Resource Library - Workload

Workload:
Staff must have a manageable workload for their well-being and work/life balance. These resources explore the many factors that contribute to workload, including number of cases or supervisees, professional development, and other responsibilities and job support. Child welfare staff often report that both workload and caseload are too high, which can lead to burnout and exits from the agency.

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TitleContentCategoriesTypeYear
NCWWI Workload Reference ListThis comprehensive reference list includes a compilation of papers, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles and other relevant resources addressing workload, 2022
QIC-WD Workforce InterventionsThis video describes common challenges and the important role workers had in selecting a workforce intervention to test as part …, , , , , , , ,
Washington State is Using Telework to Strengthen the Child Welfare WorkforceThe Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families is implementing telework to strengthen their child welfare workforce. This video highlights …, , , , , ,
An Overview of the QIC-WDThe Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development (QIC-WD) is dedicated to understanding how to improve child welfare workforce outcomes., , , , ,
The Critical Role of Child Welfare Workers“Social workers are the unsung heroes…” This video highlights the critical role that child welfare workers play on the frontlines …, , ,
Virginia Case-Supportive TechnologyThe Virginia Department of Social Services and select local child welfare agencies implemented a case-supportive technology intervention to strengthen their …, , , , , ,
Pivoting During the PandemicThis video features workers, supervisors, and administrators discussing the challenges they faced during the Covid-19 pandemic and some of changes …, , ,
The Importance of Supporting SupervisorsSupervision is an important element of the child welfare workforce. Supervisors from across the QIC-WD sites discuss what they need …, , , ,
Supervision in a Virtual WorkplaceThe QIC-WD sites, like other child welfare agencies around the country, pivoted to virtual supervision quickly due to the pandemic. …, 2022
TeleworkAn overview of telework, its value, and the need for additional research., 2020
WorkaholismAn overview of workaholism and what contributes to it., 2021
SleepAn overview of sleep and its impact on workplace outcomes., , , 2021
Organizational ConstraintsAn overview of work conditions that interfere with an employee’s motivation or ability to perform, otherwise known as work constraints, …, , , 2021
WorkloadAn overview of workload and how to improve it., , , 2021
Role StressAn overview of three types of role stress: role ambiguity, role conflict, and role overload., , , , , 2022
Rethinking Child Welfare RecruitmentThis brief discusses the current workforce crisis and provides recommendations on ways child welfare programs can enhance their recruitment efforts., , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2022
Effective Workload Management: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis document summarizes a study that surveyed 1,263 workers in a Midwestern state to determine factors that influence workload perceptions …, 2020
The Relationship between Substance Use Indicators and Child Welfare CaseloadsThis brief presents results from a statistical analysis examining the relationship between indicators of substance use prevalence and child welfare …2018
Casework Teaming to Reduce Workload, Enhance Effectiveness & Boost MoraleThis document summarizes a NCWWI webinar on casework teaming designed reduce caseworker isolation and workload; improve workforce retention; and strengthen …, 2013
Colorado Child Welfare County Workload StudyThis in-depth study establishes a comprehensive picture of the State’s child welfare county actual and estimated workload and staffing levels, …2014
Colorado Department of Human Services: Colorado Child Welfare County Workload StudyThis report contains the results of a workload study in 64 Colorado counties and establishes a comprehensive picture of the …2014
Cost Savings from Reasonable Child Welfare WorkloadsThis document summarizes evidence that reasonable caseloads and workloads will keep more child welfare workers on the job, leading to …2016
DCFS Training for New County Directors (Georgia): Workshop No.1 – Leadership (Trainer’s Guide)This workshop guide identifies and explores the leadership qualities that will contribute to the success of new County Directors, enhances …2006
DFCS Training for New County Directors (Georgia): Workshop No. 2 – Program & Workload Management (Trainer’s Guide)This workshop guide introduces new County Directors to their new roles and responsibilities, and how key Outcome Measures and Results …2006
High Caseloads: How Do They Impact Delivery Of Health And Human Services?This brief highlights recent studies that indicate high caseloads negatively impact both worker retention and service delivery outcomes, and are …2010
Indiana DCS Caseload and Workload AnalysisThis paper provides a prioritized roadmap and profile of each recommended option that Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) should …2015
Minnesota Local Workload Analytic Tool: User’s Reference GuideThe guide provides general user information and instructions for staff to follow as they navigate the Workload Analytic Tool and …2010
Minnesota Workload Study Analytic ToolThis first spreadsheet was designed for counties to determine whether sufficient staffing resources exist, calculating resource need and workloads for …2010
Minnesota Workload Study MeasuresThis second spreadsheet provides a structured means for using outcome and performance reports available to administrators, managers and supervisors in …2010
Minnesota Local Workload Analytic Tool: Administrator’s Reference Guide & System DocumentationThe guide provides general user information and instructions for staff with administrative privileges to follow when changes to the Workload …2010
New York State Child Welfare Workload StudyThis study is the first child welfare workload study that addresses the work of voluntary agency staff, in addition to …2006
The Study Of Workload In Child Protective And Child Welfare ServicesThis journal presents articles from a special issue that explores the measurement of child welfare workload and shares findings from …2008
Washington State Children’s Administration Workload StudyThis report presents the results of a Workload Study which aims to understand the required practice activities of child welfare …2007
What Child Welfare Caseworkers Need To Go MobileThis paper examines the ways in which mobile access to case management systems, data and information, assessment and referral capabilities …2015
Workforce and Outsourcing Issues Key to Reducing Fatalities: Comments for the CECANFThis document addresses outsourcing, caseloads and workloads, professional development, and workplace safety issues as key to reducing fatalities; and provides …2015
Workload and Casework Review: Qualitative Review of Social Worker Caseload, Casework and Workload ManagementThis report describes the findings of the qualitative review of social worker caseload, casework and workload management and identifies key …2014
Workload Management: Caseworker Readiness ActivityThis document offers various activities and guidance to ensure new caseworkers can be most effective in managing their caseloads. 2014
Agency Workforce Estimation: Simple Steps For Improving Child Safety And PermanencyThis article briefly reviews research findings that link adequate staffing to improved child safety and well-being, and presents approaches for …2009
Alaska Statewide Workload StudyThis paper describes a six month study in the state of Washington to determine reasonable workload standards for Office of …2006
Caseload Size in Best Practice: Literature ReviewThis literature review examines the existing research related to casework size and outcomes for children in the child welfare system.2002
Caseload and Workload ManagementThis information brief provides State child welfare managers with an overview of the benefits of caseload and workload management, catalysts …2016
Caseload/Workload Studies: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis paper summarizes the three research briefs which provides information summarizing recent studies and reports that underscore the importance of …, , 2011
Casework Teaming to Manage Workload, Enhance Effectiveness and Boost Morale (1-page Summary)This document summarizes a NCWWI webinar on casework teaming designed reduce caseworker isolation and workload; improve workforce retention; and strengthen …, , , 2013