Doha: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing health and social services by investing in a specialized national workforce. This commitment was emphasized during a recognition ceremony for the recipients of the Clinical Social Worker certification, known as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) track.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Samia Ahmed Al Abdullah, Assistant Director General for Operations and Clinical Affairs at PHCC, highlighted the significance of professional preparation and credentialing of clinical social workers based on evidence-based professional standards. Dr. Al Abdullah noted that this initiative strengthens the integration of health and social care services, aligning with PHCC's efforts to provide comprehensive, patient- and family-centered care. The approach aims to ensure that services meet the needs of individuals and families, fostering a more coordinated and integrated care delivery system.
The program concluded with the graduation of 15 female social workers who successfully completed all academic, training, and practical requirements. This initiative seeks to mobilize a qualified national workforce capable of delivering specialized clinical social services based on contemporary occupational and scientific standards. Dr. Maryam Al Emadi, Director of Clinical Operations at PHCC, stated that the program was developed in collaboration with Qatar University (QU) and other expert entities to address the growing demand for qualified clinical social workers.
Dr. Al Emadi emphasized that the program equips participants with the skills to apply advanced theories and models in understanding human behavior and the social environment. It also trains them to conduct thorough psychosocial assessments and employ evidence-based therapeutic interventions to tackle complex mental and psychosocial challenges, while reinforcing ethical principles and cultural competence in professional practice.
Maryam Al Yaqub, Social Work Services Manager at PHCC, explained that the program enhances participants' advanced clinical skills, particularly in psychosocial assessments, therapeutic program planning, and executing specialized occupational interventions. The program focuses on enriching scientific knowledge related to mental health disorders and the techniques for managing these disorders through state-of-the-art practices. This approach aims to prepare a qualified workforce capable of providing integrated services to families, individuals, and groups facing significant psychosocial challenges.
The six-month program involved collaboration with multiple pioneering national institutions, including Qatar University, the Department of Healthcare Professions at the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Naufar Wellness and Recovery Centre, Ihsan Centre, the Ministry of Social Development and Family, and PHCC's Clinical Operations Department and Workforce Training and Development Department.