Social Work with Long-Term Unemployed in Their Competitive Labor Market

Employment is important to each country. The family's economic situation, the standard of living and well- being of the family depends on work is, and whether there is work at all. Unemployment is currently an issue in Latvia as well. In social work with the unemployed, local municipality social workers use the resources offered by the State Employment Agency (SEA), although innovative methods are also necessary. The main aim of the research is to analyze social work with the long-term unemployed, to study the professional work of a social worker to increase the competitiveness of the unemployed in the labor market. The theoretical basis of the research is the research findings and literature on the topicality of the topic. The empirical study uses questionnaires, interviews and data processing in the programme. The study was conducted in 2017-2018 in a survey of longterm unemployed, interviewing social workers, mentors, and lecturers involved in unemployed education programmes. Based on the theoretical findings and authors' personal experiences in educational projects and work with adults in Latvian higher education institutions, the paper summarizes analysis of several situations. The causes and consequences of long-term unemployment have been clarified. The motivation and attitude of the long-term unemployed to the proposed support measures are studied. The role of a social worker in motivating unemployed people, increasing self-awareness and self-esteem in order to reduce their social exclusion has been analyzed. As a result, a model is developed for the work of social workers with the unemployed in order to increase their competitiveness in the labor market. The research proves that using different methods in working with the long-term unemployed can increase their competitiveness in the labor market. United and coordinated teamwork of professionals is important. More research is required to improve social work in Latvia.