Therapy

SOCIAL WORK

The social work profession in Australia adheres to the definition of social work jointly agreed to by the International Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work in 2014.

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

Social workers recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within and among cultures in Australian society. They value a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which ethical decision making occurs and the importance of taking into account individual, family, group, and community needs and differences. Social workers respect others’ beliefs, religious or spiritual world views, values, culture, goals, needs and desires, as well as kinship and communal bonds, within a framework of social justice and human rights.

When engaged in service provision, education, administration, policy and advocacy; research and other recognised social work roles, social workers commit to promoting awareness of cultural and cross-cultural issues, and culturally safe practice, seeking to prevent and eliminate negative discrimination and oppression.

What we do

Social workers operate at the interface between people and their social, cultural and physical environments. In all contexts, social workers maintain a dual focus on assisting human functioning and identifying the systemic issues that create inequity and injustice.

Our service users are individuals, families and other kinship arrangements, groups, partnerships communities, organisations and societies. We focus especially on those who are neglected, marginalised, vulnerable, excluded, disadvantaged, alienated or have exceptional needs

Social work practice includes:

• action to address the personal difficulties of service users through casework, counselling, clinical intervention, work with individuals, families, partnerships, communities and groups
• research, social policy development, administration, management, consultancy, education, training, supervision and evaluation undertaken to further human wellbeing and social development.

Social work action embraces advocacy and policy reform initiatives to achieve equitable access to social, economic, environmental and political resources focused in particular on:

• raising awareness of structural and systemic inequities
• promoting policies and practices that achieve a fair allocation of social resources
• ⁠acting to bring about social or systemic change to reduce social barriers, inequality and injustice.

Why you might need it:

You’re struggling to access community services or funding support
You’re feeling lost in a system that’s hard to understand
You’re going through family breakdowns, domestic violence, financial hardship, or housing stress
You need a safe and supportive professional to help advocate for you
You’re experiencing persistent anxiety, low mood, or emotional distress
You’re living with trauma, PTSD, or a history of difficult life events
You're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted
You're grieving a loss, facing a relationship breakdown, or going through a major life change
You’re struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or identity

Jess’s interest areas

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