Social Work VOLUME 4 | No. 1 april 2015 Connect Newsletter of the AASW Victorian Branch

celebrating w orld day 2015

ISSN 1448-9503 contacts editorial

AASW VICTORIAN BRANCH OFFICE

Level 7 14-20 Blackwood St Dear colleagues NTH MELBOURNE 3051

Tel: (03) 9320 1005 Dear fellow social workers, Fax: (03) 9328 5670 We would like to welcome you back for the first edition of SWC for 2015. We All mail to: hope all our members enjoyed celebrating World Social Work Day on March PO Box 2008 17 as much as we did. The Vic Branch returned to Studley Park Boathouse for a Royal Melbourne Hospital breakfast which was attended by fifty members, with Colleen Pearce, the Public Parkville VIC 3050 Advocate, as our guest speaker. We enjoyed a morning of networking and Open: Monday to Friday appreciated the insights which Colleen offered to the group about the need for Guardianship reform. We would be delighted to hear from you about how you Website: www.aasw.asn.au celebrated WSWD in your workplace!

BRANCH The AASW congratulates Carolyn Worth, AM, on her award of an Order of COMMITTEE Australia medal on Australia Day in recognition of her significant contribution to . We feature an article which details Carolyn’s work over David Maxwell (Branch President) several decades and acknowledges the passion and commitment she has 0411 590 422 brought to her work. [email protected] The AASW Vic Branch has made a particular commitment this year to better Glenda Kerridge (Branch Vice-President) engagement with our Practice Groups and you will find in this edition several [email protected] articles and features from the School Social Work Group and from the Health Bernie Chatley Social Work Directors’ Groups. We are delighted to be able to feature the [email protected] work which they are involved in and look forward to hearing more from all of our Practice Groups. The Branch is also committed to engaging with and Peter Quin supporting our social work students and new graduates and you will find a [email protected] summary of both our new graduate and our student specific events for 2015. 5154 6635 There are a number of changes in government policy, the changes to the grants Virginia Mansel Lees process at the Department of , the imminent transition of Home [email protected] and Community Care (HACC) from state to federal level, and the transition to IliaVurtel NDIS to name only a few. We would love to hear from social workers about the [email protected] impacts, challenges and opportunities that come with such changes. You can 0425 750 044 contact us directly via email or via Kerril at the Victorian Branch. Olga Gountras [email protected] With best wishes, 9949 8713 Lisa derham, Maria groner and Glenda kerridge Scott Williams [email protected] Laurenza Buglisi [email protected] social work connect (SWC) guidelines for authors and contributors 9928 8741 Ravi Lulla Presentation: All contributions must be presented Committee reserves the right to refuse to accept by email to [email protected] contributions at any time. If an advertisement is [email protected] as a Word document attachment by the published accepted by the Editor of the SWC Newsletter, 0425 757 310 copy deadline. every effort will be made to ensure its inclusion, but no guarantee is given. Johnson Mathew Copy Deadline: 29th May for July edition. Disclaimer: The Editor/s wishes to remind [email protected] Articles from Members – are welcome and the topic and word limit should be negotiated readers that the views expressed in the Social Alexandra Bhathal with the Editor for the particular edition. Work Connect do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association. Similarly, course Practice Group reports and articles: 500 maximum or [email protected] and workshop advertisements, Letters to the by agreement with the Editor Editor, enclosed within the Social Work Connect FOC Advertisements: 1/8 page maximum or by should not be taken as necessarily having the agreement with the Editor endorsement of the Association unless explicitly Please Note: While acceptance of a contribution stated. The advertisements, events are correct at to SWC does not imply that AASW supports or is date of publication. Changes in dates, times or promoting the views expressed therein, the Editorial venues are beyond the control of the Editors. contents

Contacts 2

Editorial 2

Victorian Branch President 4

Carolyn Worth AM 5

Stepping Outside the Triangle 6

National Rural Remote Social Work Conference 8

School Community Partnerships 9

Upcoming Branch CPD Events 10

Student Story 11

World Social Work Day 12

Branch Activities for New Graduates 14

Branch Activities 15

Reaching for the Stars 16

Winner of the HSWDG Research Grant for 2015 16

Vale 18

Victorian Social Work Connect 3 victorian branch president’s report

Happy World Social Work Day! I hope you were able to take the time to reflect and celebrate the work that we do.

The Victorian Branch Management Committee is pleased to be able to offer a fabulous CPD program for 2015. In the past six months we have run a number of events focussed on students and new graduates. Our student and new graduate program continues to grow and will provide support and guidance to students across their time at university. We will again be conducting a comprehensive program for this cohort; details are included in the following pages.

Our expanding CPD program is based on the results of last years’ member survey and now includes a number of events conducted in conjunction with our Practice David Maxwell Groups. Details of the program are available in both this edition of Social Work Connect and in our e-Bulletin.

The Branch Management Committee appreciates the important and vital role that our 13 active Practice Groups play within the Victorian Branch. There has been a very pleasing growth in the last few years in the number of Practice Groups and members contributing to their work. The Branch Management Committee is therefore keen to undertake a review to obtain a better understanding of the various activities that have been undertaken by Practice Groups and to enter into conversation with them as to how the BMC can better support their work and activities. The BMC sees Practice Groups as the most constructive way to engage with our members to achieve good outcomes for our different client groups. If you are interested in getting involved with a Practice Group they are listed on the back cover of this edition.

Finally, we welcome our new Branch Committee members – Johnson Matthew, who is based in Geelong and Alex Bhathal. We look forward to their contribution.

If you have any feedback comments or suggestions please contact me via aaswvic@ aasw.asn.au.

Kind regards

David Maxwell President AASW Vctorian Branch

4 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 award recognition

carolyn worth am by Glenda Bawden

The AASW wishes to congratulate Social Since 1992 Carolyn has run SECASA. Worker Carolyn Worth, Manager of During this time she has overseen SECASA (South Eastern Centre Against the growth of the service from 6 to Sexual Assault) who was recognised in 60 workers. A number of innovative the Australia Day honours as a Member programs have been developed of the Order of Australia (AM) in the including General Division for her significant • a primary and secondary school service to the community through her program to promote safety and roles in relation to violence against non violence relationships women and children. • family violence afterhours Her Stand Out Achievements Are: response and counselling for 1. policy development – major input women and children into the way society, government • treatment for young people with and organisations respond to sexually abusive behaviours sexual assault and family violence Carolyn Worth • an alternative therapies program 2. service delivery – ensured that including art therapy, movement services to the victims of sexual therapy, gym groups and assault are adequately funded by reflexology providing a rationale and evidence • a social media and internet 3. work ethic – reliable, tenacious, presence to allow for service innovative, compassionate provision and the dissemination 4. Vision – sees the wider picture of information and provision of and societal structures and takes support to clients who do not a long term as well as a short term want face to face contact. view of what is achievable and In addition Carolyn has sat on how it can be accomplished. numerous committees and contributed 5. initiative and ability to start new expertise and submissions to public projects and see them through to inquities and forums on sexual assault completion until established as and family violence. regular business. These include the family violence and crisis counselling service, programs for young people with sexually abusive behaviours and use of social media to provide support and information.

Glenda Bawden is a past-President of the AASW Vic Branch and works as the Senior Manager Social Work and Aboriginal services at Monash Health.

Victorian Social Work Connect 5 the treatment triangle

Stepping Outside the Triangle by melinda austen

Working Reflectively with Refugee and Asylum Seekers

Social workers are uniquely placed within the refugee and asylum seeker sector in a variety of roles as , Persecutor Rescuer trauma counsellors, and in community development. The context in guilt which we work can inspire and engage us in our practice. However, the complex and

dynamic nature of trauma work can also blame bring a number of professional and personal challenges. resentment Much has been written about the potential for burnout and vicarious trauma while working with vulnerable populations where organisations are frequently resource- stretched and at the behest of changes in Government policy and community Victim attitudes. As a clinical supervisor for the (Prince Charming) and a persecutor (evil Red Cross and a counsellor at the Victorian Step-mother). In our professional practice, Foundation for Survivors of Torture and we may locate ourselves in any one of these Trauma, I am particularly interested in roles at different times. exploring the interface between social worker and client as a means to reduce the potential for vicarious trauma, encourage Rescuer self-care and invite effective social work The social justice conviction which practice. This article has arisen from fruitful motivates social workers to provide services discussions with Red Cross caseworkers that support and empower clients may, at in both individual and group supervision times of stress, spill into client rescue. Whilst sessions. social workers mostly attempt to provide an equivalent level of care for all clients, The Treatment Triangle as per their individual needs, some people inevitably touch us more personally. The Drama Triangle is a model developed by Dr Stephen Karpman, out of Dr Eric Berne’s Some clients may present with particularly 1950’s Transactional Analysis. It explores distressing stories or may, consciously or the interplay of roles between one or more unconsciously, remind us of someone close people in mutual exchange. When applied to us, triggering a response of increased to a clinical setting, the Drama Triangle is support and intervention. Social workers commonly referred to as the Treatment may also find it difficult to stay emotionally Triangle. present, with feelings of inadequacy when working with stories of human rights Knowledge of the Treatment Triangle abuses. They could even end up trying to assists Social Workers to fill a growing sense of helplessness with identify transference in their professional activity as it can be easier to feel useful relationship with clients and highlight by focusing on tasks rather than facing potential boundary crossings. The Treatment personal helplessness. This can include Triangle invites reflection when working scheduling additional client sessions, with clients with complex needs and a contacting clients between sessions, greater awareness of the potential impact of accompanying clients more often to trauma work on oneself. appointments, and/or offering additional If we consider a traditional story plot, there advocacy. Professional boundaries may be is usually a victim (Snow White), a rescuer breached due to these.

6 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 the treatment triangle

Rescuing differs from supportive motivation, vulnerability, inadequacy or experience of victimhood. A sense of practice, as the ‘Rescuer’ takes powerlessness. personal power can be realised through full responsibility for addressing greater focus on: work practices within client issues without awareness of Persecutor our control, attempts at advocacy transference issues or their personal within organisational boundaries, investment in helping. When an experience of victimhood is reminding ourselves of the reason for prolonged, social workers may become doing this work, involvement in staff While the majority of refugee and angry and begin to blame or punish support activities and through self-care asylum seeker clients require at least their clients. Persecution can occur in measures such as work/life balance, some level of support to aid settlement subtle ways through the withdrawal and connection to colleagues and and address trauma issues, many of care-taking. We may become less community. also maintain a level of resilience and available, refer clients back to drop-in resourcefulness born of the refugee intake services, reduce appointments Social workers in casework roles are experience. Many have managed or cease our work with the client encouraged to consider the importance of being the first point of contact a journey to Australia in extreme altogether. We may become less for many traumatised clients. Being conditions and have found the invested in client needs and less active experienced by clients as reliable, means to meet many of these needs. in the provision of advocacy or support. Excessive helping can deny clients the consistent and caring, is as important as ability to make their own choices or In the persecutor role, social workers being effectively task-focussed, as it can navigate their own way through new often deny the impact of our own help rebuild trust. The value of fostering circumstances. It can discourage client power on the client and, discount the these personal qualities often goes consultation, self-determination and powerlessness of clients who have been unrecognised by stressed out workers. empowerment. traumatised, faced dangerous refugee journeys, prolonged detention and Conclusion insecure settlement. Victim Being able to recognise the potential for Inevitably, workers taking on a rescuer Inevitably, social workers reconnect falling into the roles of rescuer, victim role may experience resentment or lack with client powerlessness and their and/or persecutor when working with of appreciation. This may be triggered potential for suffering.W e are reminded traumatised clients, is a reminder of the for several reasons. These can include, of our original motivation for entering power of the inter-relationship between but not be limited to when clients: miss the sector, which is often out of our worker and client. Self reflective multiple appointments, refuse housing concern for the political and personal practice helps us maintain personal and that has been difficult to secure, don’t rights of refugee and asylum seeker professional boundaries, acknowledge follow up on external referrals, don’t clients. client strengths and stay tuned to our engage well in counselling, complain self-care needs; all of which ensure Guilt at the potential for a persecutory about the service or make a complaint effective practice, best client outcomes response can then propel us back into about ourselves. and greater work satisfaction. the rescuer role and the cycle begins When frustrations build from our again. This is not helpful. unmet expectations of the client, we may begin to see ourselves as ‘victims’. Stepping Outside the Triangle Melinda Austen is a Mental Health This could be caused by a feeling of Social Worker and Couple Therapist having wasted our time or being taken Effective practice requires us to step in private practice in Carlton, with for granted – especially if we had other outside the cycle of the triangle, person2person Counselling and pressing client issues or administrative and supervision can be particularly Consultancy. She is passionate deadlines. The small rejections of helpful for this. Taking a bird’s eye view about clinical supervision and assistance or complaints may feel encourages awareness and invites committed to reflective practice particularly frustrating and unfair. self-responsibility for our actions and as both a clinician and supervisor. attitudes. For example, identifying one’s Melinda first came across the As well as experiencing victimhood, propensity for rescuing, recognising Treatment Triangle when working social workers may also feel like victims personal secondary gains and for STARTTS, the Service of the of the system, due to working within questioning whether one has become Treatment and Rehabilitation of a changing socio-political context over or under involved with client Torture and Trauma Survivors and and within organisational constraints. issues. has been applying it everywhere Becoming overwhelmed from an since. An expanded version of the increased workload, along with hearing Recognising the personal impact of article is available at au.linkedin. traumatised client stories, may result working with traumatised clients is com/pub/melinda-austen. in a reduced sense of personal efficacy, a starting point for addressing the

Victorian Social Work Connect 7 practice groups in action

SAVE THE DATE

12th Biennial National Rural Remote Social Work Conference ‘Rural Communities Making It Happen’

Thursday 30 July and Friday 31st July 2015 Parklake Hotel, Shepparton, Victoria

Rural Social Workers Action Practice Group (RSWAPG) Victorian Branch – AASW Ltd ABN 93 008 576 010 http://www.aasw.asn.au/events/category/vic

For enquiries please contact: Martin Butler: [email protected] 0418 572 967

Marina Klooster: [email protected] 0438314561

RSWAPG Conference Convenors

Please see our Call For Abstracts on the AASW website

8 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 practice groups in action

School and community partnerships by Dr Chris Barrett

On the evening of 25th February, & DHS, 2011), responded to the maximising the efficiency of school- AASW Victorian Branch School Social interconnection between family and agency communication. Delays in Work Practice Group convenors, Paul community vulnerability, and poorer the provision of information or the Jameson and Chris Barrett, presented educational and developmental assignment of caseworkers, should be a CPD workshop: “Collaborative outcomes, with the requirement signalled to the school contact person. partnerships to support children & collaboratively to develop locally With little flexibility to leave, young people in the school setting”. relevant responses and improved appreciate meetings at school. Attendees represented family and service coordination. Teachers, social workers and other community support agencies, private However, there are impediments to family support professionals face practitioners and school employed day-to-day collaboration. Schools the frustrations of their own rigid social workers. are logical sites for service delivery institutions, with inadequate resourcing School social work is guided by the and “safe havens” from distress, and few alternate programs properly to AASW Practice Standards for School but can seem at times baffling and address the personal, learning, family Social Workers, to focus on the student impenetrable. Educators can be and social issues that children face. in the learning environment. Generalist equally frustrated by agency practices Schools need and appreciate effective and school-specific interventions and program limitations. Successful partnerships with DHS and community from prevention through to complex collaborative partnerships have been agencies, but with multiple institutional intervention, based on bio-psycho- forged within the “common ground” at imperatives, collaboration is facilitated social-educational (Barrett, 2014) the intersection between schools and by effective communication to analyse assessment, require multiple direct other institutional settings, through and problem-solve within different and indirect methods to remove the a focus on the shared wellbeing and professional and organisational barriers to learning. The achievement educational goals for children and perspectives. of learning potential is seen as a social young people. justice goal intrinsic to child protection Teachers and social workers value and wellbeing. as a right, and currently the Since 1949, Victorian school social path towards best learning and life Barrett, C. (2014) School Social Work workers liaised with other service outcomes. Their common goal is the in the State of Victoria, Australia: provider colleagues, with formal case wellbeing and potential of students and 65 years of student wellbeing management meetings and programme their families, inclusive of their diversity, and learning support, PhD Thesis, planning more evident from the 1980s. through the integration of safety, University of Melbourne Before the wider establishment of child, wellbeing and learning responses. https://minerva-access.unimelb. youth and family support agencies, edu.au/handle/11343/42062 Successful collaborations begin with such services were provided by school clear communication with those social workers, who continue to do this in the school or agency with direct as needed. responsibility or influence in student Dr Chris Barrett (PhD, BA, DipT, Education policy has increasingly wellbeing or case management. BSW, MSW) is a long experienced focused on access, equity, and Some may need to challenge their and school social worker. wellbeing as a prerequisite for learning. own prejudices about the school or She has recently completed Strategies to support vulnerable partnering organisation. Agencies research into the 65 year children (DHS, 2013, DEECD, 2014) and might consider allocating caseworkers development and practice of those in out-of-home care (DEECD according to primary school, thereby school social work in Victoria.

Victorian Social Work Connect 9 upcoming branch cpd events

Upcoming Branch CPD Events 2015

The AASW Victoria Branch CPD Committee is pleased to offer the following CPD events to members. The program has been developed from feedback received via the Victorian Branch member survey conducted in 2014.

If you wish to register for any of these 20 Apr 2015 A Cultural Perspective: Working with Aboriginal & excellent CPD opportunities, please go Torres Strait Islander clients within general practice and to the website at www.aasw.asn.au/vic primary health care or contact the Victorian Branch Office Manager [email protected] 29 Apr 2015 interface: Social workers & Mental Health 1 May 2015 s killful use of mindfulness in therapeutic work with clients & individual practise

7 May 2015 p rivacy and Confidentiality, documentation & report writing

18 May 2015 w orking with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) & Refugee Communities in Child & Family Welfare

28 May 2015 5 day Supervision Course presented by Dr Susan Lewis

1 June 2015 s exual & Reproductive health: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

3 June 2015 Ethics in professional practice – a workshop for social work practitioners

Professional Supervision www.darrylcloonan.com

Darryl Cloonan • Reasonable rates • Flexible delivery BA, BSW, MAASW (ex-Uni of Melbourne Supervision Unit) • Quality, external supervision

10 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 student story

Community Health Through A Cultural Lens

by Barbara Dagher

I believe in the old saying if you What I felt, was though I was born continuously wake up in the morning and raised in Australia with no foreign with the feeling of not wanting to accent, my darker appearance and exotic go to work then maybe you should features led people to associate me with consider changing jobs. The importance not being Australian. My oppressive of doing something you enjoy as an experiences led me to thinking about occupation led me to studying Social the clients, students and workers in Work at university. I felt that the values society who face racism every day of of social work aligned with my own their lives whilst participating in society. beliefs and values so well. My social I wondered about the challenges they work journey as a student ended with would have and the cultural awareness my final placement in Newcomb CHC of current work environments. (community health centre). Having a cultural lens on has assisted me As social workers we are taught to to be a better worker as I am constantly use different lenses to analyse. A CH being mindful of the different identities (Community Health) placement was an and layers a client may have. A CHC ideal environment to consolidate the placement was an ideal place to look at four years of training I had to become clients and staff through a cultural lens. a social worker. I Understanding the was challenged client’s journey and to discover my i was challenged what it may be like for passions and eager to discover my them is important to to learn what drives me as this can help in my practice. Over passions and improving the health the eight week eager to learn system. A community placement I wrote health centre can be a simple journal what drives my the entry point for a which helped me practice client who is health to identify common seeking or it can be the themes. This led me end point for a patient to the realisation that who has transitioned I was naturally interested and curious from the acute hospital setting back into about people from CALD (cultural and the community. For the clients who are linguistic diverse) backgrounds as I from CALD backgrounds, a health centre came from one myself. and hospital may be foreign territories with staff that may be regarded as alien As a first generation Australian whose enemies even though they are trying parents are of an inter-racial mix I had to help. always felt that I didn’t belong to one culture more than the other. I had I thank Barwon Health Social work the best of cultural worlds in terms of department in giving me this great exposure to different lifestyles, food learning opportunity. My future Barbara Dagher is a final year social and music. I did however notice that aspiration as a qualified grade one work student from Geelong who I was treated differently by people social worker is to continue my is passionate about improving throughout my life either directly professionalism through the AASW cultural awareness in Australian or indirectly. At least once a week and to keep up to date with best Society. Barbara believes that a someone would ask me where I was practice. I intend to pursue my passion high quality work environment can from. My answer, “Australia” as I was about educating people about cultural be achieved by understanding the born and raised here, was usually not awareness and hope to be a social reasoning behind diverse cultures, the answer a person was wanting. Did it change agent in creating better traditions, beliefs and appreciating really matter where I was from or where work environments for CALD clients our differences. my parents were from? and staff.

Victorian Social Work Connect 11 world social work day

Victorian Branch World Social Work Day

This year’s Victorian Branch World Many social workers are familiar with the Social Work Day event was again held competing issues of personal choice and W orld Social Work Day in the scenic restaurant at the Studley risk. Colleen discussed this in the context 17 March 2015 Park Boathouse. Participants enjoyed of guardianship decisions which are based Promo eoples ting the Dignity and Worth of P a delicious cooked breakfast with over on the principle of “best interest”, which is fifty social work colleagues. It was a very quite different to an individual’s personal different start to the working day! wishes. This is one of the challenges of pectful Res s mmunitie working with Guardianship, including Upholding Co Freeing Guest speaker for the day was Colleen = e Human tainabl Silenced restrictive interventions for older people Sus s Rights Future Voices Pearce, Victoria’s first female Public 4 All such as relocation to residential care. Respecting Social Workers Advocate. Colleen has almost 30 years of Voices For ~ Human experience in the community and health Colleen suggested that an effective Valuing DIGNI Diversity TY sectors. She has devoted her working life method of weighing up rights and risks/ to helping society’s most disadvantaged protection and autonomy is to imagine it people, advocating for applying to ourselves, their rights, and helping rather than to others, www.ifsw.org to ensure that they are Many social workers encouraging supported treated with dignity and are familiar with the decision making rather respect. than making choices competing issues of for someone. She Colleen presented personal choice and risk reflected on the new an insightful keynote NDIS and the difficulties address about her of working with the role as Public Advocate and discussed presumption of capacity for decision some of the emerging challenges and making on which the NDIS is based. contradictions that arise from legislation While this is a workable concept for many concerning people’s capacity and rights. people with disabilities, it is challenging She outlined how societal context has to apply this principle to people with changed since much of this legislation was intellectual disabilities, or people who developed in the 1980s, with legislation have been in institutionalised care for that was initially aimed primarily at people decades, who have limited capacity to with disabilities now fitting less well with make decisions. the needs of older people. Colleen’s presentation was well received, The Public Advocate can be appointed with a dialogue with the audience which to take on the guardian role for adults demonstrated their engagement with who are unable to make decisions for the topic. Our breakfast event provided themselves because of a disability, with a thoughtful and collegial beginning to the majority of applications now for older World Social Work Day 2015. people with reduced decision-making capacity. Colleen spoke about this as Helen Murray, the Project Officer for the Lisa Derham, Maria Groner & a confusing arena for social workers to Victorian Branch’s Oral History Project, Glenda Kerridge are the editors negotiate with their clients, with varying also presented a brief summary of the of Social Work Connect. and sometimes contradictory definitions AASW Oral History Project and the of terms and responsibilities. dedicated social workers instrumental in its development. Helen outlined the Branch’s plans for the final stage of Oral History Project – this project – the interview transcripts, together with brief biographies of all the more recent information sought social workers interviewed for this project, will be available on the AASW website The Oral History Project is coming together nicely, however we are seeking later this year. A more detailed report more recent information about Lorna Leckie, Margaret Calder and Margaret about this project is available in SWC McGregor. If you know or worked with any of these social workers and can November 2014. assist us, please contact Helen Murray at [email protected]

12 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 world social work day

promoting the dignity and worth of peoples

Branch President David Maxwell with the Public Advocate, Colleen Pearce

Eastern Health social workers at the WSWD breakfast

Victorian Social Work Connect 13 branch activities

2014 Vic Branch activities for new graduates

by Laurenza Buglisi

Last November, the Victorian Branch in relation to services offered to held a workshop for new graduates new graduates. Thirty-one students titled ‘Finding Your First Job and attended, representing a variety of Thriving In It’. It was facilitated by universities. The student feedback Laurenza Buglisi (BMC member with provided was overwhelmingly portfolio for new graduates), Lisa positive – with the presenters’ personal Derham (past BMC member), and anecdotes and tips on interviews and Alison Sizer (social work student on self-care seen as the most valuable. placement). This workshop provides an The Victorian Branch is strongly overview of the job application process, committed to providing students and encourages safe and sustainable work new graduates with the necessary practices and provides information resources to succeed in their social work on the role of the AASW, particularly careers. After reviewing the evaluations from previous workshops, in 2015, the Victorian Branch Management Committee will offer a five-part seminar series to address the needs of students and new graduates, who are ultimately the future of our profession and our best investment. To foster a sense of connection and belonging for new graduates, the Branch will be providing regular opportunities to meet experienced social workers and become actively involved in Branch events The student feedback and activities, as well as providing provided was information and support around a overwhelmingly positive range of topics. All sessions are free – with the presenters’ of charge and will be held at the AASW National Office at Level 7, personal anecdotes and tips 14-20 Blackwood Street, North on interviews and self-care Melbourne. seen as the most valuable.

The 2015 sessions are as follows:

Monday 11th May, 6pm-7pm a n Introduction to Social Work

Wednesday 24th June, 6pm-8pm reflections as a New Social Worker

Thursday 9th July, 6.30pm - 8.30pm connecting with a Mentor

Wednesday 11th November, thriving in your First Social Work 6.30pm-8.30pm role

Wednesday 9th December, graduate Peer Support Group 6pm-7.30pm

New graduates are encouraged to access the AASW website for more information: www.aasw.asn.au/careers-study/graduate-resources

14 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 branch activities

The Vic branch requests Senior Social Workers to Emotionally Focussed Therapy be part of our Mentoring for Couples Evening Workshops in 2015

Presented by Dr Jenny Fitzgerald, The Victorian Branch is seeking expressions of interest from our more Clinical Psychologist, ICEEFT experienced members who would like to be paired with a new graduate in certified therapist, supervisor a mentoring capacity for the duration of one evening (Thursday 9th July and trainer and co-author of An 6.30pm – 8.30pm). It is expected that applicants will possess a minimum of emotionally focussed workbook for five years post-qualifying experience in the field of social work and must be couples: The Two of Us. current members of the AASW. The role includes actively engaging with one See www.iceeft.com and www.aceft.com.au new graduate in a discussion about your career in social work thus far and reflections on your own past experience as a new graduate.T he commitment MELBOURNE of the mentor will not be expected to extend beyond one evening and participants will accrue two hours of CPD points. Fundamentals of EFT: A four-day externship For more information or to register your interest, please contact Kerril July 17-20th Williams, Vic Branch Office Manager. Ph 03 9320 1005 or email aaswvic@ Harte Felt Centre aasw.asn.au Level 1, 16a Toorak Rd, South Yarra Full time students $650, Early bird $995 (before May 17th), there after $1250. For information and to register contact Glenys New Training room for hire: at [email protected] AASW Melbourne Office BRISBANE Fundamentals of EFT: A four-day externship The AASW Melbourne Office now has a training space available for hire which is July 31st - August 3rd fully equipped with data projector, whiteboard and can hold up to 60 people. The Hotel Urban space is available at a discounted rate of $250 per day for members and is ideal for 345 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill meetings, training sessions and seminars. Full time students $650, Early bird $995 If you would like to view the room, please contact Kerril Williams, Branch Office (before May 31st), there after $1250. For information and to register contact Glenys Manager on 03 9320 1005 or via email: [email protected]. Bookings can be made at [email protected] via the booking form available on the AASW Vic Branch page of the website: http://www.aasw.asn.au/victoria/about-us

Victorian Social Work Connect 15 reaching for the stars

Reaching for the stars By Melanie van Diemen

“It is not in the stars to In the months and years to follow, I was fortunate to gain experience hold our destiny but in in a variety of acute and sub-acute ourselves” inpatient settings. This afforded me the opportunity to remove my blinkers William Shakespeare and see the world of health in its entirety, to participate in professional development, and to gain an In 2014 the Health Social Work understanding of the necessities of the Director’s Group (HSWDG) launched a hospital system. pilot leadership program, “Reaching for the Stars” (R4TS). R4TS aspired to In February, 2014 I received an provide grade 2 health social workers email from my manager calling for with dynamic learning opportunities, expressions of interest for a pilot including the chance to practice key skills, program being run by the HSWDG. R4TS provide observational and reflective had been developed as a leadership experiences, and benefit from mentoring program for Grade 2 social workers in and coaching from senior social workers metropolitan hospitals after a survey in hospitals. conducted in 2013 had identified that social workers lacked confidence in I started my career in hospital social feeling prepared for leadership roles work with Eastern Health in 2010. Like within their organisation. many young social workers, I spent a I did not immediately know that significant period of time deciphering this program was for me. In fact, I the workings of the hospital microcosm, did not immediately know what the managing a complex and varied program was really about! Luckily, I caseload, befriending the ward clerks was interested enough to look into it, and answering the age old question: and was supported by my social work ‘What is the difference between a manager to construct the outline of a physiotherapist and an occupational quality improvement project for my therapist?’ area of work.

The instruction was that the project should be directly related to your area of work and be aligned with your organization’s strategic direction. So, Health Social Work Director’s Group my first task was to find out: ‘what is a strategic direction?’ and ‘in what Research Grant Announced directions were Eastern Health’s strategies headed’? The HSWDG Practice Group supports further research in social work in health and has recently launched a Research Grant to fund health research Fortunately, my interest in assessing projects. the needs of carers in a palliative care unit was a nice fit with Eastern Health’s The HSWDG is pleased to announce the successful applicant to the priority of providing a great experience inaugural Research Grant for 2015 is Louisa Whitwam from Peninsula Health, for patients and their families. with her project entitled: How do we advocate for advocacy? Exploration of the social work role and practice of case advocacy in health care. The explanation we received at our first session regarding how this program Louisa’s project aims to help us to better understand the way in which came about was a mixture of anecdotal advocacy underpins social work practice in health on a range of levels or evidence from the members of the domains. HSWDG, the results of the workplace survey and the issues that were able The HSWDG looks forward to Louisa’s presentation of her project results at to be influenced within the scope the annual Research Symposium to be held in September. of the group. In short, health social work managers were experiencing shared difficulty in recruiting to

16 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 reaching for the stars

grade 3 social work positions with The opportunity to meet and get to This program has enhanced my appropriately qualified clinicians who know our contemporaries at other knowledge and confidence in the felt equipped for the roles. The HSWDG Melbourne health services should areas of project work, lean thinking had identified that this issue could be not be underestimated. It created a and situational leadership which has influenced by offering a leadership shared experience and allowed us resulted in a broadened approach to my development program to address to feel connected with other health current role. It has also equipped me some of the identified gaps. However, services and social work departments. to explore future career and leadership as the program progressed, it became One of the participants would share opportunities with enthusiasm clear that the skills we were gaining, an issue or stumbling block they had rather than uncertainty. In a galaxy of whilst definitely desirable in a potential experienced during the preceding hospitals and health care professionals, senior clinician, were preparing us month and, invariably, over the next Reaching for the Stars is a vessel that for leadership and couple of months, takes enthusiastic grade 2 social workers from naivety and delivers innovation within any The Reaching for the others would report back on variations them to the planet of possibilities. To role, including our Stars program offers current positions. of the same issue. In future participants, I would say: you a holistic approach this way, the group don’t know what you don’t know – this The program to fostering the was very effective; we program will teach you the principles involved eleven required to realize your potential and development of health formed, made rules participants who and set expectations set you on the path to figuring it out attended monthly social work leaders by and were able to for yourself! sessions at each of building on the unique benefit from each As social workers, we see ourselves as the participating other’s experiences – skill-set of social taking a holistic approach to working health services positive or otherwise. workers… with clients or patients in a variety of over a seven month Although I was not settings. The Reaching for the Stars period. The next few aware of it at the program offers a holistic approach to months covered time, upon reflection fostering the development of health methodology, mentorship, lean it seems obvious that the facilitators social work leaders by building on the thinking and leadership styles. And of the program fostered this group unique skill-set of social workers and of course, the majority of participants dynamic quite consciously. integrating that within the dynamic, wondering if future career aspirations Despite the effectiveness of the ever-changing and often perplexing and fulfilling our potential was really group process, there was an element world that is our health care system. worth the trouble of completing an of the program that necessitated a application for ethics approval! solo journey which was, at times, a The topics included varied from confusing and frustrating one. In one effective proposal, report writing and of my earliest mentoring sessions, presentations, to situational leadership my manager said to me (in relation and project management skills. From to my quality improvement project), the first session, participants were ‘It’s messy, you just have to go with encouraged to seek out a mentor it and things will become clearer.’ My within their organisation to support immediate thought was, ‘Well, you could them in this program but also in career just tell me what to do and then it won’t progression and goal setting. be messy.’ Of course, she didn’t, and this ultimately led to one of my most The status of our respective projects significant learnings of the program: was discussed at each session and an understanding of how I work, what we were encouraged to think about motivates me, what I avoid and how how the content covered in previous to start moving forward from where I Melanie has a BSc/BSoc Wk from months had changed our thinking, am. I would have loved a roadmap for Monash University and works on informed our projects and our work this program, and for the project and the palliative care unit at Wantirna generally. At the end of the program, I realised, that’s what I was looking for Health (Eastern Health). In the my project had progressed to the stage in my social work career: a roadmap of future she plans to further her where I had completed a trial of a carer where I should go next. Or perhaps a study and continue to work both support needs assessment tool on the ‘Choose your own adventure’ book so as clinically and in the research/ unit and limited analysis of the results not to relinquish all autonomy and self quality improvement space. of the trial. determination.

Victorian Social Work Connect 17 vale

Irena Jean Elizabeth Higgins Leeman (nee Paul)

1914 – 2014 3.9.1943 – 17.10.2014

Irena Higgins, who died in August 2014 at the age of 100, had Jean Leeman, an active social worker and former Vice- a professional and voluntary social work career that stretched President of the AASW, has passed away aged 71 years. over almost seventy years. Originally from Polish Ukraine, Irena completed her three-year social work education at the Jean completed a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of University of Lvov, then migrated to Australia, arriving in Social Studies at the University of Melbourne in 1967. October 1938. Her early career included working across child welfare, mental health, aged and disability care sectors in After marrying in 1941 and living in Brisbane and Sydney, Melbourne and the UK. the family finally settled in Melbourne, and Irena began her Australian social work career with the Victorian Society In the early 70s, Jean returned to Melbourne to work for Crippled Children. In 1952 she became the first social at the Good Neighbour Council, where she was worker at Kew Cottages, a residential facility for intellectually instrumental in redirecting its funding to the newly disabled children and adults, and stayed there for 17 years. formed Ethnic Community Council of Victoria, enabling Her achievements at Kew were remarkable, and included the ethnic groups to have a voice in policy development. management of a growing department, and the establishment From this grew the establishment of SBS Television and of a parents’ group that began to advocate for better treatment the funding of specific services for CALD groups. and facilities for their children, and the development of a During her marriage to social worker Ben Leeman, Jean network of volunteers trained to work with the families of successfully juggled work and family commitments. intellectually people living in the community. She was employed by the Department of Social Her next position was as senior social worker with the City of Security Office of Childcare, researching alternatives Melbourne, a position she held for ten years. This was the time to residential care and then worked as Coordinator of the development of neighbourhood and community houses, of the Family Aids Program at Camcare. From 1997 and Irena played a key role in the establishment of Carlton until her retirement, Jean set up the Uniting Church’s Contact, Flemington House, North Melbourne Centre and Bethel Pastoral Centre, working for the prevention and Kensington Centre. She followed this by five years working with healing of victims of abuse within the church. She felt a the Kay Street Project, a Ministry of Housing initiative in Carlton. real calling to advocate in support of survivors of abuse in this challenging work. After completing a Bachelor With the ending of this project, Irena, now 70, turned her of Theology in 2008, she then supported Ministers by attention to volunteer work, becoming actively involved with providing voluntary supervision. the management of Kew Community House, a member of the Kew Community Action Group, a representative of the Inner Throughout her professional life, Jean collaborated Region Consultative Committee, and a member of committees with others to change policies, and took a leading role of the Regional Housing Council, the Inner East Housing in a range of committees, including: the AASW; Ethnic Community Service, Inner Rooming House Group and Kew Community Council of Victoria; VICSEG; Family Support Emergency Housing. Association; Eastern Region Maltreatment Network; AASW Special Interest Group on Abuse; Professional Irena’s contribution to the community was recognized in 1999 Standards Network. with the award of a Medal of the Order of Australia, fitting acknowledgement of a remarkable woman’s life of advocacy and In January 2012, Jean was diagnosed with Acute service. Myeloid Leukaemia. After a courageous battle, and supported by Ben and their extended family, she passed away on 17 October 2014.

This material is based upon ‘Jean’s Story’ presented by her children at her Thanksgiving Service on 21 October, 2014.

18 Social Work Connect – Volume 4 No 1 April 2015 vale

EWA KRYSTYNA KLOCZKO

12.8.1957 - 20.4.2014

Ewa Kloczko, social worker, psychologist and bio-energy therapist, has died, aged 57. Ewa was an original and independent thinker who moved effortlessly between various and divergent cultures, concepts, belief systems and world views. Her views were often revolutionary and ahead of the times.

Ewa was born in Jedwabne, Poland, and completed high school in Pisz, studied psychology at The Institute of Psychology of The University of Warsaw and attained a Master of Arts Degree in 1981. She migrated to Australia in 1982 and gained a Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Melbourne in 1985 and then worked as a social worker in various locations in Melbourne.

In 2003 Ewa enrolled into the Mind Body Medicine Course at Swinburne University’s Department of Integrative Medicine. She thrived on the interactions there, enthusiastically contributing to the discussions. For her this course meant that the era of integrative medicine was drawing closer. Her private studies were in metaphysics, paranormal, ESP, and modern shamanism. (She has personally experienced some of the ESP phenomena). She also trained in bio-energy healing.

Ewa saw the limitations of orthodox medicine, and lamented its separation from holistic and alternative health views, longing for a new era of integrated conventional and alternative medicines, with mind, body and spirit seen as a whole.

Her co-workers and clients felt uplifted and energized by interactions with Ewa. Her mind was inquisitive, insightful and uniquely creative. She drew inspiration and conclusions in most unexpected ways, from interdisciplinary sources. Innovative in her social work, she promoted new ideas within the limitations of official guidelines.

Ewa’s passing was a shock to all her Australian and European friends, family and co- workers. Vale Ewa! You will live in our hearts always.

In Ewa’s memory, the Ewa Kloczko Fund has been established by the Polish Community Council of Victoria. To support it, please contact: [email protected]. au or by telephone: 9569 4020

Written by Nina Mazurek. Nina is a Melbourne architect, art therapist and Ewa’s friend for over 20 years.

Victorian Social Work Connect 19 AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS VICTORIAN BRANCH PRACTICE GROUPS

PPracticeractice Grroupsoups Conveneronvener C coontactntact CancerCancer SSocialocial WWorkork DeniseDenise BeovichBeovich [email protected] [email protected] GreenGreen SSocialocial WWorkork OnlineOnline Forum DespinaDespina Filippaki [email protected]@student.rmit.edu.au Health Social Workers Director’s Group Michael michael.splawaneyman@southernhealth. Health Social Workers Director’s Group Michael michael.splawaneyman@southernhealth. Splawa-Neyman org.au Splawa-Neyman org.au DebraDebra Leahy [email protected] [email protected] ICEC Committee Teorrah Kontos [email protected] Peninsula Social Work Network PENSWN Helen wendy Cleak Pieters [email protected] 266 989 [email protected] Peninsula Social Work Network PENSWN Wendy Pieters 0403 266 989 Rural Social Workers Group Peter Quin [email protected] 591 356 / 5154 6666 Rural Social Workers Group PeterMetaxia Quin Isoukatos 04195023 5915966 356 / 5154 6666 Social Work Aged Service Group MetaxiaWendy D Tietmansoukatos 50239836 59666293 Social Work Aged Service Group WJoendy Morris Dietman 98369265 62931276 School Social Workers Group JoPaul Morris Jameson [email protected] 1276 SSchoolocial W Socialork Education Workers GroupPractice Group Paul inez CJamesonhambers [email protected] 4100 v.au Social Work Education Practice Group Inez Chambers [email protected] 4100 [email protected] South West Victorian Branch Practice Group [email protected] South West Victorian Branch Practice Group [email protected] The Geelong Counselling Social Work Network suzanne Doorakkers [email protected] Singapore Melbourne Health Social Work Network Carol Quayle [email protected] Kelly Riley The Geelong Counselling Social Work Network Suzanne Doorakkers [email protected] Victorian Mental Health Social Work (VMHSW) Kelly aroon Riley Naidoo [email protected] WVictorianomen’s MentalHealth HealthPractice Social Group W ork (VMHSW) AroonHelen MakregiorgosNaidoo [email protected]@gmail.com Women’s Health Practice Group Helen Makregiorgos [email protected]

SUB-COMMITTEE CONVENERS & NATIONAL WORKING GROUP CONVENERS/REPRESENTATIVES SUB-Lyra TaylorCOM FundMITTEE Committee CONVENERS & NATIONALAss P rofessorWORKING GROUP9479 2407 CONVENERS/ Margarita Frederico REPRESENTATIVES ICEC Committee Teorrah Kontos [email protected] L yra Taylor Fund Committee AssHelen Professor Cleak [email protected] 2407 Continuing Professional Education MargaritaIlia Vurtel Frederico [email protected] Continuing Professional Education Ilia Vurtel [email protected] Life Membership Committee Jane Miller [email protected] Life Membership Committee Jane Miller [email protected]

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