Improving workforce retention in child welfare: examining the mediating role of job satisfaction

Workforce retention in child welfare remains a critical challenge, with high turnover rates affecting service continuity and family outcomes. This study examines the relationships between empowerment, leadership, learning culture, and professional support in shaping job satisfaction and retention among child welfare professionals. It uses structural equation modeling to analyze how job satisfaction mediates the relationship between key organizational factors and retention. Findings reveal that organizations should prioritize empowerment, leadership, learning culture, and professional support to improve retention and job satisfaction. While job satisfaction serves as a key predictor of retention, empowerment is a powerful mechanism for retention as well.