The purpose of this study was to investigate what it is like to work as a social secretary, who meets clients who live with mental illness. The method that has been applied has been a qualitative study. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews. The number of participants in the study was eight people, six women and two men. All participants worked or have worked as social workers. The collected material was analyzed through Braun & Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis model. From the thematic analysis, three themes were created: Responding to a person in need of help, Authority with compassion and Mental illness and shame. The results showed that by meeting the client in a respectful empathetic way, and then working in a way to strengthen the relationship and the work alliance for a future collaboration. Working together, collaborating in the areas where the client himself has an opportunity to influence is felt to mean that the balance of power is more equal. The high workload also risks affecting the treatment of people living with mental illness in a negative way. That through relief in workload could lead to a more successful result for the client, but also for the job satisfaction for social workers.

This study focuses on the proposed legislative amendment regarding mandatory reporting. The purpose of the study is to investigate how social workers within social services perceive the legislative proposal on mandatory reporting, identify ethical dilemmas that social workers associate with the mandatory reporting law, and explore how they reason about handling these dilemmas. Consequently, three research questions have been formulated and answered using a qualitative interview method. We interviewed six social workers and within social services from different areas. Lipsky's theory of Street-level bureaucrats (1980) and previous research in this area were used as theoretical frameworks.  Our results indicate that social workers attitudes toward the legislative proposal vary; some remain critical, while others consider it similar to any other legislative proposal that regulates their work. Regarding the question of ethical dilemmas, they agree that such dilemmas can arise, but it does not necessarily affect all social workers. Concerning the management of role conflict and ethical dilemmas arising from mandatory reporting, there are different responses answers range from adapting the law to social workers' varied choices in handling this situation. Some argue that they want to align with the client's side, finding support in the organization's guidelines. On the other hand, there are those who believe it is best to follow the law to avoid potential consequences that may arise and conflict with the organization's mission and requirements. Some even choose to leave the workplace if they cannot align with the client within the organization's framework.