Welcome to Social Work in Queensland Health
Social Workers work across a diverse range of health contexts.
We work in community and acute, rural and remote, regional and metropolitan health services. We work in mental health and health and across the life span of services from pre-birth to older age and death. We are versed in community development, group work as well as individual case management, counselling and therapy as fits our health role.
We have a strong social justice, human rights and advocacy perspective as a core framework for practice, which supports the patient/consumer as the focus of care and advocates for self-decision-making.
Excerpt from the Statewide Endorsed Social Work in Health Clinical Capability Framework, 2010:
The domain of Social Work in health focuses on the relationship between the social context and the consequences of health, illness and disability (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2008a, p. 8). This domain is informed by a broad knowledge of the social determinants of health and ill health and Social Work practice occurs at the interface between people and their environments. It is concerned with the connections between health and illness, and the individual, their family and personal relationships, the community, and the broader society. It seeks to address the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist in society, and impact upon health and well-being (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010a, p. 5).
The purpose of Social Work practice is to enable individuals, groups and communities to achieve an overall sense of sustained health and well-being, and to advance principles of social justice (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2008a, p. 8; Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010a, p. 5). Social Work activity begins with the individual and extends to the contexts of family, social networks, community and broader society (AASW, 2008a, p. 8). Social Work methods in health are typically defined as working with individuals,
with families, with groups and with communities. As for Social Workers generally, Social Workers in health also pursue their goals through involvement in research, policy development and analysis; education, teaching, organisational development and consultancy (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010a, p.5).
Social Workers have access to a range of journals that can enhance their practice. See below for links to popular social work focused journals.
Under development
The Cairns LKC Social Work Specialty Guide complements this education and resource guide.
This guide has a broader focus, addressing themes of social work, supervision, governance and research. You can access books, journals, journal RSS feeds and podcasts on this site and view upcoming training and education opportunities.
Social Workers can complete a number of short courses or subjects on-line or watch webinars for free or small price. These links will take you to databases to explore. More Social Work specific courses and sites are available on the Social Work Education and Resource Guide - see link on this page!
Social Workers can be found in a variety of positions across Queensland Health and across Queensland. View our new 2022 Queensland Health Social Work student placement video to learn more about the many options available.
The Social Work and Welfare Clinical Education Program have run a monthly professional development series for Social Work since 2014. Similarly, the Allied Health Clinical Education Program Manager's Network and AHPOQ have run an inter-professional clinical Educator and for a couple of years, new graduate video-conference series. The programs for each and how to access recordings are here with access to the Social Work podcasts run by Griffith University.
Watch the SWWCEP Videoconference sessions (2013-current)
http://webcast.gigtv.com.au/Mediasite/Catalog/catalogs/swwce1
You will be prompted to register / login to access these presentations.
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Core resources at your fingertips!
Gisele Rossini
Statewide Social work Clinical Education Practice Lead (Project)
Dr Anne-Louise McCawley
Statewide Clinical Education Program Manager, Social Work & Welfare, Queensland Health.
In this guide you will find a growing list of resources, information and training to assist in your practice as Queensland Health Social Workers. The focus is upon resource access, education and professional development. The site is password protected so please contact your local clinical educator or us for the password.