The Importance of Education in Self-Care in Social Care Work Programmes for the Professionalisation of Social Care Work

This article outlines approaches to self-care in a third level social care programme in Ireland with a view to establishing and maintaining a social care worker’s well-being in line with requirements by CORU, as part of the professionalisation of social care work. It explores the importance of self-care for social care work practice, the challenges which can impact a worker’s wellbeing, the CORU Standards of Proficiency for Social Care Workers (SCWRB 2017b) related to the self and self-care and the functions and theories associated with experiential group work. It then further considers how group work approaches can prepare a student for professional practice, especially in relation to common difficulties, such as burnout, lack of support and workplace violence. Helpful educational supports for self-care and resilience are also outlined.