Citation

McConkey R, McAuley P, Simpson L, Collins S. J. Policy Pract. Intellect. Disabil. 2007; 4(3): 186-193.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1741-1130.2007.00117.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Staff shortages are predicted in community social care sector services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). One option is to attract more men to the workforce, which would also counter the present sex-ratio (gender) imbalance among workers. Potential strategies for recruitment could be identified by analyzing the characteristics and experiences of the male staff currently employed in such jobs. To do this, the authors undertook three studies: (1) a census of 653 staff in statutory services within one Health and Social Services Board district in Northern Ireland; (2) a survey of 463 staff from both statutory and nonstatutory services; and (3) small sample focus groups with designated male staff. Findings were that fewer than 1 in 5 of the workforce in ID sector services in Northern Ireland were men, with significant variance (0–40%) depending upon the type of services. Men were more likely than women to be in full-time posts; to be the main wage-earner in the household, and to have entered ID sector jobs from noncare settings. Male staff reported that their motivation for undertaking work in this sector was often questioned by peers and that they felt exposed to accusations of abuse. Authors conclude that male staff recruitment could be boosted by increased pay and more opportunities for full-time work and career progression. Career advisers, teachers, and parents need to promote the value and opportunities of work available in ID sector services. The unique contributions of male staff also need to be identified and recognized as a means of retaining existing staff and recruiting others.