New research looks at the stress, demand and pressure for social workers in Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown. 

Melbourne's extensive COVID-19 lockdowns posed significant challenges for social workers and human services staff, exacerbating existing social inequalities and demanding rapid adaptation in service delivery. 

Recent research, involving interviews with 12 Melbourne-based social workers, provides insights into their experiences and the broader implications for the human services sector.

Social workers reported heightened stress and pressure, linked to the surge in demand for social services during the lockdowns. 

The pivot to digital service delivery, while necessary, also presented challenges, particularly for clients from low socioeconomic backgrounds who faced barriers such as limited access to technology.

The lockdowns disproportionately affected less affluent communities, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. 

For instance, older individuals from an ethnic community experienced profound anxiety at the onset of the pandemic, as reflected in the quote from the interviews: “...on the first week or the first two weeks of the lockdown, there was a lot of grief in the community and there was a lot of fear. That's why I straight away put the prayer vigil”.

A troubling side-effect of the lockdowns was an increase in domestic violence, a phenomenon reported by multiple agencies. 

As noted by a representative from one agency; “Unfortunately, with COVID-19, it meant a rise in domestic violence cases. So I think at the moment [the agency] has more cases than they have ever had in their history…So it's a big deal.”

Despite the challenges, the crisis spurred innovation within the sector too. 

Agencies adapted quickly, shifting to online platforms to continue providing essential services. 

This transition was not without its difficulties, as digital literacy and access varied significantly among clients. Workers highlighted the importance of digital literacy programs, describing them as “a lifeline to many”.

The experiences of social workers during Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdowns highlight the resilience and adaptability of the human services sector. However, they also underscore the critical need for better resource allocation and support for vulnerable populations, particularly in times of crisis. 

The full study is accessible here.