HUMAN SERVICES CASE MANAGERS’ PERCEPTIONS of THEIR ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES and PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

This study explores the perceptions of human services case managers regarding how past adverse childhood experiences shaped their professional practice. The sample consisted of 12 human services case managers, varying in age and experience and across several human service program disciplines. Seven themes and 20 patterns were identified as result of the data analysis process. The themes were: (a) perceived development of case management Superpowers; (b) recognition of the use of empathy as an essential job skill; (c) a perceived effect on self and career and resulting diminished capacity; (d) a perceived effect on career progression; (e) a perceived effect on professional competency and resulting unique skills and enhanced capacities; (f) development of coping mechanisms as a way to mitigate workplace stress; and (g) centering the sensory power of the lived experience as a means of elevating case management practice. The study’s findings provide new understanding concerning both the positive and negative effects of early childhood trauma exposure on case management practice. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how human services case managers, who experienced adverse childhood traumatic events, have processed their trauma experiences and have transformed those experiences to find a deeper meaning and purpose in their professional roles.