AN ADAPTIVE MODEL OF TRAINING SOCIAL WORKERS FOR CRISIS INTERVENTION AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT OF VETERANS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

The article presents an adaptive model of professional training for social workers in crisis intervention and psychosocial support of veterans in communities, taking into account the age-specific characteristics of the target group and the regional context. The model was developed and tested in the city of Zaporizhzhia – a frontline region facing constant humanitarian challenges amid the full-scale war. The authors, combining academic and practical experience, substantiate the need to revise the content of training for social work professionals in response to modern conditions that require the ability to act under uncertainty, moral complexity, and social turbulence.The proposed model is based on the integration of competency-based, participatory, and person-centered approaches and includes four components: conceptual-analytical, practice-oriented, ethical-personal, and institutional-organizational. Particular attention is paid to the development of crisis intervention skills, primary psychological aid, emotional resilience, and the capacity to facilitate the inclusion of veterans of different ages, considering their specific needs and life circumstances. The empirical foundation of the study includes the results of a training course for social workers conducted at the Center for Professional Qualifications of Zaporizhzhia National University.The model’s compliance with the provisions of the professional standard for social workers in veteran support is demonstrated, while existing gaps in the regulatory framework are identified and highlighted as requiring revision. The results indicate an increase in trainees' professional readiness, a boost in their motivation for social innovation, and the establishment of community-based partnerships. The article outlines directions for further research, particularly in the areas of evaluating reintegration effectiveness, preventing professional burnout, and involving veterans' own experiences in the training process for social work professionals.