Social Work Under Pressure

by van Heugten, Kate

• ISBN13: 9781849051163
• ISBN10: 184905116X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-08-15
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub

Summary

Stress, fatigue and burnout are serious problems in the social work profession. High case loads, staff shortages, budget cuts and the challenging nature of the job contribute to high levels of stress, and social workers can crack under the pressure. This accessible book demonstrates how managers and practitioners can overcome workplace stress, fatigue and burnout by understanding the causes and implementing practical strategies. Part 1 outlines how stress, fatigue, burnout and trauma can be identified; how they impact upon social workers; and how self-care strategies can help. Part 2 explores stress in particular settings, covering frontline practice, working with trauma, working with aggressive clients, bullying and violence in the workplace, and making mistakes. Practical strategies and tools appropriate to each situation are demonstrated. The book is rooted in the reality of everyday social work, incorporating the views and experiences of a host of practising social workers.

Author Biography

Kate van Heugten, PhD, is Senior Lecturer at the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. She has extensive experience as a social worker and supervisor in statutory and private practice. Her research interests focus on professional and workplace issues, including workplace stress and bullying.

Table of Contents

Workplace Stress
Introduction to Concepts and Models of Workplace Stress	p. 11
Stress in Social Work	p. 32
Stress in Your Personal and Professional Life	p. 59
Thriving in a Social Work Career	p. 81
Stress in Frontline Practice	p. 81
The Stress of Working with Trauma	p. 108
Working with Aggressive or Violent Service Users	p. 133
Rudeness, Bullying and Violence in the Workplace	p. 150
Being Human, Making Mistakes	p. 176
Towards Balance in Practice	p. 193
References	p. 205
Subject Index	p. 217
Author Index	p. 222
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