It is great to announce that the Reflecting on your first job session that I organise and present for the Victorian branch of the AASW will be happening again in September. The session is aimed at 2012 social work graduates and other newer workers. We discuss some of the issues that can arise in adapting to working full time as a social work professional (successful inventions and learning, as well as managing stress, avoiding burnout, clearly establishing work/home boundaries and developing your social work identity.) We reflect with the group on some of our own experiences, as we began our social work careers and we allow lots of time for the group to share their own stories, find out about each others’ experiences and discuss this within small groups and the larger group.

My own experience was that the first year was a very steep learning curve, overwhelming at times, as well as a wonderful opportunity to learn and to practice all the things I was taught in my course. Based on this, on colleagues’ experiences and from my work as a clinical supervisor, the messages I hope to pass on to those attending this session are:

· To normalise the wide range of situations and reactions that newer workers can experience.

· To actively encourage newer workers to trust their own instincts, particularly in relation to their own safety, emotional well-being and support needs.

· To flag the concept of vicarious trauma in the workplace.

· To proactively monitor your own stress levels and to feel confident in seeking assistance before this is too high.

In presenting this session, I will be assisted by a 2011 social work graduate, Leanda Bunn. She attended this session last year as a participant. She then spoke herself at the 2012 Finding your first job and thriving in it presentation. I am looking forward to working with her again and hearing her reflect on her own experiences in the workplace.

Date: 19^th September

Time: 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Venue: AASW office,

Level 7
14-20 Blackwood Street
NORTH MELBOURNE 3051

RSVP to email: aaswvic@aasw.asn.au or email me with questions at: lisa.derham@bigpond.com