Exploring the Lived Experience of Job Satisfaction and a Workplace Retention among Millennial Clinical Social Workers

Author: Demarius Danell Payne, MSW

Affiliation: Capella University

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Abstract:​​​​

 

The focus of this study is to examine the lived experiences related to job satisfaction and workplace retention among millennial clinical social workers. The issues of job satisfaction and workplace retention have emerged as increasingly significant concerns within the millennial clinical social work cohort. This qualitative action research project utilizes a generic qualitative investigation methodology to address the research inquiry. The research aims to address the subsequent inquiries: How do millennial clinical social workers describe their experience of job satisfaction as mental health providers? What contributing factors lead to workplace retention as a millennial clinical social worker? The objective of this research is to aid social workers in understanding the factors that contribute to job satisfaction and workplace retention among millennial clinical social workers. Participants in the research study articulate their viewpoints regarding the elements that contribute to job satisfaction and workplace retention, specifically within the context of professional, millennial clinical social workers. The data collection method for this study involves conducting semi-structured interviews with millennial clinical social workers, millennial clinical supervisors, and millennial social work administrators. The total number of participants for this study consisted of 15 Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). The primary themes identified during the data collection process highlight a strong desire for improved work-life balance, a need for daily self-care practices, the preference for telehealth and virtual work environments, the integration of technology in practice, the pursuit of pay equity, and the need to ensure that professional identity does not overshadow the personal identity of the millennial clinical social worker. The outcome of this study is a resource guide that recognizes the elements contributing to job satisfaction and retention among millennial social workers.

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Keywords: education policy, higher education, free college education​

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ISSN 3069-8200