Social Workers

Advocacy and support, your way

Social worker helping out or volunteering

At helpz, we're passionate about the positive impact of Social Work. Our Social Workers aren't just professionals - they're your advocates, guides and allies, always ready to go the extra mile to enrich the lives of our Participants. They take the time to understand each person's unique needs and craft a tailored plan just for them.


Navigating the intricate world of health and psycho-social needs can be challenging, but that's where our Social Workers shine. They're skilled at untangling these complexities, ensuring that every Participant gets the personalised support they need.


Supporting self-determination

The multifaceted role of Social Workers

At helpz, our Social Workers are crucial in helping Participants. They work with other experts to solve complex personal, family and institutional issues. Using problem-solving skills and empathy, they offer vital support to Participants who might feel left out or isolated due to various challenges.

Advocacy

Our Social Workers champion the rights of our Participants. They advocate on their behalf, equipping them with the skills needed for self-determination and effecting change at an organisational and systemic level.

Capacity building

Helpz Social Workers support Participants and their families in learning the skills they need for self-development, particularly useful when dealing with health and welfare systems.

Counselling

Our Social Workers provide emotional support and counselling to Participants and their families. They help navigate through issues of loss, grief, life-altering diagnoses  and other life transitions, offering crisis interventions when necessary.

"Social Work at helpz is twofold. We recognise its impact on whole of life and living connectedness. And the individual role that Social Work plays in integrating all systems with the individual, not the other way around. Social Work also forms part of a transdisciplinary clinical approach to supports at helpz, as it compliments every other clinical discipline."

Kristy Iuliano Social Worker at helpz

Kristy Iuliano
Social Worker at helpz

How does a Social Worker assist people and families?

  • Case management

    Our Social Workers at helpz look at each case closely and organise the services needed for complete care. This can include help with housing, getting legal orders and finding other useful services. Our Social Workers work with different professionals to make sure all needs are met.

  • Standing up for you

    Our Social Workers are great advocates for our Participants. They can speak up for you or teach you how to speak up for yourself. This helps you make your own decisions and can lead to changes in the system. This is especially important when reviewing your NDIS plan.

  • Building skills

    Helpz Social Workers help Participants learn new skills for self-growth and making their own decisions. They give you the knowledge and confidence to deal with health and welfare systems. They also work with community groups to make sure everyone is included and can access services.

  • Counselling and support

    Our Social Workers offer Counselling and emotional support to Participants and their families. They help you deal with feelings of loss, sadness, big life changes and family issues. They can also step in during a crisis and introduce ways to manage emotional challenges.

  • Solving conflicts

    Besides Counselling and emotional support, our Social Workers help solve conflicts. They help Participants and their families sort out disagreements with each other or with outside parties. This service helps keep relationships healthy and ensures the well-being of our Participants.

FAQs

  • How does a Social Worker fit into my NDIS plan?

    Social Work services can be included in your NDIS plan under the 'Capacity Building Supports' category. Specifically, they often fall under 'Improved Daily Living' and 'Improved Relationships' budgets. 


    These services aim to build your skills and independence, helping you to participate more fully in life. Social Workers can assist with case management, advocacy, capacity building, counselling and emotional support. All of which can be funded under your NDIS plan, provided they are seen as reasonable and necessary.

  • What does a Social Worker do?

    Social Workers at helpz work alongside other professionals like medical and legal experts to offer holistic support. They use a unique set of skills that combines problem-solving with empathy to unravel complex issues. These issues may arise within the social, psychological, family  and institutional dynamics.

  • Who can a Social Worker support?

    Social Workers at helpz can assist people and families with a variety of needs. Here are some examples:

    • People living with chronic illnesses
    • Those requiring palliative care
    • Victims of domestic and family violence
    • Older members of the community
    • People grieving due to loss or sudden unexpected death
    • Those coping with a recent medical diagnosis
    • Children requiring child protection

  • How does a Social Worker determine what supports are required?

    A Social Worker at helpz will undertake a robust and comprehensive assessment of each person's  case to determine which factors are acting as a barrier to them achieving improved health and wellbeing. 


    This assessment may include a psychosocial assessment based on the person's strengths, a risk assessment to understand key stressors and triggers, and an assessment of the person's functioning capacity and scope to develop.


  • Do unresolved social and family issues have long-term impact?

    Unresolved social and family issues can have long-term impacts on an individual’s psychosocial well-being. These issues can include:

    • family violence
    • child abuse and neglect
    • daily impacts of disability and poor mental health
    • a risk of homelessness or unstable living conditions
    • fraught and complex family dynamics
    • major changes in a person’s life, and 
    • heavy decision making. 

    Social Workers at helpz are skilled in addressing these factors and providing expertise to overcome these key stressors or traumas.

  • Can I choose my own Social Worker at helpz?

    Yes, you absolutely can. At helpz, we recognise the significance of a strong therapeutic relationship. We're committed to helping you find a local Social Worker who aligns with your needs and preferences. This is part of our dedication to flexibility and respect.