Ensuring The Future Of Rural Social Work In Australia
Social work has an important role to play in remote, rural and regional Australia in combating social disadvantage like poorer health, lower education standards, fewer employment opportunities and lower wages. The future of rural social work in Australia can be guaranteed by supporting those wishing to live and work in rural communities through education programs, industry support programs and ongoing professional programs.
Social work field education in Australia: Sharing practice wisdom and reflection
This paper highlights current issues relevant for Australian social work field education preparation and delivery, and shares some of the challenges that impact on schools of social work in rural, regional and urban settings. Topics discussed include the neoliberal context of social work education, its impact, and issues for rural and remote, international and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student placements. The paper explores some existing models that have emerged as responses to current challenges and environments. It also stresses that, despite economic rationalism and the neoliberal context, Australian social work educators still need to provide quality experiences for social work students, their field educator and the field. The importance of engagement in discussions about the future of Australian social work field education is emphasised.
Recruitment and retention: perceptions of rural mental health workers.
Recruitment and retention of professionals is a major issue in rural health care. Following a literature review and series of focus groups, a questionnaire to ascertain why professionals applied for, stayed in and would consider leaving rural mental health work was constructed. The questionnaire also included questions regarding possible initiatives that could be undertaken to improve recruitments. The questionnaire was distributed through informal networks to over 900 professionals. Four hundred and seventy eight questionnaires were returned, representing a 52% return rate. According to the response work related issues were generally more important than lifestyle/personal issues particularly as reasons for applying for rural work. Lack of organisational support and professional isolation were important detractors of rural work, with strong support being expressed for initiatives that would address these issues. The findings suggest that recruitment action might highlight the scope, variety, challenge and autonomy aspects of work, with retention focusing on professional support and contact and increased organisational support.