The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health, economic and social crisis that is likely to have lasting consequences, including increased rates of financial hardship, housing insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse and domestic violence. Workers in the community service sector have continued to support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians during the pandemic, while also delivering services to new groups experiencing the economic impacts of virus suppression strategies. We surveyed community service sector workers from across Australia in three snapshots during April–May 2020 and found that perceptions of acute needs and organisational pressure points shifted even through this short period. While the sector faced significant challenges, it responded to the initial phase of the pandemic with flexibility, a strongly client-centred approach and a re-emphasis on collaboration between services. The community service sector's demonstrated capacity for agility and rapid adaptation suggests it is well placed to provide critical supports to those affected by crisis situations and everyday disadvantage. However, the sector's capacity to perform this role effectively depends on strong, stable government supports for all Australians in need.

中文翻译：

---

COVID-19 大流行期间社区服务部门的复原力和响应能力：澳大利亚的经验

COVID-19 大流行是一场公共卫生、经济和社会危机，可能会产生持久的后果，包括经济困难率增加、住房不安全、心理健康问题、药物滥用和家庭暴力。在大流行期间，社区服务部门的工作人员继续为一些最脆弱和处境最不利的澳大利亚人提供支持，同时也为遭受病毒抑制策略的经济影响的新群体提供服务。我们在 2020 年 4 月至 2020 年 5 月期间对来自澳大利亚各地的社区服务部门工作人员进行了三个快照调查，发现即使在这短短的时间内，对迫切需求和组织压力点的看法也发生了变化。尽管该部门面临重大挑战，但它以灵活的方式应对了大流行的初始阶段，强烈以客户为中心的方法和重新强调服务之间的协作。社区服务部门表现出的敏捷性和快速适应能力表明，它可以很好地为受危机情况和日常不利影响的人提供关键支持。然而，该部门有效发挥这一作用的能力取决于政府对所有有需要的澳大利亚人的强有力、稳定的支持。