The networked human service practitioner: Autonomous and entrepreneurial

Collegial support is important in maintaining job satisfaction and contributing to worker retention in the human services. However, little is known about to whom human service workers look for support, including advice and guidance, and how they utilise and value the support available in a human services workplace. Drawing on an online survey of workers, this paper explores the support-seeking behaviours of human service workers. The key findings, which highlight energy and strengths in a workforce often characterised as stressed and burnt out, are that workers are well networked and see themselves as autonomous and entrepreneurial human service professionals.