Community service workers (CSWs) work with some of the most vulnerable members of society, helping them with their emotional, social, and physical needs. However, new advice around social distancing has made it difficult for community service workers to continue providing this support, as all non-essential visits must be cancelled or rescheduled.
Nonetheless, community service workers are finding new and innovative ways to provide life-changing support to clients. Read on to find out how you could provide valuable support to your community during COVID-19 and beyond as a community service worker.
Support Clients with ‘Virtual Visits’ after Community Service Worker Training
The coronavirus can be easily spread from person to person. According to the World Health Organization, it is ‘primarily transmitted from symptomatic people to others who are in close contact through respiratory droplets, by direct contact with infected persons, or by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.’ In order to slow the spread of the virus, Canadian residents are being advised to stay at home and social distance as much as possible.
As part of community service worker careers, you would normally visit clients in their homes. This would be an opportunity to discuss and identify any problems, provide physical assistance, or simply tackle feelings of loneliness.
However, CSWs now need to adapt, and many are offering ‘virtual visits’ using technology like video call or chat lines. This could prove to be a supportive lifeline to those that are struggling with mental health.
Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Not all visits can be cancelled or delayed. Community service workers must decide which appointments are essential and prepare for these by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This could include:
- Mask
- Gloves
- Face shield
- Medical gown
Even with access to all of the above, it is advised that CSWs minimize contact and wash hands as often as possible to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. In addition, if you need to deliver something – such as groceries – to a client who is immunocompromised, this should be done without contact.
Offer Increased Support to Your Community as a CSW
COVID-19 has created obstacles for community service workers, but they are arguably more needed in the community than ever. For many people, the global pandemic may have exacerbated individual and family problems, including mental health, financial difficulties, and family disputes.
The majority of schools are now closed, meaning that at-risk children will not have a safe space to go during the day, and a number of citizens have lost their jobs. This is likely to create more problems for vulnerable members of the community.
As part of community service worker training, you will learn how to put plans in place to support people and help them to overcome these challenges and manage additional stress and anxiety.
Do you want to find out how you can help others with a CSW program?
Contact Canadian Business College today!