Social Work Central West

Each of our support workers is an experienced allied health professional and member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Their practice is focused not only on the individual, but on the broader social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence client wellbeing. This knowledge provides our social workers with a nuanced perspective that enables them to integrate your supports seamlessly across other members of our multidisciplinary team, such as psychologists, counsellors, and support workers, in order to best meet your needs.

Social workers partner with their fellow team members, the client and their family, external stakeholders, and members of the wider community, in order to address personal difficulties and structural barriers that negatively impact the client’s life. Their support extends beyond just providing advice – social workers:

• Provide immediate support during crises and emergencies, such as arranging emergency housing or developing safety plans.

• Assess psychosocial needs and environmental influences.

• Design and implement interventions to promote client’s social support, equity, and human rights.

• Lead support and educational groups for people facing similar challenges.

• Link clients with the services they need by providing relevant information and helping them navigate the requirements to access these services.

• Write support letters and help prepare submissions to advocate for client’s rights and needs.

• Empower individuals to develop their skills and capabilities, and acquire the tools and resources they need to meet their needs.

By choosing support work services at DFS, you will receive comprehensive services that follow a holistic approach. We will help you move ahead with your life in a meaningful way through understanding your circumstances and their context in depth, and preparing appropriate solutions accordingly.

Our social workers are able to successfully support clients who are experiencing a broad range of concerns. Some examples include:

• Life transitions such as separation/divorce, relocation, or career changes.

• Families who need help to navigate complex dynamics, parenting challenges, blended family arrangements, or who are experiencing inter-generational conflict.

• Crises such as grief, trauma, domestic or family violence, and substance abuse.

• Housing stress, unemployment, disability and accessibility, complications from ageing, or social isolation.

• Community groups or organisations seeking guidance on social inclusion, advocacy, or change management.

Our social work services may include (but are not limited to):

• Individual Case Work and Supports: One-on-one sessions to explore your context and concerns, build coping strategies, and promote your self-determination.

• Assessment and Planning: Conducting psychosocial assessments, risk assessments, generating care plans, and monitoring your progress and achievements over time.

• Family and Group Supports: Collaborating with family members or peer groups to improve their relationships, enhance communication, access support networks, and build shared understandings.

• Service Coordination and Navigation: Assistance with accessing community, government, or allied health services that best fit your needs. Our social workers are also able to link clients with agents who can provide support with housing, financial, or legal issues where required.

• Advocacy Services: Help to understand your rights and available options to overcome identified barriers, including representation and advocacy on your behalf when required.

• Community Development and Preventative Healthcare: Facilitating programs aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing, overcoming social disadvantage, and tackling issues such as family and domestic violence.

At Direct Focus Solutions, our social workers follow a strengths-based approach to service delivery that is person-centred and maximises the potential of our multidisciplinary team:

• Strengths-based: We believe in the inner strength and resourcefulness of all individuals. Our social worker’s job is to help you identify these and build on them.

• Person-centred: We understand that every person and their circumstances are unique and so require an individualised approach. Our social workers listen to you, collaborate with you, and tailor unique supports that address what matters to you.

• Trauma-informed and Socially Aware: We recognise that a variety of factors (social, cultural, economic, and systemic) have shaped your path through life and led to your individual self. Our social workers approach your case with sensitivity to issues such as social disadvantage, discrimination or family violence.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Our social workers partner with other members of our multidisciplinary clinical and support worker teams (such as psychologists, occupational therapists, counsellors, and support workers) to ensure your care is holistic and effectively coordinated.

• Ethical and Evidence-based: Our services align with the AASW’s Professional Standards, placing an emphasising social justice, human rights, inclusion, and respect for diversity.

1) Initial Consultation: Our social work services begin with a detailed assessment to help understand your future goals, current context and situation, your strengths, and the challenges you face.

2) Goal Setting and Planning: Together with your social worker, you will collaborate to set achievable goals and build an action plan that is individually tailored to you, your group, family, or community.

3) Ongoing Support and Coordination: You will receive ongoing support sessions, referrals to other professionals who can assist you as required, undertake regular reviews of your progress, and receive the flexibility to change your plan as your needs evolve.

4) Review and Transition: As your goals are met, your social worker will collaborate with you to sustain your positive outcomes into the future and maintain your wellbeing. You will also be provided with information on how to access long term supports.

• Our social workers have appropriate tertiary qualifications, are members of the AASW, and practice in accordance with national social work standards.

• DFS delivers services in a respectful and inclusive environment that prioritises individual needs, cultural safety, and diversity.

• Collaboration with the multidisciplinary clinical and support work teams ensures that your social work services are complemented by appropriate supports and interventions as necessary.

• Our services are highly flexible and can be adapted to support children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, families, and groups. Services can be delivered in-person or remotely via telehealth to best suit your needs.