Celebrating a career in rural practice
16 March 2009
Social workers from across northern NSW are coming together tomorrow [Tuesday, 17 March, 2009] to celebrate their role in rural mental health and mark World Social Work Day.
Two events will be held at Armidale Hospital – a careers information session and lunch, followed by a workshop for social workers involved in the care of young people with eating disorders.
The information session is also an opportunity to officially welcome students entering the new Social Work Degree at the University of New England.
Organiser and Senior Clinical Social Work Specialist with Hunter New England Mental Health Leigh Philpott said about 40 people were expected to attend the sessions.
“We have been really thrilled with the response we’ve had,” Mr Philpott said.
The information session, which starts at 10.20am, is open to those who may be considering a career in social work, as well as those already working in the field but who want to learn more about working in rural mental health.
“Social workers are involved in all areas of mental health services in rural areas and are often called upon to provide support and interventions not only to people with a mental illness but also their families, friends and other community supports, Mr Philpott said.
“Rural mental health social work is a rewarding and challenging career.
“There is always a great need for more social workers in rural and remote communities. At present there are approximately only 2.29 social workers per 10,000 people in outer regional areas compared to 4.22 social workers per 10,000 people in urban areas.”
A workshop for social workers who may work with people with eating disorders is the second part of the day.
“It is an area that social work staff have identified that they wanted more training in, and practical skills,” Mr Philpott said.
“We know the theory, it’s the practical skills that we will be working on around counselling and responses.
“We don’t see a lot of people with eating disorders in rural and remote areas but those that we do see are often quite serious cases, and we need to respond to them appropriately and keep our skills up.
“Social workers are very much interested in continuous learning and being self-reflective and growing in our practice. Rural practice is not static; it is very dynamic."
For more information about the day contact (02) 6767 7916, or about a career in social work check out the Australian Association of Social Workers Website http://www.aasw.asn.au/
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216