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Job Corner

Chicago Interviews 11th - 15th August 2010 - Start date in UK January 2011

 

Bromley is the largest borough in London. As a place to live and work, it has much to offer – excellent leisure and shopping facilities, easy access to beautiful countryside, yet only 20 minutes from Central London by train.

 

We are looking for BSW/MSW qualified social care professionals with minimum 18 months post qualification experience of working with vulnerable children and their families:

 

 

A strong feature of Bromley is its diversity and mix of communities. These embrace affluent communities, and those in social exclusion.  

 

If you are looking for a new challenge for 2011, then working in Bromley would be the ideal place for you to expand your horizons, experience new cultures, and develop your practice.

 

Reed Global Resourcing offers comprehensive support throughout the process.

 

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Children and Families Social Workers    

 

The Synergy Group is currently recruiting permanent Children and Families Social Workers for frontline child protection teams within Hertfordshire County Council, near London, England. For more information, please visit our website at www.synergygroup.co.uk/herts or e-mail your current résumé to goUK@synergygroup.co.uk for the attention of Ngaire Wallace.            

 

Army Reserve Social Worker  

 

You can gain the unique experience needed to enhance your career when you become a social worker and officer on the U.S. Army Reserve Health Care Team. By working in your community and serving when needed, you’ll provide a wide range of services to our Soldiers and their families that are designed to improve their lives.    

 

 

Numerous positions are available worldwide.

 

To find out more, visit us at healthcare.goarmy.com/m_service. Or apply online at http://www.goarmy.com/info/amedd/mservice1?iom=K772-NASR-MRME-07012010-10021-73A.

Social Worker U.S. Army Medical Department  

 

As a social worker and officer in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, you’ll play an important role in ensuring the well-being of our Soldiers and their families. In addition to providing direct services, your responsibilities could include teaching, training, supervision, research administration, and policy development.    

 

 

Numerous positions are available worldwide.

 

To find out more, visit us at healthcare.goarmy.com/m_service. Or apply online at http://www.goarmy.com/info/amedd/mservice1?iom=K772-NASR-MAME-07012010-10021-73A.

Features

by Allan Edward Barsky, MSW, JD, Ph.D.

 

Rod Blagojevich, Mary McArty, Joseph Eggelletion, Bernie Madoff, Tiger Woods, Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, Father Thomas Naughton, Geralyn Graham...these are but a few names associated with recent scandals in government, banking, education, sports, international terrorism, the church, and social services. 

 

Whether it is a politician accepting bribes or misappropriating public funds, a financial advisor defrauding investors, a golfer who has extramarital affairs, an airline passenger with explosives in his underwear, a trusted clergyperson molesting children, or a child welfare worker charged with murder, we often wonder: how could this happen? Didn’t someone know, and how much suffering and anguish could we have avoided if those who knew what was going on had confronted the person or told appropriate authorities sooner?

On the other hand, how does society view people who snitch; tattle; or turn on friends, family members, co-workers, or others in trusting relationships? Children learn at a young age not to be tattle-tales. Adults—even social workers—retain these lessons and understand the social stigma that goes along with being seen as a snitch. They may also have difficulty differentiating what is idle gossip, what is betraying a trust, and what is taking morally positive action to correct a wrongdoing and to protect others from being harmed.

As advocates for social justice and the welfare of clients, social workers should be among the forefront of whistle blowers (Greene & Latting, 2004; Mansbach & Bachner, 2008). So, what types of guidance does the NASW Code of Ethics (2008) provide for social workers with regard to whistle blowing? Actually, the Code does not specifically mention whistle blowing. The Code does identify “respect for the inherent dignity and worth of the person” as a core principle for social work. The Code also says that social workers should respect a client’s right to privacy (Standard 1.07[a]). But is whistle blowing tantamount to showing disrespect and violating a client’s right to privacy? Standard 1.07 gives social workers some guidance about when to report (blow the whistle) when they suspect child abuse or neglect, or when a client is at risk of committing suicide or homicide. However, the Code does not give much guidance on whether, when, and how to blow the whistle in other circumstances—particularly circumstances in which social workers become aware of illegal or unethical practices by government officials, business people, clergy, or other non-clients.

 

Read the rest of this article at:

 

 

Additional articles from the Summer 2010 issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER include:

 

 

…and more!

 

 

 

Dear Children,

 

I hope that, someday, you will read this and accept my apology. I hope you can find it in your heart to understand. I have not hurt you, and I shall never hurt you, but I cannot help you anymore.

 

Soon, desks of social workers will be cleaned out and the empty cubicles will be used to house old, faulty office equipment. Voicemails will be erased and business cards destroyed. I will return my badge and return to a life where I am not mandated to think about or care for your safety any longer. But I still will. Every day. Every night. Every breath.

 

There is not enough money for so many workers to make home visits. I will not be able show up to your school so that I can talk to you in your safe place. No longer can I talk to your parents about the choices they are making to reunify with you. I cannot pick you up to visit your family as they work their problems out so you can go home, and I cannot drug test your parents anymore to make sure they are following through with promises.

 

The social workers that are remaining will be over worked, over stretched,  and have to carry the load of the social workers that are gone. So they might not have time to take you for a cookie after your parents forget to show up for a visit, or for that milkshake when they forget your birthday.

 

Your teachers will watch over you. They can call the child abuse hotline, but they will have to wait for an available social worker. Sometimes, they will have to leave a message. Between larger classes, lesson plans, recess, and meetings, hopefully someone can reach them. By then, I hope your bruises haven’t disappeared and you still have food in your refrigerator. Or electricity. Or someone to protect you when you’re scared.

 

During summer vacation, I hope your doctors aren’t too busy to notice. Especially when your baby sister has a spiral fracture of her left femur because she “tripped” while learning to walk. Or because that picture frame fell on your head “again” and you have another black eye. Or two. I won’t be there to see through your anxious cover-ups, and I won’t be able to wipe off the make-up that your mom used to cover the bruise she gave you when she got drunk last night. I hope your best friend’s mom catches it when you’re swimming.

 

But I really hope you can forgive me for not being there. The police will come to your house if you call. I hope law enforcement realizes that the children are the most vulnerable victims of domestic violence, and I hope they feel the glare your father gives you while they are questioning you. If you run away, I hope they don’t just assume you’re out of control. I know you are hurting. I hope you don’t pay for your parents’ anger and mistakes.

 

I hope that, someday, you will read this and accept my apology. I am sorry for my generation’s likelihood to favor the preservation of the Delta Smelt and deteriorating roadways over your welfare. For my generation’s intolerance of gay marriage over child abuse. For how negligent we have been with the money that should have been used for you. I cannot help you anymore, and for that, I am eternally sorry.

 

Sincerely yours,

Your Social Worker

 

 

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Nearly 44 million Americans experience mental disorders each year. And the illness doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone at anytime, regardless of ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or income. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

 

“National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the public about serious mental illness in culturally diverse communities,” said Pat Hanberry, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, Maryland. “Mental illness is real and it is every bit as important as physical illness.”

 

Cultural differences and lack of information about mental health result in greater levels of stigma associated with mental illness. This causes many people to avoid accessing and adhering to treatment. Minorities also may encounter multiple barriers to treatment, including language and cultural barriers, a fragmented mental health system, no health insurance, and a shortage of bilingual mental health providers. While all groups experience mental disorders, minorities are over represented in populations at high risk for experiencing mental illness, including people who are exposed to violence, homelessness, in prison or jail, foster care, or the child welfare system. Unfortunately these and other conditions lead to significant disparities in access and quality of care for minorities dealing with mental illness.

 

“One out of every four Americans has a diagnosable mental health problem, and all of us are touched by these illnesses in one way or another,” said Ms. Hanberry. “We may have an illness, have a loved one with an illness, or know someone who is ill. Untreated or under-treated mental disorders cause significant, unnecessary suffering for individuals, their families and the entire community. It can even bring about negative economic implications, since it can result in a loss of productivity and increased workplace absenteeism.”

 

An important message during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is that recovery is possible. “While mental illness can disrupt your life, there are resources, treatments, and supports that can help you live a healthy, full, and meaningful life,” said Ms. Hanberry.

 

For additional information about National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, visit www.fcmha.org.

 

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was an African American author and advocate whose books, for both children and adults, raised awareness about mental health and the health care system for diverse communities.

 

For more information, see:

 

News & Resources

 

Connect with other social workers online! THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine and the National Association of Social Workers have teamed up with the Social Work Forum to bring you SocialWorkChat.org, an online community of social workers offering twice-weekly online real-time chats on a variety of topics. The chats are held on Sunday and Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Susan Mankita is the manager of SocialWorkChat.org.

 

 

Registration is free! Chats are at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and will last about an hour. Check regularly for chat topics or sign up for e-mail reminders.

 

Go to http://www.socialworkchat.org to register and participate in the chats and other features of the site.

 

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Healthcare providers who provide care to patients of childbearing age and/or pregnant patients can learn more about postpartum depression and earn one Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit by participating in a free Webinar entitled “Postpartum Depression in the Cultural Context: Provider and Patient Perspectives.” 

 

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is offering this Webinar to educate pediatricians, obstetricians-gynecologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers on how to assess, screen, diagnose, treat, and refer patients with postpartum depression. 

The Webinar can be accessed online at http://mededppd.org/NJDHSS/index.html.

 

Additional resources include an informational Web site, www.njspeakup.gov, which provides resources and written and video testimonials of women who suffered with PPD, along with stories from partners and other family members.  In addition, the 24/7 toll-free telephone helpline – 1-800-328-3838 – helps with general questions and information about treatment services, support groups, and referrals to counseling. 

 

Four years ago, New Jersey enacted the first law in the U.S. requiring all hospitals and birthing centers to screen new mothers for PPD.  New Jersey remains the only state in the nation to mandate this type of screening. 

 

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently unveiled an innovative new on-line tool that will help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.  Called for by the Affordable Care Act, HealthCare.gov is the first Web site to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool. 

 

“HealthCare.gov helps consumers take control of their health care and make the choices that are right for them, by putting the power of information at their fingertips,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  “For too long, the insurance market has been confusing and hard to navigate.  HealthCare.gov makes it easy for consumers and small businesses to compare health insurance plans in both the public and the private sector and find other important health care information.”

 

HealthCare.gov is the first central database of health coverage options, combining information about public programs, from Medicare to the new Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan, with information from more than 1,000 private insurance plans.  Consumers can receive information about options specific to their life situations and local communities.

 

In addition, the Web site will be a one-stop shop for information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, as well as other health care resources.  The Web site will connect consumers to quality rankings for local health care providers as well as preventive services.

 

As the health care market transforms, so will HealthCare.gov.  In October 2010, price estimates for health insurance plans will be available online. In the weeks and months ahead, new information on preventing disease and illness and improving the quality of health care for all Americans will also be posted. 

 

 

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WGBH in Boston recently aired a new interview with Sapphire, the author of the book PUSH, upon which the movie PRECIOUS was based, as part of the show Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One. The complete show is available worldwide at http://www.wgbh.org/oneonone.

 

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YOU DESERVE CREDIT! Now you can get it. Keep up with your profession (and get credit for it) with THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER.

 

THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER has partnered with CEU4U (http://www.ceu4u.com/tnsw) to provide online testing, so you can receive continuing education credit for reading your favorite magazine. Take THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER courses or ANY courses at http://www.ceu4u.com/tnsw and automatically receive a 15% discount.

 

Continuing education credit is available for selected issues of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER (2 hours/credit per issue).

 

All of these issues can be downloaded free of charge in PDF format at: http://www.socialworker.com/home/menu/Downloads/

 

 

 

Go to http://www.socialworker.com/home/menu/Continuing_Education_Program/ for complete details on THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER’s Continuing Education Program.

On Our Web Site

 

The Summer issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER is available now!  The Summer 2010 issue is available to download in PDF format at:

 

 

THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER’s Web site at http://www.socialworker.com includes the full text of many articles from past issues of the magazine. The current issue is featured on the site’s main page. Past issues can be found under “Magazine Issues” in the right column of the page. For selected full-text articles from issues prior to Spring 2006, click on “Feature Articles Archive” on the left side of the page. The magazine is also available for FREE download in PDF format.

 

Individual articles from the Summer 2010 issue now online include:

 

 

Our online discussion forum/message board is a place for open discussion of a variety of social work-related issues. Join in our discussion at http://www.socialworker.com (click on the “Forum” link).

 

 

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The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics is a free, online, peer-reviewed journal published by the publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER. It is published twice a year, in full text, online at: http://www.socialworker.com/jswve

 

The Spring 2010 edition is available online now at:

 

This is a special edition on social work research ethics.  It is also the first edition in a new PDF format.

In Print

White Hat Communications, publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine and the Social Work E-News, has published several books about social work. These books make great gifts (for graduation or other occasions) for yourself, or for your friends, students, and colleagues in social work!

 

Briefly, those currently in print are:

 

DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS: 54 Professionals Tell Real-Life Stories From Social Work Practice (3rd Edition), edited by Linda May Grobman

 

MORE DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS:35 Real-Life Stories of Advocacy, Outreach, and Other Intriguing Roles in Social Work Practice, edited by Linda May Grobman

 

DAYS IN THE LIVES OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORKERS: 44 Professionals Tell Stories From Real-Life Social Work Practice With Older Adults, edited by Linda May Grobman and Dara Bergel Bourassa.

 

THE SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK: The Complete Guide to Selecting and Applying to MSW Programs (2nd Edition), by Jesus Reyes

 

THE FIELD PLACEMENT SURVIVAL GUIDE: What You Need to Know to Get the Most From Your Social Work Practicum, edited by Linda May Grobman

 

We also publish books on nonprofit management. Want to start your own agency? Check out THE NONPROFIT HANDBOOK: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization (5th Edition), by Gary M. Grobman.

 

All of our books are available through our new secure online store at:

 

You can also download our catalog in PDF format at:

VISIT OUR SITE

www.socialworker.com

 

 

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