The Impact of Allied Health Assistants in Social Work: A New Role
Snezana Vujic1, Veronique Clyde11Canberra Health Services, Canberra , ACT, Australia2Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Abstract
Social Work Allied Health Assistants (SW AHA) is a relatively new role nationally and within Canberra Health Services (CHS), supporting social work services. We wanted to develop and embed advanced SW AHA3 positions, to support hospital-based guardianship processes through key skills and knowledge in guardianship matters.
Guardianship hearings have been heard on hospital sites across CHS, since 2017. The project has successfully reduced discharge waiting times and increased patient participation but has been challenging to sustain from a coordination perspective amongst administrative staff. Tribunal processes can be emotionally distressing. Administrative staff raised concerns regarding the skillset required to manage stressful situations, needing a higher level of communication skills, a general understanding of legal processes and a developed understanding of the social work role.
Process design identified the importance of a Guardianship Coordinator role and the critical skills needed, which advanced SW AHA’s could develop. SW AHA’s are already embedded in the social work teams, often working with patients already, and processes in place to develop communication and problem-solving skills as part of their training and supervision.
This new position oversees the administrative processes of guardianship, from application submission to hearing, including checking the application is complete, liaising with social workers, Tribunal, Public Trustee and Guardian, and providing administrative support pre and post hearings.
•SW AHA’s have developed specialist knowledge and skills in a supported environment.
•More efficient and streamlined administrative processes, reducing patient length of stay and providing positive outcomes to patients and families.
Biography
Veronique Clyde
With a diverse and fulfilling healthcare and education career, I hold two rewarding roles. As a Social Worker AHA, I empower hospital clients, advocate for their rights, and support their journey to better lives. Additionally, as an Allied Health Assistant Teacher at the Canberra Institute of Technology, I bridge the gap between students and industry professionals, enriching their learning experience. My background includes work in older persons’ mental health and as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in acute settings, aiding patients in their recovery. Beyond work, I cherish family, rural life, and tending to my pig, chooks, and fruit orchard.
Snezana (Snez) Vujic
A former hairdresser with a long interest in advocacy, I transitioned into my current role as a social work assistant (SW AHA) at Canberra Health Services (CHS) after completing the Certificate IV in AHA at CIT. An opportunity presented itself to establish an AHA role in the Acute SW department- 5 months became 5 years and a nearly completed Bachelor of SW degree. I’m privileged to do rewarding and humbling work alongside likeminded colleagues, putting patient care and advocacy at the forefront every day. My (not so) spare time is spent reading, seeing live musicals, family and friends, house renovations, and walking my Goldie.