Joy in Social Work
In this session, we will explore how social workers find great joy in their work. We will examine aspects of positive psychology and appreciative inquiry that inspire and inform our thinking about joy in work. Come and find out how you can find more joy!
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
Participants will be able to identify three dimensions of joy
Participants will be able to identify 3 current trends in social work workforce research
Participants will be able to describe how social workers find joy in their practice and make application to their own lives.
Dr. David Pooler, Ph.D., has more than 15 years of social work practice experience with several different populations including at risk and abused children, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, persons with addictions, and homeless men. Dr. Pooler studies social workers and the organizational contexts in which social workers are employed. A primary focus of his research is studying how social workers find great joy in their work. He is interested in social work management and leadership. As an occupational social worker, Dr. Pooler is interested in assessing and developing interventions for social service organizations so that work environments are healthy, supportive, and just. He also has a strong interest in developing healthy congregations so that they can transform communities. Dr. Pooler is married to Cheryl who is the homeless outreach social worker for the Waco Independent School District. Their two children were adopted from China; they are Josianne (2000) and Emilie (2003).