Occupational Stress in Social Services: a Comparison of Social Workers and Home Help Staff

SUMMARY An investigation of occupational stress among professional and support staff within a social services department in north-west England was carried out, with the aim of optimizing the use of resources in the planning of stress management interventions. A two-phased research design was used to collect qualitative (by interview) and quantitative data (by questionnaire). The results reported here are based on data from 63 social workers and 74 home helps, who were involved in ‘front-line’ work with clients. Sources of stress, measures of individual well-being, job satisfaction, rganizational commitment and absenteeism data are described. Comparisons with other occupational groups are included.