Ethics, Decision-making and Risk Management in Contemporary Social Work Practice
Context
Interest in the concept of risk and decision- making in the context of social work practice has grown rapidly over the past decade. Concerns about taking and balancing risks are never-ending as debates about how risk itself should be defined remain key issues for social professionals.
The area of professional judgement and risk is therefore an essential area for exploration. The range of rationalities upon which social workers depend in making their judgements requires rigorous analysis and debate within the profession both from national and global perspectives. Looking specifically at challenges for the practitioner, the course will examine personal and professional issues around ethical decision-making and risk management, factors which have a significant impact upon how social work is shaped, perceived and evaluated.
Audience
This short course will introduce participants to contemporary theories and strategies around the role of the social work practitioner from both a local and global perspective. It will be of particular interest to those participants who already have some experience of working in this field as they grapple with competing values and struggle with issues of related to risk and decision making in their profession. For those with less experience, the course will offer an opportunity to increase knowledge and develop a better understanding of some of the complexities involved in this challenging but rewarding area of work.
Content
The course combines presentations and group work and will be interactive. Participants will be encouraged to explore and debate some of the core functions related to social work practice as the programme moves from looking at the links between global social work and the practising social professional.
Topics will include:
- Ethical decision-making
- Determining and assessing risk
- Dilemmas in making professional judgements
- The role of global social worker
- Becoming a reflective practitioner
- Social work as a moral and political practice
- Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work
- Self-reflection in Reflective Practice
By the end of the course, participants will be able to demonstrate a systematic understanding of different perspectives and functions of the local and global social worker, critically evaluate the underpinning social work principles and ethics , understand the application of relevant theories and approaches in contemporary roles in the social professions and will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the impact of (sub-)cultural beliefs and service user perspectives on practical judgment and decision making.
Course leader
Linda Richardson: Beginning a social work career in 1974, Linda has worked predominantly with children and families in both social work and managerial roles. Having worked in residential, voluntary and statutory settings in both Education and Social Care, Linda until recently worked as an adviser for the UK Government Department for Children, Schools and Families. She now works as an independent consultant, supporting local authorities and Local Safeguarding Children Boards. Linda has been teaching on the MACESS programme since 1994.
Dates
This short course will be taught in two blocks of four consecutive day. 28-1-2012 t/m 31-1-2012 en 10-2-2012 t/m 13-2-2012.
Price
€ 2000,-
Further information
g.van.de.luitgaarden@hszuyd.nl
