Overview: In South Africa, the Child and Youth Care Worker (CYCW) provides care to children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. The job duties of a CYCW are parallel to those of a direct practice social worker in the United States; although in South Africa these individuals generally do not have a university degree. Many experience multiple losses, high levels of stress, and a lack of access to resources in their personal lives; however, despite these seemingly insurmountable challenges, they provide high-quality care.Purpose: Our research goal was three-fold: (1) to determine the degree to which CYCW are impacted by burnout, (2) to determine if there are differences in levels of burnout among CYCW, and (3) to determine if participation in a semi-structured interview focused on respondents’ work experiences impacted affective state. In addition, we examined the qualitative data obtained via interviews to learn more about the experiences of CYCW.Sample: The data collection efforts took place over two summers. During the first phase of data collection, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and interview were administered to 79 CYCW. During the second phase of data collection, the MBI, the Positive and Negative Affective State Inventory (PANAS), and interview were administered to 63 CYCW. The total sample size was n= 142; 74 were residential-based CYCW and 69 were community-based CYCW. Randi N. Winchester, Sara C. Fathauer, Carolyn M. Egan Faculty Mentor: Dr. Leah Olson-McBride Department of Social Work  University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Randi N. Winchester, Sara C. Fathauer, Carolyn M. Egan Faculty Mentor: Dr. Leah Olson-McBride Department of Social Work  University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Burnout and Resilience among Human Service Professionals in South Africa Burnout and Resilience among Human Service Professionals in South Africa Methodology: A mixed methods approach was utilized to address the research question. Quantitative Results: Level of Burnout Among CYCW: On the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the sample as a whole scored in the mid-point range on the exhaustion subscale, within the mid-point range on the cynicism subscale, and within the mid-point range on the professional efficacy subscale. Difference in Levels of Burnout Among CYCW: The difference between community-based caregivers and residential caregivers on the Exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory was statistically significant, t(140)=-3.01, p=.003. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant on the Cynicism subscale or the Professional Efficacy subscale. Impact of Interview on Affective State: On the Positive and Negative Affect Inventory, the sample as a whole reported an increase in positive affect scores and a decrease in negative affect scores. The change in scores between pre-test and post- test were significant for both positive affective state, t(60)=-2.76, p=.008, and negative affective state, t(62)=2.73, p=.008. The Maslach Burnout Inventory is a 16-item measure used to determine the degree of burnout experienced by an individual. This measure was administered immediately prior engaging to the interview. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) The semi-structured interviews with caregivers focused on institutional factors, client characteristics, social support, family support, and spiritual or religious beliefs. Interview Protocol The PANAS is a 20-item self-report measure of affective (mood) states. This measure will be administered to respondents before the semi-structured interview and then again after the interview. · Positive and Negative Affect Inventory (PANAS) Average Scores on MBI ExhaustionCynicism Professional Efficacy High 16+ Mid 8-15 Low 0-7 High 13+ Mid 6-12 Low 0-5 High 30+ Mid Low 0-23 Overall (n=142) Residential (n=74) Community (n=68) Qualitative Results: Organizational Climate: Relationships with co- workers and supervisors are crucial. “Teamwork. There’s no ‘me.’ We have different strengths. We can’t do it alone, because we are stronger together. Whether it’s a sense of humor or experience…, we’re all strong, and together we cannot be beaten.” Social Support: Relationships with and support from family members are essential for professional success. Status: Being valued by the community is important. “When families struggle, they know CYCW can help. They see me and share with me their problems. It’s confidential and they trust me. I feel proud.” The Role of Religion: Many of the respondents reported that they coped via religious faith, spiritual practices, and singing.Conclusions: The community based caregivers had a higher rate of exhaustion than residential caregivers. This could be associated with living and working in the same small community. This combination makes separating professional and personal life even more difficult which tends to lead to a higher rate of fatigue. Despite higher levels of exhaustion, caregivers manage to have a sense of importance both in one’s self and in the community through their employment. Due to the feeling that they are having a positive influence in their client’s lives, there are low rates of cynicism towards their client base. The individual and organizational factors that enhance caregiver’s resiliency include a warm organizational climate, high levels of support among family and co-workers, and a strong sense of religious faith. Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge National Association of Child Care Workers for their support of our research and the UWEC International Fellows Program for the funding our research.