1. Marci Gryffyn-Spicer North Qld Institute of TAFE
A PAYMENT PLAN TO CRISIS INTERVENTION IN 30 SECONDS How did that happen? Clinical Social Work within vocational education in the far north

2. A Payment Plan to Crisis Intervention in 30 seconds- How did that happen? Clinical Social Work within Vocational Education in the Far North
Marci Gryffyn-Spicer
BSW Hons, Grad Cert Edu, Cert IV TAA, MAASW (Acc)
Counsellor, Student Support Services
Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE
Cairns and Far North Queensland

3. Research Questions: Why in the #!%* am I doing this?
Is this Social Work?

4. Background
TNQIT is the ONLY institute in TAFE QLD where Counsellors assess students’ eligibility for payment plans
This goes back 10+ years
In other TAFE’s, Counsellors only get involved if there is financial hardship
It has never been listed in the Position Description
In peak enrolment times (Jan-Mar & Jun-Aug) we do an average of 45 a week per staff

6. Stats Total geographic area covered: 286,000 Square Km
Total Student Population over all area 2009: almost 15,000
Total Indigenous Student Population over all area: approximately 40%
300 Training programs over 8 campus’s as well as job specific locations

7. Ethics
Social work aims to maximise the development of human potential and the fulfilment of human needs*
Social work operates at the interface between people and their environments*
Social workers promote distributive justice and social fairness, acting to reduce barriers and expand choice and potential for all persons*
Social workers will respect the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and about service and resource alternatives*
When the social worker’s ethical responsibilities conflict with the interests of other professionals, groups of professionals, agency policies/procedures or legislative requirements*
When the employer’s interests or instructions conflict with ethical practice considerations, social workers should make this clear to the employing authority and attempt to negotiate a solution, protecting the best interests of clients where these are involved.*
*Source: AASW Code of Ethics

8. Pirata Ethos
About the year 1640 the pirates formed a kind of democratic confraternity.  It was in fact the social contract of the expedition.  It was always signed by the whole ship's company before any departure when the elected Captain and the officers prepared a charter-party.  Every decision of importance was discussed, followed by a vote. 
1. Ye spoil taken from a captured ship is to be distributed in equal portion.
2. Ye supplies and rations are to be shared equally.
3. If one Brother steals from another, his nose or ears are to be cut off.  If he sins again, he is to be given a musket, bullets, lead and a bottle of water and marooned on an island.
4. Quarrels between several Brothers whilst aboard ye ship shall be settled ashore with pistol and sword.  He that draws first blood shall be the victor.  No striking another whilst aboard ye ship.
5. If ye introduce on board a woman in disguise, ye shall be punished to death.

9. How did a payment plan become crisis intervention?
“I am really sorry I was late for my payment plan appointment, but I _______”
Ran my car off the Kuranda range road and had to wait for a ride
Just came from the funeral of my husband
Got raped a couple days ago

10. A Maelstrom of Change…

11. Complete overhaul of the payment plan system – social and financial
Implementing & facilitation of change across all Faculties and geographic areas of the “new way”
Addition of a modified Psychosocial Ax form
A paradigm shift for staff & students

13. Why in the #!%* am I doing this? Is this Social Work?
Research Questions:
Why in the #!%* am I doing this?
Is this Social Work?
Answers:
Because…….
Yes, as I have embraced the humble Payment Plan & use it as an early intervention tool

14. Pirate Ready Social For Worker Anything To the Rescue Thank you
For Attending
Questions
Contact Details:
Tel (07)