Social Worker Safety: Keeping Safe While Working Alone

Table of Contents

  1. Recognizing agitation and signaling 

  2. Violence de-escalation 

  3. Survey the environment 

  4. What can social workers do to keep b while working alone?

    1. Check your safety communications 

    2. Provide an automated check-in system 

    3. Employ GPS location tracking 

    4. Safety training 

  5. Key takeaways 

While society prizes those among us who put others first, it takes more than empathy to be a successful social worker. Social workers combine active listening, knowledge of the rules, and positivity to succeed. Unlike other public service professions, along with health workers, paramedics, and firefighters, social workers can find themselves in harm’s way. They can, however, reduce their risk if they are prepared.

Social workers are called in when a situation has become messy. Their client might be spiraling downwards or is in an environment that has deteriorated. Sometimes the client happily accepts assistance; when that is not the case, social workers must lean on their training to de-escalate highly charged and possibly life-threatening situations.  

Theoretically, we should all be less at risk. However, there are still people who either snap, suffer undiagnosed mental illness, or are comfortable resorting to violence as the first, best solution. Despite this, other service providers, such as healthcare and teaching, have also seen a rise in workplace violence. In a study of 10,000 licensed social workers, nearly half reported incidents in which personal safety was threatened (National Association of Social Workers (NASW) April 2011 Newsletter).

Many social workers tread a fine line, knowing that visiting a client alone in a familiar and safe environment will foster a better relationship. But they also know that this carries more risk. Hence experts like Sherry Saturno (LCSW, DSCW), drawing on earlier studies, promoted that social workers get more training and adopt guidelines for engagement.

Saturno referred to the work of, for example, the NASW Massachusetts Chapter, which had “created a general outline to safeguard against potential violence.” Their guidelines include:  

  • Recognize Agitation & Signaling 

  • De-escalation 

  • Environment 

  • Equipment 

  • Training  

Recognizing agitation and signaling 

Possibly easier said than done, when encountering a client or entering a situation with others who might feel challenged or protective of the client, one needs to be alert for statements and posturing that might escalate into violence.  

Saturno suggests having a safe word that might signal a concern or the need for immediate assistance. 

Violence de-escalation 

A situation starts with a signal. Knowing the client (and/or the client’s situation), the social worker should think about what to say in the event client becomes agitated. These might involve apologies, body language, and/or offering something. One might back out of a room, show one is unarmed, or sit down to appear less intimidating.  

Before entering the situation, knowing that it could be confrontational, one should have determined a list of de-escalation options. 

A well-prepared professional is one who pays close attention to the tone of voice. That professional, despite the situation, needs to sound calm, fair, and empathetic when trying to assure another who feels threatened.  

Survey the environment 

Within the premises and beyond, a professional should determine the potential exits and what obstacles might lie in the way of escape. Before entering the room too far, one must survey the situation in case one needs to retreat quickly. 

If there are objects that might be used offensively, a professional seeks to have them removed. Conversely, one should also note what items can be used defensively. 

What can social workers do to keep safe while working alone?

Social workers and their employers can also take several steps to elevate the safety of these people, especially when going into their homes. Saturno recommends employing the latest technology, like SafetyLine, to monitor their employees' health, safety, location, and belongings. Such ordinary social work circumstances include:

Check your safety communications 

Making sure all communication devices like cell phones are fully charged and operating correctly should be a regular part of the routine when providing care in people’s homes. The SafetyLine app can easily be downloaded onto your phone, including a discreet panic button for emergencies.

Provide an automated check-in system 

Regularly using an automated check-in system like SafetyLine will proactively confirm the social workers’ safety, alerting an emergency if they fail to check in after a shift or home visit. Proactive check-in timers will monitor the worker’s safety in the least invasive way possible. 

Employ GPS location tracking 

Employers do not need to track their people at all times; however, in an emergency, they need to know where they can send help as quickly as possible. Employing a GPS location tracking system will make sure urgent help can be sent to the correct location – even if it’s outside of cellular range.

Safety training 

Saturno felt that there is “no one solution to prevent violence against social workers.” And that the profession must rely on services beyond the resourcefulness of its professionals.  

They should also have a good grounding in self-defense, what the process might be in case there is a reportable incident, and what might be expected from the service provider. 

When investigating jobs for social workers, even remotely, applicants should also ask about the supporting educational programs included.  

Not all jurisdictions are the same; thus one needs to know more than the local rules. There might also be funds for further training, support, and equipment on which one can draw. And there might be other services available to whom clients can be referred or enrolled. 

Finally, social workers with their support teams should regularly practice regular safety training and handling complex events the same way firefighters conduct fire drills. 

Key takeaways 

Social workers in the field need to think not just about their clients but also about themselves. Effectively each professional wears two hats: one that cares for the client, the other for the professional.  

Before entering any situation, the consummate professional has a game plan with potential strategies if violence seems likely. 

And finally, professionals need to stay current and use the latest technology so they can call for help should they find themselves at risk.

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