When things are at their most challenging it is typically a Social Worker who can step in and bring order to the chaos. Social Workers, Case Managers, Child Protective Investigations and all other Child Welfare Professionals positively impact hundreds of children and families throughout their careers. Take the time to acknowledge these heroes in our community.
Many Human Service professionals are often so focused on helping others, they fail to care for, nourish and replenish themselves in order to mitigate the occupational hazards of their profession and thrive within their work. They see the best and the worst of society every day, and even the strongest can crack under the pressure. That is why self-care is so important.
Self-Care isn’t just about eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep. While important, these elements only scratch the surface of an intentional and successful wellness plan. Practicing self-care can be an antidote to burnout, which is a combination of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. While employees in many fields experience burnout, human service professionals are particularly susceptible because of the high levels of empathy required by their jobs. They also experience the stress of working with clients who are often in crisis and may be working for an agency where resources may be scarce.
Below are some Self-Care Resources:
Self Care: A to Z
Burnout in Child Welfare Infographic
The Center’s Professional Development and Workforce Support Resources
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