Critical and Reflective Practice for Medical Social Worker

The course will address the nature, dimensions and aims of critical, reflective and ethical practice in social work. It will incorporate the organisational, political, demographic and ideological context of contemporary social work practice and the impact of critical perspectives on the nature and delivery of social work in a diverse society.

CONTENT

• Critically analyse the differential impact of the changing economic, political, inter-professional and organisational in social work.
• Evaluate the contested nature of social work practice in a diverse society.
• Evaluate and apply models of partnership and participation, recognising their complex nature;
• Critically analyse dilemmas and conflicts that can arise when balancing competing needs, risks, rights and responsibilities of individuals, carers and other agencies.
• Critically evaluate research-based evidence to inform social work professional judgement in complex and uncertain situations.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of common sources of ‘error’ in decision-making.
• Recognise and reflect upon the potential impact of personal feelings and emotions on thinking, decision-making, and professional behaviour in social work
• Managing challenges of emotionally demanding work in complex and uncertain situations
• Critically reflect on their own practice and professional development, and identify areas for future development.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training methodology combines lectures, discussions, group exercises and illustrations. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of the topics and as a result participant will go back to the workplace with both the ability and the confidence to apply the techniques learned to their duties.