Case Managers & Workplace Safety
Like many social service workers, for case managers, violence and workplace safety are important issues. Case managers work in a variety of settings, some of which involve increased risk which case managers, as well as their supervisors, should be aware of.
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Function
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In certain types of work, issues of violence for case managers are common. For instance, acute psychiatric work, or areas where crises are more likely to occur and clients have less impulse control, safety for the worker is a concern. Similarly, child welfare workers often face increased risk due to dealing with families who are in crisis, and where abuse, addiction and mental illness are prevalent.
Significance
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Job-related violence for social workers (many of whom are functioning as case managers) is common. For instance, according to the National Association of Social Workers in a 2006 survey, 44 percent of 5,000 social workers reported problems with safety at work.
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Prevention
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Training and other safety measures for these types of positions are vital to addressing this issue. Congress is currently considering a bill entitled the Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act which would provide funds and programs to help increase social worker and social work case manager safety.
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References
- "Community Mental Health Journal;" Brief Report: Violence Prevention and Safety Training for Case Management Services; Robert L. Weisman and J. Steven Lamberti; August 2002
- AFSCME Publications: Double Jeopardy: Caseworkers at Risk Helping at Risk Kids
- NASW: Hill Briefing Explores Social Worker Safety Issues
- govtrack.us: H.R. 1490: Teri Zenner Social Worker Safety Act
