World Social Work Day falls on March 21, with this year’s theme being Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action, which recognises that change happens on a local level where communities come together to promote and advance social justice and equity for all.
It involves valuing and recognising the unique perspectives, experiences and contributions of individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.
We sat down with Katrin Oliver, National Clinical Practice Lead for Social Work and Counseling – Integrated Service Team at EACH to learn more about her role and how she fosters inclusivity and supports the Social Workers at EACH.
Tell us about yourself and your role.
I am a social worker and have been at EACH for ten years, primarily working as an AOD clinician in the SURe program. In addition, I became the National Clinical Practice Lead (NCPL) for Social Work and Counseling 18 months ago. In this role, I serve as a contact point and source of support for staff. I guide staff and managers with discipline-specific queries, such as accreditation, supervision, and training. I also disseminate practice-specific information, advocate for staff, and have input into organisational developments via various projects and governance committees.
A highlight for me is the monthly Journal Club meetings, where staff from various programs come together to learn and share practice wisdom. The Journal Club is a great way to connect with peers and build professional identity and capacity.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The majority of my practice lead work is done from home early in the week. This includes developing Journal Club content, answering staff queries, welcoming new staff, attending meetings, and working on projects. Mid-week, I head to the beautiful Yarra Junction office to see SURe clients and hang out with my fabulous colleagues. As I wrap up my week, I see SURe clients at the Badger Creek site. The reality is that my days aren’t so clear-cut, and I often switch hats throughout the day. Without my diary and notebook, I’d be lost!
What do you think about this year’s theme, and what does it mean to you?
Social action means understanding and appreciating the diverse identities, cultures, and experiences of others. This is achieved through active listening, empathy, and building relationships with people from different backgrounds. It is also important to actively challenge discrimination, prejudice, and biases and to advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusivity. I believe it is crucial to respect diversity and engage in social action concerning caring for our staff and the communities we serve.
Joint social action can take many forms, including community organising, grassroots activism, and advocacy for policy change. It may involve participating in protests, rallies, and other public demonstrations and collaborating with local organisations and community leaders to advance common goals. In its simplest form, it means speaking up to name inequity and discrimination and committing to doing something to address these situations.
At EACH, Social workers and their counsellor colleagues are employed in a wide range of programs and areas as diverse as wilderness therapy, youth, child and family services, family violence, mental health, alcohol and other drug services, and gambling counselling. These programs operate at an individual level, and some also participate in advocacy and education activities that influence various communities more broadly. Regardless of whether the work is one-on-one or holds a more public focus, positive effects flow out to the family, friends, and community networks in ways we may never fully appreciate.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become a social worker?
Staying on the theme of diversity, you would be hard-pressed to find a career that offers as much diversity as social work: think government, not-for-profit, schools, corporations, criminal justice, hospitals, and of course, community health. Depending on their role and specialisation, Social Workers may provide counselling, case management, information, advocacy, and referrals to other services. Social Workers must meet specific professional standards and may be accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Some Social Workers have additional training in mental health issues and are Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW). Regardless of the setting, social workers strive to support people in coping with social, emotional, and environmental issues. If you are considering becoming a social worker, the AASW website provides lots of good information.
Lastly, I would like to recognise and thank the Social Workers and Counsellors at EACH for their commitment to the people and communities they serve. Together we strive for a more inclusive, equitable, and just society and a better future for all.