The Australian Association of Social Workers provides a concise definition:
“The social work profession is committed to the pursuit of social justice, the enhancement of the quality of life and the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. Social workers work at the interface between people and their environments, utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems.
Social workers pursue these goals by working to address the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist in society and by active involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis. This is done by working with individuals towards the realization of their intellectual, physical and emotional potential, and by working with individuals, groups and communities in the pursuit and achievement of equitable access to social, economic and political resources. Social workers also pursue their goals through involvement in research, policy development and analysis and consultancy. Social workers promote respect for traditions, cultures, ideologies, beliefs and religions amongst different ethnic groups and societies, insofar as they do not conflict with the fundamental human rights of people.
Social workers:
1.1 work with individuals groups and communities to shape and change the
conditions in which they live;
1.2 advocate for disadvantaged members of society;
1.3 work towards the elimination of social inequalities in society to facilitate
a more equitable distribution of
resources;
1.4 engage in research to build the social work knowledge base and understanding
of society; and
1.5 analyse, challenge and develop social policies.
Social work practice is informed by professional education based on an analysis and understanding of human behaviour and of complex social processes. It accepts a commitment to working within a stated value position and code of ethics. An integral part of the education of each social worker is the demonstration in practice settings of this analysis, understanding and commitment.”
Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards, March 2008, p5.
The core business of social work in the Spinal Injuries Unit is to assist
individuals and their families to deal with crises and trauma that affect
their lives through counselling. Social workers enable people with spinal
cord injuries and their families to manage the psychological and social impact
of spinal cord injury. Social workers also provide advocacy, information
and education. In the Spinal Injuries Unit, social workers not only provide
counselling services to people with spinal cord injuries and their families,
but also assist people with a number of practical tasks such as income maintenance,
legal and insurance matters, and environmental factors that affect people
such as personal care and homelessness. In SIU, social workers are the case
managers to each and every person, planning and coordinating the rehabilitation
and discharge process with the person and their team, and liaising with external
public and private agencies.
Counselling interventions are conducted throughout the rehabilitation period.
The frequency of sessions is related to a psychosocial assessment, planned
interventions and individual need. Counselling interventions include adjustment
to acquired disability, dealing with trauma, the impact on relationships,
parenting issues, grief and loss, to name but a few. Counselling sessions
are preferably conducted in a private area where interruptions can be minimized
and optimal confidentiality maintained. Counselling assists a person to draw
on their existing coping mechanisms and strengths to find their own answers
to their dilemmas. There is no right or wrong way of doing things. Every
individual is different. It can be an extremely difficult and challenging
process, particularly in situations where every aspect of a person’s
life has been affected. Family members and the injured person often go through
parallel adjustment processes that are not always in sync. Undergoing rehabilitation
following a serious injury can be a stressful experience for the person and
their family and friends.
Counselling is not a magic wand that provides instant changes in personality, life long practices, value systems, or in areas where a person does not want to change. It does, however, help people draw on their own strengths, experiences and to cope better with adverse situations. People with complex needs may require long term support with a consistent therapist over a number of years. Issues related to the management of some issues such as memory problems and aggressive behaviour are referred to the neuropsychologist. Sometimes a person can experience depression and may need additional help from a psychiatrist. The social worker is an important member of the Psychosocial and Mental Health Team in the Spinal Injuries Unit which includes the neuropsychologist and consultant psychiatrist. Social workers also maintain close links with the Peer Support Workers.
Patricia Fronek
Senior Social Worker
Rehabilitation and Disability
Telephone: 07 3240 2741
Fax: 07 3240 5644
patricia_fronek@health.qld.gov.au
Kirsten Whitby
Social Worker
Telephone: 07 3240 7091
Fax: 07 3240 5644
kirsten_whitby@health.qld.gov.au
Elisabeth Vale
Social Worker
Telephone: 07 3240 2207
Fax: 07 3240 5644
elisabeth_vale@health.qld.gov.au
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This page last updated: April 2009
Review date: April 2010
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