Job satisfaction of community residential staff serving individuals with severe intellectual disabilities

Findings suggested that staff held moderately favourable views toward their jobs, with work satisfaction reported in interactions with residents and families, the nature of the work itself, and supportive relationships with co-workers.

Abstract

This study investigated the nature and sources of job satisfaction of direct services staff who work with individuals with severe intellectual disabilities in community group home settings. Findings suggested that staff held moderately favourable views toward their jobs, with work satisfaction reported in interactions with residents and families, the nature of the work itself, and supportive relationships with co-workers. Conversely, involvement in decision-making, opportunities for advancement, feelings of isolation, utilisation of skills, and lack of feedback on performance were reported as areas of concern. Analysis of respondents' demographics yielded few significant relationships with job satisfaction.