Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Child Welfare Staff

Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Child Welfare Staff by Meresa L. Stacy MS, Central Michigan University, 1998 BS, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Administration Walden University May 2015 Abstract Child welfare has been part of American society since the early 1900s and continues to play a pivotal role in response to troubled families. Although there is a need for qualified child welfare staff, the process of maintaining staff is a constant struggle for many child welfare agencies. Many states are experiencing high turnover rates within the child welfare system, and Florida has been acutely impacted. Researchers have demonstratedChild welfare has been part of American society since the early 1900s and continues to play a pivotal role in response to troubled families. Although there is a need for qualified child welfare staff, the process of maintaining staff is a constant struggle for many child welfare agencies. Many states are experiencing high turnover rates within the child welfare system, and Florida has been acutely impacted. Researchers have demonstrated that the nature of the work, supervision, and other organizational factors continue to contribute to job satisfaction among child welfare professionals. Guided by the social exchange theory as the theoretical framework, which is based on intraorganizational relationships and workplace behavior, this quantitative study determined which indices of job satisfaction influenced retention among workers in Palm Beach County, Florida. It also examined how job satisfaction impacted different worker groups. Using Spector’s Job Satisfaction Survey and additional demographical questions, data were analyzed to measure job satisfaction among the different worker groups (n = 18). A 2-tailed t test, analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of variance indicated that adoption workers were more satisfied than were dependency workers in each of the 9 indices measured and that having a degree in social work did not influence job satisfaction among the different worker types. By understanding the factors related to job satisfaction in Palm Beach County, Florida, child welfare agencies can implement measures and procedures geared at increasing retention among child welfare workers. Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Child Welfare Staff by Meresa L. Stacy MS, Central Michigan University, 1998 BS, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Administration Walden University May 2015 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my family, friends, and coworkers. The constant push and motivational speeches were greatly appreciated. Although the journey was long, the support and positive energy never stopped. Acknowledgments I want to thank my chair, Dr. Sally Brocksen, who provided great feedback and guidance throughout the process. I would also like to thank Dr. Eric Youn, who stepped in midway through to assist as my methodology committee member. Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Gregory Hickman, who started this journey with me. Lastly, I would like to thank Children’s Home Society of Florida in Palm Beach County, for allowing me the opportunity to conduct research on the organization.