Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
1-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Organizational Leadership
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
D. John McIntyre
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Sara Salkil
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Jenifer Williams
Abstract
This qualitative research study was an exploration of Child Protective Services (CPS) frontline caseworkers' experiences. The problem investigated was the high number of caseworkers who lacked the knowledge and skills necessary to do their job and the constant turnover of workers within the agency. Although previous researchers have explored many factors that cause caseworker turnover, the research has not focused much on the caseworkers’ perspective. Therefore, this qualitative study explored CPS caseworkers’ opinions and experiences using virtual semistructured interviews. The study specifically focused on the impact that education and training has on job performance and turnover. The study population was CPS caseworkers who had worked in a large urban community in Texas for 2 years or more. The sample included eight caseworkers who had experienced the turnover firsthand. Thematic analysis of the transcripts of the audio-recorded interviews and data coding using NVivo software led to the development of a coding system to identify patterns and common themes. The findings indicated that for caseworkers, hands-on training, gaining experience, unity between caseworkers, social service training, and leadership support may lead to decreased turnover rates and increased job performance. Agency leaders and other professionals in the social service field may consider the findings to improve caseworker retention and organizational outcomes. These improvements could prompt positive change through leadership and policy adjustments designed to support the needs of CPS caseworkers related to education, training, and retention.
Keywords: burnout, CPS Caseworker, case assignable, organizational commitment, services, statewide intake, voluntary turnover
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Wright, Alisa S., "Higher Education’s Effect on Retention: Exploring the Experiences of CPS Caseworkers" (2023). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 544.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/544