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New social work degree good for local community
The weather is warming up and while some are celebrating that they live in paradise, the Sunshine Coast is not immune to disadvantage and hardship and many people depend on essential support from qualified social workers to make it through the day.
To address the increasing demand for social workers, the University of the Sunshine Coast is introducing a Bachelor of Social Work in 2007.
“In these difficult times of social and economic hardship, with decreasing access to income support and more competition for community services funding, the work undertaken by social workers is more important than ever ,” said Jan Foster, the Program Co-ordinator and a qualified Social Worker with over 20 years experience.
“The new degree is designed to equip students with the skills to work with individuals, groups, families and communities in a broad range of social work roles.”
The increased demand for social workers is largely attributed to the rapid pace of social change nationally and the many uncertainties associated with everyday life.
Now, more than ever, humanitarian work is being promoted to encourage the wellbeing and inclusion of all people in society and social workers endeavour to develop the full potential of each individual, group and community in society.
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“I had a desire to build a better world, so individuals can develop power and control over their own lives,” said Thelma McDougall, a Social Worker at Nambour General Hospital.
“One of my strongest passions was to prevent the unnecessary suffering and pain people are facing because of inequality and injustice in the world. Social Work practice gives me permission to focus on building purposeful and equitable relationships with individuals, families and communities.”
The new Bachelor of Social Work being offered at the USC provides students with a four-year professional development program. It also gives them the opportunity to engage in field education during their studies, linking on-campus learning with work in a human service agency under the direction and supervision of qualified professionals.
Students will develop skills in a range of areas including community work, group work, advocacy, research, crisis work, individual and family therapy and social policy. They will be challenged to consider ethical and moral debates as well as gaining a new understanding of cultural issues such as dimensions of power and the influence of class, gender, heterosexism, race and ethnicity.