STAFF'S ATTITUDES AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN COMMUNITY‐BASED GROUP HOMES OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HANDICAPS

Thirty Social Services care staff, working in small group homes with people with mental handicaps, completed a questionnaire concerning their working conditions and their attitudes on work and training opportunities. It was found that most staff reported considerable job satisfaction as well as some job stress. Overall scores of satisfaction and stress were more extreme than when the various job components were rated separately. Two areas of work associated with high job satisfaction (teaching clients and outings with clients) also produced the highest stress ratings. Staff turnover was relatively low. The results are discussed in relation to the unique job demands of community care work.