News

Upcoming Presentation "How to Go Forth and Set the World on Fire Without Burning Out" from BSW Program Director Dr. Amelia Derr

May 5, 2023

Flyer of event. Background of Seattle's skyline. Photo of Dr. Amelia Derr of the left side of the flyer. Information about the presentation on the flyer is the same as the text below/

Friday, May 12, noon
RSVP here for Zoom link

As students consider a career in social work/social justice, they are both drawn to it and daunted by the realities of well-documented stressors. Social Workers face one of the highest burnout rates of any profession and this has become even more severe over the course of the pandemic. After almost three years of COVID, there is a staggering need for mental healthcare and other supportive services, a significant loss of funding for social service agencies, and a radical shift in the way services are delivered. This has had a profound effect on all those working in this field, including social work students.

A recent study found that 80% of social work students reported the pandemic had a negative impact on their own mental health (Council on Social Work Education, 2021).

Join Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of Bachelor of Social Work  Program Dr. Amelia Seraphia Derr for a presentation on “How to Go Forth and Set the World on Fire without Burning Out.”

From Dr. Derr:

“This project addresses the question of how to respond to this crisis through educating social workers in ways that build radical resilience and help sustain their commitment to social justice work. I examine current practices in social work education related to building resilience and capacity for social workers and offer customized best practices in educating students for sustained and generative careers. Though this presentation is geared towards social work students/curriculum, it is relevant to all our students at Seattle University.”