PENDAMPINGAN PEKERJA SOSIAL BAGI ODHIV MELALUI METODE SOCIAL CASEWORK DI YAYASAN MEDAN PLUS

Abstract

The Field Practice (PKL) at Yayasan Medan Plus provided a meaningful experience in understanding the process of psychosocial support for People Living with HIV/AIDS. This article is a reflection of the author’s journey during the fieldwork, focusing on the accompaniment of a client named "MA," a 40-year-old People Living with Hiv/ AIDS who works as a private tutor. The intervention was carried out through four stages of social casework based on the framework by (Skidmore, Thackeray, and Farley, 1994 in Adi, 2013), namely the study phase, assessment phase, intervention phase, and termination phase. The intervention was designed participatively according to the client’s needs, with a focus on fulfilling recreational aspects and social support through group journaling activities as a form of creative therapy. The results showed positive developments in the client, such as increased self-confidence, the ability to express emotions, and improved social connection with other group members. This experience strengthened the author's understanding of the importance of a humanistic approach, a supportive environment, and the systematic application of social casework methods in supporting individual recovery and empowerment in a sustainable manner.