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Social Work Leadership Enhancement Program

The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York USA

October – December 2009

This is a national program for social work managers in hospital settings. The program has been extensively and positively evaluated and runs once a year from October through to December. It is set up as a professional exchange model where two social workers from Australia and two from Israel spend a period of 8–10 weeks in the Social Work Services at The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.

Whilst at Mount Sinai, the social workers complete a structured program of activities including participation in a research class led by a Professor of Social Work at the Hunter College of Social Work CUNY. (This college is affiliated with Mount Sinai). Strong emphasis is placed on research, program evaluation, publication and the cultural experience of New York.

On their return to Australia scholars are required to provide a report on their visit including their learning and how they are to implement new initiatives into their workplace. It is a structured learning program which would be suitable for recognition as prior learning for other postgraduate courses at the University of Sydney.

Selection is by formal application and interview by a national panel of experienced senior social workers who have been on the program. Applicants must meet the selection criteria and have clear goals and objectives for the program that include implementation once back in their agency in Australia. Final selection of recommended applicants is made by Mount Sinai Social Work Services.

Selection criteria

  • Relevance of professional experience
  • Clear, achievable program objectives
  • Relevance of learning objectives to social work profession in health
  • Knowledge of health social work/hospitals in New York and strategies to make best use of this learning opportunity
  • Depth of knowledge of current health issues nationally and internationally, particularly as they pertain to the social work role
  • Clear strategy and willingness for disseminating information on return home
  • Excellent interpersonal/communication skills
  • Demonstrated capacity to function independently, be self-directed, and take initiative for learning needs
  • Strong public speaking ability
  • Evidence of a commitment to the role of social work profession in health care
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning/professional development
  • Demonstrated cultural sensitivity
  • Evidence of membership of the professional association
  • Demonstrated commitment of the employing Social Work Department will be taken into account in selection.


Application

Closing date for applications is Thursday 14 May 2009. There will be an information evening in Melbourne on Thursday 30 April. Please email for more details.


Costs & Accommodation

The program carries no tuition fees, but successful applicants must cover all other costs including air fares, accommodation, meals and living expenses. Usually hospitals allow paid leave and sometimes contribute to some of the costs.

Visitors are accommodated in apartments belonging to Mount Sinai MC and rent is payable. This is slightly subsidised.


Enquiries

Academic: email

Administration: email

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