SOCIAL CASE WORK OR CASE MANAGEMENT? UNDERSTANDING TWO COMPLEMENTARY APPROACHES IN ARMENIAN SOCIAL WORK

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between social case work and social case management within the development of social work practice in Armenia. Although these concepts are frequently used interchangeably in Armenian professional discourse, they represent distinct yet complementary methods of intervention. Drawing upon international social work literature and the historical evolution of social services in Armenia, the article analyzes the origins, theoretical foundations, and practical applications of both approaches. The discussion demonstrates that social case work primarily focuses on direct professional engagement with beneficiaries through assessment, intervention, and psychosocial support, whereas social case management emphasizes coordination of services, resource mobilization, and oversight of interventions delivered by multiple providers. The article traces how confusion between these approaches emerged during the early institutionalization of social work in Armenia and explains how the integration of social services has increased the relevance of case management. It is argued that the future development of Armenia’s social protection system requires a clear conceptual distinction between these methods while simultaneously promoting their integration. Such an approach would strengthen professional practice, improve service delivery, and enhance outcomes for beneficiaries facing complex social problems.