<p>The article reconstructs professional action orientations of social workers who were active during and in the aftermath of the 2021 flood disaster in the Ahr Valley and the Western Eifel region in Germany. Based on qualitative interviews and using the documentary method, four types are identified: (1)&#xa0;the biographically oriented type, (2)&#xa0;the client-oriented type with a&#xa0;focus on vulnerability, (3)&#xa0;the client-oriented type with a&#xa0;focus on agency, and (4)&#xa0;the organisationally oriented type. The empirical findings show that professional action differs in specific ways in the situation of heightened uncertainty in disaster contexts. While there are initially uncertainties at the organisational level and new structures such as flood relief teams must be established under time pressure, professionals in frontline settings are confident in their actions. This sense of agency is largely grounded in biographically acquired professional competencies and a&#xa0;professional habitus. At the same time, the findings indicate that personal experiences of being affected by the disaster function both as a&#xa0;resource and as a&#xa0;challenge, blurring established boundaries between professionals and service users. Central to practice is the complex interplay between perceiving affected individuals as vulnerable or as capable of action, as well as the need for a&#xa0;reflective professional role. The article contributes to qualitative empirical research on professional practice in disaster contexts and highlights the importance of further developing professional competencies and related educational frameworks.</p>