Social workers resigning at rate of one a week
RTE (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0109/671332-social-workers/
New figures on staff turnover obtained by RTÉ's Morning Ireland indicate that social workers are
almost twice as likely to resign their positions when compared to
management and administrative staff in the Health Service Executive.
Latest figures show 326 social workers left their positions between 2010 and 2013, which represents a turnover rate of more than 15%.
208 resigned, 50 retired, 28 reached the end of their contracts, two died, one left because of permanent infirmity, and 37 joined another health board or agency.
While staff numbers have reduced in most areas of the health service following the introduction of a recruitment moratorium in 2009, the number of social workers increased by 190 to 2,329 at the end of 2013.
The figures indicate that while the State is continuing to recruit social workers, particularly in the area of child and family support, a large number of staff are simultaneously walking away from the profession.
Campaigners say social workers are leaving the job because of stress levels, lack of managerial support and burnout.
They add that continuity of care and the formation of lasting relationships is crucial to effective social work.
However, the chief operating officer with TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency Fred McBride has said since the organisation's inception at the start of last year turnover rates have reduced.
Mr McBride said 102 social workers left the agency in 2014, representing a turnover rate of 6.7%.
"In comparative terms with other jurisdictions that compares extremely well," he said.
"We're looking at a caseload management system to ensure caseloads are kept within a manageable level and we're looking at ways of keeping frontline staff in practice rather than moving them into management grades."
Mr McBride said TUSLA would consider introducing an "exit interview" to assess why social workers are leaving their jobs.
"We're looking at ways of ensuring that social workers coming into the job spend as much time working directly with children and spending less time behind computers."
Former social worker highlights stress levels
One former social worker who spoke on condition of anonymity said staffing levels and high caseloads were causing unsustainable levels of stress for social workers.
She described how agency social workers were brought in at short notice to cover gaps in staffing levels ahead of inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority.
When the inspectors left, the source said, the agency staff were let go.
"I started to feel that instead of helping these children and families I was now part of a system that was causing them further harm and stress.
"Every social worker I speak to has an exit strategy because it’s impossible. It's not something you can stay in beyond a certain length of time," she explained.
However, Mr McBride denied that such a practice could occur under the new agency.
"I can tell you in the last year we have never used agency staff simply to cover and inspection period," he said.
"Our priority is ensuring that safe service is provided to children and families."
In 2009, the Ryan Report identified the retention of social workers in Irish child care as problematic, with higher turnover rates than other areas.
Irish Association of Social Workers chairman Dónal O'Malley said while some progress has been made since the publication of the report, more was required.
"The big factor is the pressure of the job and the high caseloads. I think that's reflected in the number of people who have chosen to unfortunately get out of the child and family agency," Mr O'Malley said.
"This has been a problem for quite some time even pre-dating the formation of the new TUSLA agency, so it's no surprise this continues to be a problem."
While resignation rates can be higher in other areas of the health service, the Health Service Executive has been actively trying to reduce numbers in certain sectors and most are subject to a recruitment embargo.
Social work is exempt from the embargo and the State is committed to maintaining staffing levels.
Latest figures show 326 social workers left their positions between 2010 and 2013, which represents a turnover rate of more than 15%.
208 resigned, 50 retired, 28 reached the end of their contracts, two died, one left because of permanent infirmity, and 37 joined another health board or agency.
While staff numbers have reduced in most areas of the health service following the introduction of a recruitment moratorium in 2009, the number of social workers increased by 190 to 2,329 at the end of 2013.
The figures indicate that while the State is continuing to recruit social workers, particularly in the area of child and family support, a large number of staff are simultaneously walking away from the profession.
Campaigners say social workers are leaving the job because of stress levels, lack of managerial support and burnout.
They add that continuity of care and the formation of lasting relationships is crucial to effective social work.
However, the chief operating officer with TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency Fred McBride has said since the organisation's inception at the start of last year turnover rates have reduced.
Mr McBride said 102 social workers left the agency in 2014, representing a turnover rate of 6.7%.
"In comparative terms with other jurisdictions that compares extremely well," he said.
"We're looking at a caseload management system to ensure caseloads are kept within a manageable level and we're looking at ways of keeping frontline staff in practice rather than moving them into management grades."
Mr McBride said TUSLA would consider introducing an "exit interview" to assess why social workers are leaving their jobs.
"We're looking at ways of ensuring that social workers coming into the job spend as much time working directly with children and spending less time behind computers."
Former social worker highlights stress levels
One former social worker who spoke on condition of anonymity said staffing levels and high caseloads were causing unsustainable levels of stress for social workers.
She described how agency social workers were brought in at short notice to cover gaps in staffing levels ahead of inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority.
When the inspectors left, the source said, the agency staff were let go.
"I started to feel that instead of helping these children and families I was now part of a system that was causing them further harm and stress.
"Every social worker I speak to has an exit strategy because it’s impossible. It's not something you can stay in beyond a certain length of time," she explained.
However, Mr McBride denied that such a practice could occur under the new agency.
"I can tell you in the last year we have never used agency staff simply to cover and inspection period," he said.
"Our priority is ensuring that safe service is provided to children and families."
In 2009, the Ryan Report identified the retention of social workers in Irish child care as problematic, with higher turnover rates than other areas.
Irish Association of Social Workers chairman Dónal O'Malley said while some progress has been made since the publication of the report, more was required.
"The big factor is the pressure of the job and the high caseloads. I think that's reflected in the number of people who have chosen to unfortunately get out of the child and family agency," Mr O'Malley said.
"This has been a problem for quite some time even pre-dating the formation of the new TUSLA agency, so it's no surprise this continues to be a problem."
While resignation rates can be higher in other areas of the health service, the Health Service Executive has been actively trying to reduce numbers in certain sectors and most are subject to a recruitment embargo.
Social work is exempt from the embargo and the State is committed to maintaining staffing levels.
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