ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged human service professionals, including social workers. Social workers continued their practice during the pandemic and developed new ways of working and adaptation to rapid changes at home and work. They assisted with both short and long-term responses to COVID-19, focusing on the needs of vulnerable and marginalised populations. A UK study by McFadden and colleagues explored the impact on social worker well-being and coping across different periods starting in 2020. Their surveys revealed that, despite increased pressures and changes in practice, social workers mostly continued to work creatively, using online platforms and adaptive risk management approaches to ensure those most at risk of harm were ‘seen’ or ‘heard’. However, these efforts took a toll on their well-being with burnout reported to be high in relation to personal and work life. This chapter discusses findings from this research, focusing on the impact of working during the pandemic on well-being when burnout co-exists, whilst simultaneously exploring ‘how’ social workers cope with crises, which may be useful learning for the future.
