Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/324368 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17970
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This study examines the impact of caseworker beliefs on employment and health outcomes among long-term unemployed social assistance recipients in Denmark. Exploiting as-if random caseworker assignment, an instrumental variables approach, and a novel measure of "Caseworker Job Orientation", we estimate the effects of caseworkers' job beliefs regarding their clients. Results indicate that clients assigned to caseworkers with stronger innate job beliefs experience substantial improvements in employment rates, earnings, and educational enrollment. Additionally, positive effects on health are observed, particularly among clients with pre-existing health conditions. These findings underscore the role of caseworker attitudes in shaping client trajectories, offering policy insights into enhancing labor market re-entry strategies.
Subjects: 
health outcomes
employment outcomes
long-term unemployment
caseworker beliefs
social assistance
JEL: 
J68
I38
J65
C26
C93
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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