Event Description

Capability level: Emerging, Evolving, Established

Event description:

Are you a social worker curious about private practice or wanting to grow your practice while staying true to your professional values?   

This interactive workshop will guide you to bridge the gap between social work values and entrepreneurial practice. Together we will explore:   

• How to define your professional identity as a private practitioner.   
• How to translate your core values into ethical and business decisions.   
• The challenges and opportunities of private practice, including the role of technology and AI.   

Using reflective activities, group discussions, and practical tools, you will leave the session with clarity, confidence, and an actionable next step to develop or refine your values-driven social work business. 

Who should attend?

Ideal for social workers who are emerging or evolving in their careers, whether considering private practice or already running a practice and wanting to align it more closely with their professional identity.  

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this program, participants will be able to: 

• Identify their professional identity in private practice and how it aligns with AASW values and ethics.  
• Clarify and prioritise the personal and professional values that guide decision-making in private practice.   
• Analyse common challenges and opportunities in private practice, including ethical and business considerations.   
• Evaluate emerging trends and tools (e.g., AI, client management systems) to support practice while maintaining social work standards.   
• Develop a simple action plan to strengthen or establish a values-driven private practice. 

Event structure:

Introduction (10 minutes) 

Learning Session 1: Professional Identity in Private Practice (20 mins) 

Learning Activity 1: Case Study – Defining Identity & Ethical Boundaries (25 mins) 

Learning Session 2: Values to Practice Decisions (20 mins) 

Learning Activity 2: Real Play – Values in Action (25 mins) 

Learning Session 3: Challenges, Trends & Practical Tools (20 mins) 

Learning Activity 3: Solution Mapping Workshop (30 mins) 

Conclusion + Q&A (20 minutes) 

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: NA