The Role of Community Care Workers and the Coping Strategies they Adopt in High-Risk Contexts

The role of community care workers in ensuring the stability of vulnerable families cannot be underestimated. The extent of their responsibilities often has an effect on their personal wellbeing. The resultant occupational stress requires them to develop coping and stress management skills. This study explored the coping strategies embraced by community care workers in dealing with their duties. The study employed a qualitative exploratory case study design. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi-structured workshops. Ten participants who worked with vulnerable families were purposively selected from a non-profit organisation. The care workers were prepared to handle the physical aspects of their responsibilities, but the emotional aspects appeared to have long-lasting negative repercussions. The coping strategies used by the care workers included debriefing and collegial support. It is believed that their training should include rudimentary counselling, case-conceptualisation skills and self-care.

Keywords: Care workers, self-care, psychological adaptation, counselling, adversity, risk, coping strategies