Risk assessment on your placement

Learning Objectives

After considering this resource, you should be aware of how you may face threatening situations on your placements, and how you can be supported through them.

As Koprowska (2010, p.141) argues: 'It is vital to remember that generally, encounters between social workers and service users are not characterised by hostility.' However, it is important to remain aware that some situations may pose a risk. Regardless, your personal safety should be a real consideration when meeting service users.

In the following video, Kay discusses a case she had on placement, in which her personal safety could potentially have been compromised. She talks about how she handled the situation she was in and how her agency supported her through it.

Download: Video transcript

Reflective Questions

  1. Do you know what your placement agency's policy is in relation to personal safety? How can this guide you when working with service users?
  2. Consider how effective preparation can help you minimise risk to yourself when you go and meet a service user.
  3. What nonverbal responses might you offer if a service user becomes aggressive?

Reference:
J Koprowska (2010) Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work, 3rd edition. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Case studies