With the third virulent spike of the COVID-19 pandemic descending on the world, social workers are taking a pro-active, creative look at how they can be of service to the most vulnerable. They sit in a unique position during a public health crisis, one that’s often overlooked. From offering emotional and mental health support to educating the larger community, their role entails navigating what is often a complex and evolving situation.

One of the most challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the uncertainty. The length and the severity of the virus’s impact is still not fully known, and the development of a vaccine remains an ongoing endeavor.

The following consensus emerged from our discussions with social workers over the past three weeks about the specific areas in which they can be most helpful.

Connect
As the pandemic has persisted for nine months and is likely to get worse before it gets better, the social services that are normally available to the most vulnerable are beginning to break down. In response, social workers are placing emphasis on reintegrating ties within the community. “We need to reconnect those in need with those providing a service.”

Contact
One social worker from New York told us, “Social isolation is proving to be just as detrimental as other illnesses to overall health as this novel virus continues to plague our people. Reports of higher anxiety and depression are due to extended social isolation. The Governor of New York, in management of this disease, has created an emergency emotional support line to begin providing mental health support. This one tactic gives those suffering an immediate point of contact that might be just in time to save their lives.”

Correct
The interruption of society’s normal coping systems (like school for children where they interact with friends and mentors, jobs in congregate settings that provide emotional support for parents, religious services where people of like mind offer emotional and moral support to one another) has led to increased rates of domestic violence and child abuse, as noted in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles, with New York City reporting a 20% rise. “The plethora of clients that will require assistance can vary from first line responders and other frontline workers who may require ongoing assistance in managing symptoms of trauma to families that may have high incidences of domestic violence and/or lack food and other needed resources.”

Counsel
As this pandemic wears on, key points to monitor are: ensuring that clients maintain their online visits with medical providers, no disruption of medications occur, and long-term health-related goals are established. Having a personal connection with someone who can guide them through personalized self-care best practices can make an enormous difference in their lives. These can range from common recommendations like exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest to more specific ones such as taking a break from the news.

Communicate
Staying informed about the latest updates on COVID-19 might seem confusing at best, but it is critical that social workers ensure that clients get accurate information to help them navigate an extremely complex healthcare system and understand doctor or CDC recommendations. For each individual client, particularly those living with chronic diseases or mental illness, there are many complicated and nuanced questions that relate specifically to their health, work and family situations. In some cases, a social worker might need to help a family sign up for health insurance or Medicaid or provide assistance in locating support if they can no longer return to work and earn a paycheck. By being a source of clarity and personalized guidance, social workers can reduce anxiety for clients and help them find the digital and in-person resources they need. As the spread of misinformation grows, and as many individuals refuse to acknowledge the full scope of a crisis, social workers can step up in schools and other community organizations to bridge that knowledge gap.

Cope
Social workers can serve as a neutral sounding board, working with clients to develop coping strategies to manage anxiety and provide non-sensationalized information. Whether it’s the disruption to their normal routine, the stress of having children home from school, or being worried about loved ones in isolation in quarantined cities or elder care facilities, this stress can severely impact mental wellbeing.

As this pandemic drags on into 2021, social workers will be called upon more than ever to listen and offer advice and guidance. We still have a long way to go.