Social Work Support

What is Social Work?  

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.” (International Federation Social Workers 2014). 

What is Social Work at Trinity? 

The Social Worker at Trinity supports students who have a history of or current mental health challenges that impact on their ability to manage psychosocial issues. The Social Worker supports students to access Trinity and external supports to ensure that their mental health doesn’t decline as a result of not being able to access these. Additionally, the Social Worker supports students who do not have external supports, such as family, to access support services. The Social Worker links in with other Trinity services to facilitate communication and joined up working.  

The majority of students referred for social work assessment and support meet with the Social Worker between two and four times. The first meeting is between 60 and 90 minutes long and allows the Social Worker to really understand what is going on for the student. Some students may need more than one meeting if they come from very complicated circumstances. At the end of the first meeting, the Social Worker will discuss their recommendations and follow this with an email including a Social Work Support Plan. Students can decide if they want to engage in any of the recommendations or not. If a student needs or wants support with any of the recommendations, social work follow up meetings are offered. 

What should I expect from my first social work meeting? 

The Social Worker has offices in both the College Health Service and the disAbility Hub. The Social Worker will inform you of which service you should attend for your appointment. As social work views people from a holistic perspective which includes the wider environment outside of college as well as previous life experiences, the Social Worker will talk with you about your life in order to contextualise what is going on for you and give you the best advice possible.  The meetings are confidential unless there is risk to life or disclosure of abuse to a child or vulnerable adult. If this is the situation, the Social Worker will have a conversation with you about it.  

What can the Social Worker help me with? 

Since the social work position started at Trinity, the Social Worker has connected students with a number of internal supports including Student Counselling, College Health, disAbility Service, Senior Tutor, Disabled Student Accommodation Bursary, Student Assistance Fund, Postgraduate Advisory Service, Trinity FLAC, Trinity Sport, Trinity Societies, Pastoral Office, Accommodation Office and Academic Departments.  

External supports have included but are not limited to domestic abuse, childhood trauma, suicide prevention, parenting support, LGBTQ+ supports, social welfare, social housing, financial supports, scholarship programmes, legal advice, neurodiversity assessment and support, external counselling services, addiction services and Community Mental Health Services.  

How can I avail of the service? 

At the moment, referrals for social work assessment and support come through College Health, Student Counselling and the disAbility Service. Referrals from TAP and the Senior Tutor will also be considered if there is a definite mental health issue. The Social Worker also reaches out to students who have been off books after they have been approved to return to their studies.