Working in the culture of high unemployment: The impact of unemployment on urban educators

Abstract

This study focuses on the ripple effect of high community unemployment on a group of community educators, the home school counselors. This group plays a crucial role as liaison between the elementary school child, the parents, and community agencies offering services for needy children. The impact of remaining employed in an environment of high unemployment is discussed relative to changes in the general health status of the home school counselors, changes in their job responsibilities, and perceptions of their effectiveness in fulfilling those responsibilities. A presentation of the results of this study was made to the home school counselors, enhancing their awareness of the potential effects of increased workloads and increased concerns about job security.