Healthy gathering for Coast social workers
The valuable contribution of social workers in developing better health outcomes in the community will be celebrated at a special gathering tomorrow (Wednesday 7 May) at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Social workers involved in health care from across the region, together with USC’s social work lecturers and students will mark National Social Work Day from 8.30am to 12.15pm, through a forum entitled ‘Social Work Practice in Health Care’.
The event has been organised by Queensland Health, supported by USC, and will feature presentations about issues, research, challenges and opportunities for social workers in health.
It also will include a presentation about the University’s Bachelor of Social Work program.
Guest speaker Donna McAuliffe of Griffith University will discuss new directions in ethics for social workers.
USC Senior Lecturer in Social Work Jan Foster said the University is working closely with Queensland Health to provide opportunities for students and new graduates as it expands its social work workforce in the region, particularly with the new hospital opening at Kawana.
“Queensland Health is looking at a significant expansion of it social work services, and that could potentially lead to a large expansion of employment destinations for our social work students,” she said.
Ms Foster, who oversees the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate Social Work programs, said more than 50 social workers and students were expected to attend tomorrow’s event.
— Terry Walsh