AASW Webinar Recording | A Social Worker’s Role in School Education: Upholding our ethics and standards for Behaviour Management

This webinar will offer participants practical skills and knowledge in understanding the importance of relationships in the education system. It will discuss the role Social Workers have in identifying, supporting, and managing behaviours in children and adolescents. The webinar will further explore the complexity of behaviour through a relational lens and how Social Workers can be active participants of change within the education system.

Social Work has a unique role to play in supporting children in behaviour management within the Australian school system. As Social Workers may be employed in a variety of job roles within (and adjacent to) schools in each State and Territory, it is important for all practitioners to understand the interplay between Social Work values and the education system.

This session will begin with an overview of the importance of relationships in addressing behaviour concerns. Drawing from this, the online webinar will discuss current behaviour management strategies within the education system with reflection on how the strategies align with Social Works ethics and standards. It will further reinforce the importance of understanding the predisposing characteristics of behaviour and how Social Workers can be active participants in challenging and changing behaviours and their management. Case studies will be provided to connect theory with practice. Finally, the webinar will examine the role of the Social Worker within the school system. Building on this understanding, the session will examine how Social Workers have a unique opportunity to influence school culture, through relationship development and how these processes embody social work values. Key strategies and approaches to working with people of influence and effecting culture change will be explored, drawing on the presenter’s own experience in school-based social work.

Who should register? Social workers and allied health practitioners who work in schools, or with young people with disabilities, OOHC and children protection contexts are encouraged to attend. This webinar will be valuable for social workers of all levels of experience, including graduates and those not already working in schools.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of relationships in behaviour support and management within the education system.
• Critically reflect on the predisposing features of behaviour and its presentations.
• Consider how to remediate differences in behaviour management between Social Work and the education system.
• Explore the ABC (the Antecedent, Behavior and Consequence) of behaviour management.

AASW Credentials: School; Disability