LocationsAs UNDP Kazakhstan tests new mobile app for social workers vulnerable groups a step away from improved services
September 28, 2022
Today digitalization is driving new ways of working, opening-up new vistas of opportunities. A key enabler of sustainable development, digitalization helps to reach the most vulnerable – via tech innovations that promote people-oriented governance.
Governments for their part are using new technology to deliver more responsive and effective services to citizens, ensuring no one is left behind.
In Kazakhstan, UNDP is promoting digital transformation of social service delivery. As part of the COVID-19 MPTF-funded Programme, which three UN Agencies is implementing, UNDP is designing an innovative Family Social Card digital platform with national partners. The platform can collect and process information on the most vulnerable groups to provide them with targeted socio-economic assistance.
The programme includes the introduction of a mobile application for social workers to increase efficiency, improve transparency and monitor services provided by social workers. Being the first of its kind, it works both as a website and an application.
This tool does away with paper documentation, increases work efficiency and makes it possible to create one-click analyses of services.
The app has recently been tested in Astana at the "Zhansaya" Social Services Centre. The pilot was conducted with managers and social workers who used the mobile application and website in their daily routines over a three-month period.
Digitizing social work field is critical because most routine tasks, such as monitoring, reporting and assigning services, still involves paperwork. So a mobile app helps social workers deliver services more efficiently.
For managers it’s more convenient to create consolidated reports automatically rather than manually.
The application interface is available in both Russian and Kazakh languages, and in offline format. In the manager mode, social workers’ deadlines and daily tasks can be monitored and activities added, based on each employee’s workload.
"I visit children every day. With the mobile application, I can get the parents' signatures electronically and attach photos. I used to have to fill out all the prescriptions by hand, but now it's much faster,"notes Aida Yesmagzamova, social worker, "Zhansaya" Social Services Centre.
"The mobile application is convenient because it makes our work more transparent. I can see remotely what tasks the social workers are doing in real time,"said Yerdaulet Amanbay, deputy head, social work, "Zhansaya” Social Services Centre.
The mobile app is a win-win for everyone, especially families in difficult economic situations, the latest target of digitized social services delivery.
