Preparing for, and organizationally supporting, social work advocacy practice: A mixed methods study of mental health hospital social workers in Ontario, Canada

Abstract An essential component of social work practice, advocacy encompasses activities to influence systems and attitudes. Drawing on a larger sequential mixed-methods study of frontline social workers’ experiences, this paper uses descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis of an online survey (n = 43) and in-depth interviews (n = 12) to highlight factors facilitating social workers’ advocacy practices as they support client, family, and community well-being. Findings illustrate previous experiences, social work education, and peer support best prepared participants. Effective formal platforms, fostering professional growth, and dedicated time with a clear mandate were identified as organizational mechanisms to better embed advocacy efforts.