphasizes that AI should not be seen as a threat to the profession, but rather as an opportunity to reimagine and enhance its impact in an increasingly complex and technology-driven society.

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