• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.36
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• pp.147-173
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status and problems of the social service delivery system for women in Korea, and to suggest ways to improve its function. The current social service delivery system in the public sector contains a network of services connected with the Division of Women's Welfare in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This study focused on evaluating the function of the public service delivery system from the perspective of the service providers. A survey of 167 civil officers in charge of women's welfare services in the city.county.district administrations, and 202 women's welfare counselors around the country was conducted in order to evaluate their current duties, effectiveness of services, and problems of the current system Six criteria including integration, continuity, accessibility, adequacy, efforts and professionalism were used for evaluating the effectiveness of the social service delivery system for women. According to the survey, the civil officers and women's counselors gave relatively favorable ratings for their job effectiveness and job satisfaction. However, their duties involving guidance and counseling of prostitute women and operation of women's welfare councils received least favorable evaluation. Moreover, in terms for job satisfaction, these service providers were less satisfied with their working conditions than their relationships with clients or colleagues. In addition, budget and personnel shortages were the most serious problems facing the delivery system Further analysis showed that professionalism and accessibility of the service delivery system had positive impact on job effectiveness while efforts, integration, accessibility and adequacy had positive impact on job satisfaction of the service providers. These findings have potential implications for designing more effective social service delivery system for women.