DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Karen Moore

Executive Leadership Development of Female Social Workers: A Necessity for Our Profession and Communities

Concentration -

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to examine social work leadership in the social work profession in the context of sparse numbers of female social workers in executive leadership positions at non-profit organizations, as compared to for-profit organizations, and inform ways to create equity for women social work leaders. Conceptually, this presentation explores social work leadership from a feminist-relational theory base and three leadership models, feminist-relational, purpose-driven, and spiritual (moral) that are compatible with social work ethics and principles, promoting inclusion and social justice. The assorted studies in the literature indicate that preparing and promoting women social workers as leaders results in individual, organizational, professional, and community benefits. For organizations, this means a competent and stable workforce that provides quality services that positively impact communities. This presentation will highlight opportunities to operationalize mentorship of female social workers on their path to executive leadership. In addition to mentorship, social work academic programs must begin to include leadership courses at the bachelor and master’s level and embrace cross disciplinary study with management and business schools. To develop vision and aptitude for leadership in social work and related professional organizations, this presentation provides a framework for broader professional outreach.

Biography

Karen Diane Moore LCSW, Doctoral Candidate, is a lifelong learner and committed to the values and ethics of the social work profession. Social Work is a second career, but the values embedded in the profession have always been part of her life. Life experiences and undergraduate academics from Purdue University, with an associate degree in supervision, and Indiana University, with a bachelor’s degree in general studies, led Ms. Moore to pursue the MSW degree at New Mexico State University. She is completing the DSW degree at the University of Kentucky.

Currently, Karen is an instructor at the University of Kentucky teaching in the MSW program. Previously, she held executive director positions in child welfare and criminal justice systems. Ms. Moore continues, after twelve years, to supervise and mentor social workers as they complete requirements for independent clinical licensure. She sits on the Board of Directors for Omni Family of Services. Ms. Moore, a NASW member for the past 30 years also served as President of the Board for the Kentucky chapter.

Areas of study and research interest include organizational development, leadership development for female social workers, which is her capstone research, grief therapy modalities, child wellbeing in child welfare and foster care systems, family preservation theory and models, wellness holistic practice, moral injury theory and practice, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, co-occurring substance use and mental health treatment, and advocating for social policy.

During her career, Ms. Moore received recognition awards from employers for fiscally turning around a statewide agency and stabilizing staffing.