School Social Work - An Examination of the Opportunities for Effective Social Work Practice

LIVE ONLINE WORKSHOP

Capability Level: Evolving

Following on from the 2024 conference, we are excited to carry forward the discussions, collaborations, and key initiatives that emerged, driving continued progress in this event.

School social work is systems practice at its purest, working within a government agency that is bound by many of its own ethical standards, where our primary client has all of their decisions made by someone else - their parents - and often there is a battle between the two. School social workers navigate the challenges of engaging not just with the adolescent, but with their extended family and a wide variety of statutory and community organisations.

The core mission of school social work is to facilitate education, but its responsibilities should extend far beyond the classroom. Social workers play a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating the challenges that adolescents face, outside their educational goals. By addressing issues such as family dynamics, mental health, and social justice, school social workers are uniquely positioned to empower adolescents to focus on their education and future aspirations.

The presenters will talk about what can be achieved within the scope of school social work, including some case studies. They will also discuss key themes within school social work such as trauma, suicide prevention, and LGBTQIA+ identities.

In essence, school social work is not limited to educational support; it is an integrative practice that considers the holistic needs of the adolescent. Social workers are essential in bridging the gap between the school environment and the broader social context that affects adolescents. By doing so, they advocate for and empower young people to navigate complex personal and social issues, ultimately contributing to their overall success and well-being. Through dedicated efforts, school social workers ensure that adolescents are equipped with the necessary support and resources to achieve their full potential.

Who should attend?

This session is relevant for qualified and student social workers, school-based practitioners, and allied health professionals working with adolescents in educational settings. It will be suitable for social workers with foundational knowledge of the social work role, looking for a deeper understanding of social work in schools.

Learning Outcomes

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

· Understand and expand the unique systems-based role of school social workers into their own practice.

· Identify and analyse ethical complexities in school social work practice.

· Apply key social work skills in navigating adolescent-family-school dynamics.

Event Structure:

Introduction

Learning Session 1: Understand and expand the unique systems-based role of school social workers into their own practice. (50 Mins)

Learning Activity 1: Interactive discussion and whiteboards

Learning Session 2: Identify and analyse ethical complexities in school social work practice. (50 Mins)

Learning Activity 2: case study/ individualised cases

Learning Session 3: Apply key social work skills in navigating adolescent-family-school dynamics.(50 Mins)

Learning Activity 3: Reflection and group discussion

Conclusion and Q&A

AASW Credentials: Mental Health and Schools

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.