Exploring the Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction of Child Welfare Social Workers

This study explores the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction amongst Child Welfare Social Workers. Eighty-six Child Welfare Social Workers from a public child welfare agency in Southern California voluntarily completed a self-report survey with sections evaluating demographics, job satisfaction, and general emotional intelligence. Relevant literature and a cross-sectional research design were utilized to highlight the findings of the relationships between participants' levels of job satisfaction and emotional intelligence. The findings of this study suggest that there is a significant relationship between participants' emotional intelligence and overall job satisfaction. Additionally, there appears to be a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and a healthy work-life balance. Though this research is not conclusive, it does offer insight as to how these factors potentially impact work in child welfare. There is a need for additional research particularly because there is minimal literature regarding emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in the field of Child Welfare.