Preparing for social work practice in diverse contexts : Introducing an integrated model for class discussion
- Authors: Green, Rosemary , Gregory, Raeleene , Mason, Robyn
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Social Work Education Vol. 28, no. 4 (2009), p. 413-422
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- Description: Understanding the context of practice is an essential component of social work practice as is providing service that respects diversity. These twin concepts are necessary to include in planning and delivering services across all levels of practice. However, while we might understand how the context impacts on service users (and such an understanding is a vital part of assessment processes), the context has greater and more far reaching impacts. For example, in rural practice research, there is evidence that the context strongly influences the choice of practice methods, the behaviour of the professional as an individual and as a community member, and the management of complex ethical situations. This paper proposes a model that may be useful in analysing the various impacts of diversity and context in social work practice, and is relevant for the education of social workers and other human service personnel. The SUPAmodel (Service User, Professional, Agency) uses practice examples to explore how changes in context impact on professional decision making and choices about intervention. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.
- Description: 2003006215
Professional distance and social work
- Authors: Green, Rosemary , Gregory, Raeleene , Mason, Robyn
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Social Work Vol. 59, no. 4 (2006), p. 449-465
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- Description: Professional distance and the parallel concept of models of practice reliant on professional objectivity have been major platforms in professional education. In social work, these ideas are often seen as contentious, unreasonable and, in some cases, unrealistic. Radical, feminist and rural social work approaches, for example, suggest that the expert role is not only inappropriate, but can be counter-productive and disrespectful of the people with whom we work. Postmodern approaches call for a deconstruction of professionalism in favour of context-specific partnerships between worker and client. How can workers ensure good, professional practice within a more flexible approach to professional distance and expertise? What are the issues and how may they be resolved? Are the boundaries of the professional relationship elastic and, if so, what are the consequences for practice and the individual worker? The present article explores the notion of flexible, elastic boundaries using literature and research from radical, postmodern, feminist and rural social work approaches.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001993
The emergence of water markets in Australia and implications for rural social work
- Authors: Mason, Robyn , McDonald, John , Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 11, no. (2006), p. 6- 17
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- Description: The aim of this paper is to consider the implications for rural social work practice of the widespread and severe drought coupled with the emergence of water markets in Australia. The National Water Initiative was signed at the June 2004 Council of Australian Governments meeting with the aim of producing a nationally-compatible, market, regulatory and planning-based system of managing water resources to optimise economic, social and environmental outcomes. The National Water Commission and the National Competition Council have since assessed progress on the implementation of the initiative: none of their reports gives adequate consideration to the impact of water reform on rural communities. In this paper, we draw upon previous research and written submissions made to the Commission and the Council to examine the social and political consequences of the drought and the emergence of water markets. We discuss the implications for rural practice, and conclude by proposing seven recommendations to assert the role of rural social workers as change agents. This role could encompass community education and advocacy, piloting schemes such as community water banks, reinstating community development in social work curriculum, and facilitating collaborative rural partnerships.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001997
13 days and counting : A mutual support model for young, homeless women in crisis
- Authors: Green, Rosemary , Mason, Robyn , Ollerenshaw, Alison
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Youth Studies Australia Vol. 23, no. 2 (2004), p. 46-50
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- Description: An innovative program in rural Victoria matches young homeless women with older homeless women and provides them with a range of support services.The result is more stability in the accommodation setting, mutual benefit and satisfaction for clients, and impressive rates of permanent housing outcomes.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000964
It's no picnic : Personal and family safety for rural social workers
- Authors: Green, Rosemary , Mason, Robyn
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Social Work Vol. 56, no. 2 (2003), p. 94-106
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- Description: This paper reports the key research findings related to personal and family safety of rural welfare and social workers, from a study conducted in rural Victoria, Australia. Significant findings included concerns about personal and family safety, frequency of episodes of work related violence and harassment, and the resultant impact on personal and family activities. A range of useful strategies was identified to combat and cope with both the risk and experience of violence and harassment for the worker, and for their families. Workplaces, professional associations and educators need to recognize the impact of this occupational hazard, and respond with sensitivity to these issues, which have particular relevance for rural practitioners where anonymity and privacy are frequently compromised.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000509
Managing confidentiality in rural welfare practice in Australia
- Authors: Green, Rosemary , Mason, Robyn
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural Social Work Vol. 7, no. 1 (2002), p. 34-43
- Full Text: false
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- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000094