Trauma-Informed Practice in Welfare-to-Work and Employment Services: A Scoping Review

There is increasing recognition within welfare services, including employment services, that many participants may have histories of trauma. Research suggests that experiences of trauma not only impact individuals' psychosocial health but also vocational elements such as job performance, employability, career progression, and financial security. Yet, there is a notable lack of research detailing effective strategies for the delivery of trauma-informed employment services nor is there a well-established, empirically-tested model designed to assist such disadvantaged jobseekers in achieving long-term employment. This scoping review examines what is known regarding trauma-informed models within employment service delivery and social security systems, with a view to directing future research, practice, and policy recommendations. A total of 596 articles were identified through a comprehensive search across social science databases; 14 articles met the criteria and were included in this review. The study found that out of the articles examined, half (n = 7) were primarily theoretical in design. There was a significant lack of empirical evidence concerning the outcomes of trauma-informed employment services, including participants' experiences.