Ms Cathy Brook1, Ms Claire Hyland, Ms Kristina Birchmore, Ms Lisa Gilbert, A/ Prof Michelle Jones
1Rural Support Service, Nuriootpa, Australia
Biography:
Cathy Brook is a passionate advocate for health Social Workers. Cathy has worked in healthcare since graduating- working in generalist and specialist clinical practice, project, management and leadership roles. As Advanced Clinical Lead Social Worker for the regional local Health networks, she now provides clinical leadership and mentoring to emerging Social Work Leaders. She has led the implementation of contemporary practice in rural health services. With expertise in leadership and governance and as chair of the Social Work Advisory Group, she is working to ensure Social Workers, and their SA Health employers are prepared for Social Work Registration.
Abstract:
Leadership in social work is a contested concept. Historic models of leadership have influenced social work. However, these models have not been a good fit for a profession steeped in values of social justice, human rights, respect for persons and professional integrity. Social Work leadership in health occurs in a sector dominated by bio-medical discourse. As a self-regulated profession working alongside registered professions, social work has fought to be considered a legitimate profession. Championing change management can be a substantial undertaking. A case in point is the SA Social Workers Registration Act assented in 2021, making South Australia the first to implement Social Work registration in Australia. Across SA Health, there are over 1100 social workers needing to be registered within six months.
The Social Work Advisory Group (SWAG) comprised of health Social Work leaders is the peak platform to advise and advocate on practice within SA Health. This group engaged in guided critical self-reflection on change management processes used to implement SW registration across health.
Through selfless leadership the SWAG shifted from an information-based to action-based forum, speaking out on issues of relevance to SW and populations at risk. Using an ecological frame SWAG engaged in reflexive praxis recognising they had taken a holistic approach to navigating Social Work registration and were solution-focused in their approach. SWAG utilised policy safeguards and worked across government, Departments and within their teams to influence change. In health Social Work leaders draw on their value base to inform their leadership practice.