Introduction
Welcome to Social Work in Disasters online training. This training is designed to provide social workers/social work students with an overview of social work in disasters. It is underpinned by a systematic literature review of research and literature in this area, and the work of the British Association of Social Workers Disaster Working Group.
The focus of the training is on the UK, and in particular England. This is reflected in the references to legislation in particular. This does not mean that the training does not have value for social workers working outside of England (and indeed international research and examples are drawn on frequently), but it does mean that social workers outside of England undertaking this training need to be aware that some of the points will not be related to their own jurisdiction and specific context.
This training has been designed for social workers to work through individually, and is separated into four modules. However, you will be asked to engage outside these materials with your local context, and are encouraged to share your work and progress with your manager/supervisor/colleagues. You will also be asked to undertake some preparatory work for each module, and to undertake some follow up tasks related to the content and developing your skills as a disaster-informed social worker. Total time for each Module, including preparation, should be approximately 3 to 4 hours. However, the follow up tasks could take longer, and should encourage you to work as a disaster-informed social worker going forward.
Training Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Social Work in Disasters
Module 2: Law, policy and best practice
Module 3: Person centred and research informed practice within a multi-agency approach
Module 4: Responding, using theory and self-care
Each module is based on three learning outcomes that will be outlined at the start of the module. A full breakdown of the learning outcomes across the training can be found here.
Preparation
Before undertaking each module, be sure to undertake the preparation task listed at the start of the module. Before starting any of the the modules, you are advised to create a specific folder on your computer to save information and documents related to this training. Alternatively, you could use Google Docs or an alternative online storage system. You are encourage to keep all documents and information saved free from confidential information, and when reflecting on examples from your own practice to ensure all names and identifying information are changed.
Preparation Reading
At the start of each of the four modules you will be asked to undertake some preparation reading. This reading is linked at the start of each module, and also linked below:
Module 1: Pyles, L. (2017) ‘Decolonising disaster social work: environmental justice and community participation’.
Module 2: Dominelli, L. (2020) ‘A green social work perspective on social work in the times of Covid-19’.
Module 3: King-Okoye, M. and Underwood, T. (2020) ‘The disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities in the UK: An urgent research priority’.
Module 4: Banks et al. (2020) ‘Practicing ethically during Covid-19: Social work challenges and responses’.
Workbook
There is a workbook that accompanies this training, available below as a PDF and Word document (we recommend using the PDF). You can complete this electronically or print it out to be filled in. Each of the short tasks can be completed in this document, and it can be saved for future reference. The reflections on the follow-up tasks should also be included in this workbook.
Consider partnering up! – If you are able to, consider going through this training with another social worker or social work student. Through this approach, you can share reflections, ideas and challenges. You can also share your workbooks and provide supportive feedback, or work on the follow-up tasks for each module jointly. This is not essential, but it is encouraged if possible.
You can share this workbook with your manager in supervision, or a critical friend who can support you.
Completion
Upon completion you will have a completed workbook that can be uploaded as proof/evidence of continuous professional development. If you are a social worker in England, this can also be uploaded as part of your continuing professional development (CPD) evidence as required by Social Work England.