A Changed Relationship? COVID-19 and its Effects on the Client-Social Worker Relationship in Adult Mental Health Services during Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting societal and economic lockdowns systematically transformed working conditions for many worldwide. The objective of this study was to establish how the role of social workers in adult mental health provision in Ireland changed during the pandemic. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with several social work practitioners was employed, with results indicating that the role of the social worker remained unchanged, but that the actual performance of day-to-day tasks was transformed. Digital technology supported social workers in maintaining a connection with service users but, when necessary, face-to-face contact was permitted on the condition that facemasks were worn by each party. This study reveals increased risk factors that social workers identified in mental health service provision in Ireland, while also highlighting the importance of increased resourcing for social workers as they provide vital support services for the most vulnerable in society in challenging circumstances.