Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Angela Rodgers, BSW

Providing Support for Studentswith Social Wellbeing Concerns

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Agenda

Introductions Reasons why the role was created How the role was developed and integrated into University

Life Relationship building Reactive approaches when working with students in crisis Pro active approaches to prevent crises Funding Conclusion

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

What brought about creating a social worker position at Curtin

The Higher Education Participation and Partnership Program (HEPPP).

Anticipation of an increase of students with wellbeing concerns

The need for a streamlined approach across the University and for students to be supported by a trained professional

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Role development: Commencement Day

Student Support and Outreach Coordinator (SOC) Position Description included “provide individual and case

management support to student with complex and high support needs.”

The concept of a social worker within counselling had been established but it was unknown exactly what this would look like ie: referral, timeframes, scheduling, tasks

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Role Development-In the beginning

Liaising with on campus support services Professional experience in case management and risk

assessment to developed intake assessment guidelines, referral systems and time frames

An operational manual was created. A marketing strategy was developed

September 2012Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Role Development: Networking and integrating my role into the University

Outside the University

University

Unilife

CDS

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Integration in to CDS

Relationship building within the CDS team was key

-meeting with CDS team individually

-exploring their understanding of my role and what type of task would be beneficial to reduce their case loads

Building trust and proving I had the professional capacity to do the job

Case consultation and keeping the team informed

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Integrating into Unilife and the University

Campus Security START Student

CentralHEPPP Team

Faculties Learning Centre

Career Centre

Housing Services

Health Services

Student Guild

Scholarships

Student Equity

Advisors

Future Students

Multi faith Services

September 2012Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Challenges

Confidentiality

Building trust and confidence

Boundaries

Saying “NO”

Perception of professional role amongst staff

Time, persistence and reminders

Explaining my role

Success

Trust

Understanding of what the SOC does and what the other services do

Decreasing overlap within the university

Having a trained professional dealing with these concerns Referrals come from all different sources (inside the Uni and in the community)Increase from part time to full time to support international students

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Connecting to Agencies outside the University Being new to Perth and developing a resources list specific

to University students needs St. Vincent De Paul was one of the most significant and

important connections Important resources include: SARC, DVAS, St Vincent,

Crises Care line, WA Police, hostels and homeless shelters

September 2012Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Role Development: Now

SOC

UniLife

SEAT /Faculties

Curtin Housing

HEPPP

Safer Communities

St Vincent De

Paul/Guild

September 2012Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

CDS

Properties (security)

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

So what does the SOC do?Health

Financial Staff Consultation

Networking Emergency Relief

Organisational support Transportation

Ask Angela Boards Welfare checks

Hygiene Nutritional support

Social Wellbeing Workshops Support Victims of Crime

Advocacy Support

Domestic Violence/family concerns

September 2012Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Footer text - slideshow title

Stats and Work Load 711 Check-ins 568 meetings 340 other appointments 24 group programs, orientation sessions, HA training,

welcome dinners + organising 4 Mental Health First Aid training

Stalls, facility visits and promotion of the services Internal and external consultation and referrals Committees ie: alcohol campaign, promotions team,

SCRT, Mental Health Week

30.07.2010

44 Students = $1 million

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Students with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Referral received (email, phone call,

self referral)

Referral is Reviewed

Referral accepted, Referrer notified

If it is an emergency, SOC will respond ASAP within 24

hours

Student is contacted, safety plan

implemented, Confirmation of

Attendance Sent to the Referrer

Monitor safety plan and case management plan

created, implemented and followed up until completion

If it is NOT an emergency, SOC will request the referrer to

encourage the Student to book an appointment

If the Student does not contact CDS within 7 days, SOC will make

contact with the student

Student refuses Services, Referrer is

notified

The student books a one hour intake appointment

with SOC

Case manage plan created, implemented and

followed up until completion

SOC notifies refer

Referral is not appropriate, Referrer

notified

September 2012

Referral Process

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Proactive/ReactiveProactive approach

Social Wellbeing Workshops

Ask Angela Boards

Referrals and case managementSafer Communities Response TeamRapport building in student accommodation

Orientation presentations

Faculty presentations

Networking

Reactive approach

Crises management

Case Management

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Safer Community Program - Purpose

Contributes to a safe and secure environment; Utilises proactive and preventative approach; Identifies concerning or threatening behaviour; Conducts risk assessment of concerning and/or

threatening behaviour; Provides support at all stages of responding to behaviour

and/or situation of concern; Provides support to those who are affected.

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Safer Community Program Attends to:

Threat of suicide or self-harm; Threat of physical violence towards others; Alleged criminal acts including assault, domestic violence,

stalking; Mental Health concerns which will have an effect on Campus

support services, students, and staff. Student who have been reported as “missing” by Curtin

employees or family members.

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Safer Community Program Members: Deputy Head of the Counselling and Disability

Services, Supervisor of Security, Medical Director of Curtin Health Services, Associate Director of Housing, Student Disciplinary and Appeals Officer, SOC

Chaired: Director of Support Services Meetings on a fortnightly bases or as needed Confidentiality

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Students with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Funding

Emergency Relief Funding-St Vincent De Paul Emergency Relief Funding-HEPPP Donations-International Emergency Relief Student Guild-Bookshop Grants, free food, legal assist,

reboot project Scholarships

LoanHardship fundingMerit and Needs based scholarships

September 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student with Social Wellbeing Concerns

Promotional Material

Brochures Banners/posters Word of mouth Email reminders Networking

September, 2012

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J

Supporting Student With Social Wellbeing Concerns

Questions?

September 2012