Navigating Ethical Complexities in Mental Health Social Work  - August 2026

Capability Levels: Emerging, Evolving and Established

In the ever-evolving landscape of Victorian mental health services, social workers are often at the crossroads of complex ethical dilemmas. This 3-hour interactive workshop is designed to equip Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and their colleagues with the knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively. Participants will explore foundational ethical principles, delve into real-world case studies, and engage in dynamic discussions about the application of ethics in their daily practice. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical strategies, this session aims to enhance your ethical decision-making skills, ensuring that your practice remains both ethically sound and aligned with the core values of social work. Join us to deepen your understanding of ethical issues and strengthen your confidence in handling them with integrity and professionalism.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Evaluate key ethical principles and frameworks
• Analyse ethical issues in their practice as mental health social workers
• Adapt structured ethical decision-making models to real-world scenarios
• Integrate ethical considerations into clinical practice, promoting professional integrity and the well-being of clients within diverse and challenging mental health contexts.

Event Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Learning Session 1: Ethical Principles & Frameworks Overview (45 minutes)

Activity 1: Group Discussions

Learning Session 2: Ethical Issues in Practice (45 minutes)

Activity 2: Group Discussions

Learning Session 3: Skill Building (45 minutes)

Activity 3: Methods Practice

Conclusion + Q&A (15 minutes)

Who should attend?

This training is designed for social workers beginning their career in mental health through to those established practitioners looking to challenge their practices.

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health, Clinical SW