Professional Education
Throughout each year, social workers participate in the Continuing Competency Program of the
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. The goal is to maintain their clinical skills and remain in good standing with their college. They learn about specific programs and resources, attend workshops and seminars, and participate in professional development activities to maintain competencies and further develop skills and knowledge essential to the profession.
The UHN Social Work Professional Development Committee consults with our social workers to assess learning needs and organizes education events with a focus on areas for ongoing skill development, such as capacity evaluation in relation to long-term care placements or legal requirements for documentation.
Student Education
UHN has an affiliation agreement with the
Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, offering placements to first and second year, or advanced standing, Master of Social Work (MSW) students. MSW students from other universities are also eligible to complete the field practicum portion of their education at UHN.
The contacts for social work student education are:
Jessica Gilbert, Social Work Education Co-Coordinator (all sites)
Lindsay Bailey, Social Work Education Co-Coordinator (all sites)
UHN offers both direct clinical training and a research/program planning placement. Placements can be the traditional block placement, a shared model or a rotational model where the student has the opportunity to be supervised by more than one field instructor, which increases their learning opportunities and allows them to observe a variety of clinical approaches.
Inter-Professional Education
This innovative educational opportunity brings together students from a wide variety of health care disciplines for an opportunity to learn together and increase student awareness of the expertise of each discipline. By working in a group format, participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about team dynamics and communication skills on a practical level. IPE opportunities are offered at various times throughout the year and are completed within the student's regular practicum hours.
In addition, to increase the awareness of future physicians, nurses and other health care professionals regarding the role of Social Work in health care practice, social workers routinely participate in inter-professional education with the Faculty of Medicine, the Division of Palliative Care, Residents and Fellows, the Faculty of Nursing, and other Health Professions.
Community education to community organizations, professionals and the public at large is also offered by UHN social workers.
