Social Workers and Their Safety

Safety is very important when you do social work it could mean the difference between life and death. KVC health systems have many precautions and safety measures that are to be taken.

Precautions in the office start out when you enter the door of KVC. The front doors are locked and there is a sign on the door that states you have to be accompanied by KVC staff members. Also if there is a client that is at a potential risk they have rooms that are to the side of the building that have exist on each side in case of emergency

How to recognize signs of agitation with case managers they should be more aware when working with clients when they are angry and feel mistreated, clients who are actively using alcohol or illegal drugs, and clients who have a pattern of violent behavior, anti-authority attitudes, or unstable mental conditions. During the course of the initial investigation of child abuse allegations and the voluntary removal of a child from a parent's home case managers should be aware of their increased risk. Violence from other family members is also a risk while providing protection to a victim of domestic violence. Case managers should understand differences in clients and recognize why clients may act aggressively.

Signs of agitation that are taught during initial training are to notice when a client expresses fears about losing control. Things to look out for is when a client states they are going to go crazy, when fears of doing harm to someone are expressed, frequent calls during the interview to friends or family, when there are broken appointments with other professionals, when clients show actions that suggest violence, purchasing a gun, driving recklessly, signs of violence, and becoming angry. Also you sh...

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...ortant remember to lock your car, close all windows and the sunroof. Park in well-lit areas; when parking in daylight considers what the area will be like in the dark. Never leave car registration documents in your car and have your car keys ready when returning to your car. Also check the interior of your car before you get in and never park in the driveway of the home. Another important thing to remember is when you exit your car, notice your surroundings, people in the area, and any unsecured dogs. Be aware of any drug paraphernalia in the area surrounding the home. Keep your hands as free as possible. Do not be distracted by talking on phones.

Works Cited

(2010). KCV (Ed.), KVC POLICY MANUAL. Pittsburg Kansas

Birkenmaier, J., & Weger, M. (2011). The practicum companion for social work: integrating class and field work (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.