NPO Human Resources Development Organization Launches New Course on Social Workers in 'Sapokare' E-Learning for Disability Support Facilities

The NPO Human Resources Development Organization (Chairman: Masao Mizutani, Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), which operates the e-learning platform 'Supporters College' (Sapokare) for support workers in disability welfare facilities, has produced new training content.

Overview

The June content for 'Supporters College' (Sapokare), an e-learning platform for support workers in disability welfare facilities, is 'What is a social worker? What kind of work do they do?'.

In recent years, as the realization of an inclusive community and the importance of advocating for rights have grown, interest in the role of social workers has also expanded. This course systematically introduces everything from the basic knowledge of social workers to the expertise required in the field and diverse career development. It also clearly explains practical support, multidisciplinary collaboration, and perspectives on rights advocacy. The content is designed to be easily understood even by those learning about it for the first time.

Instructor

Mr. Yoshinori Ogawa Director, Tokyo Association of Social Workers / Ogawa Certified Social Worker Office / Nord Welfare Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist Corporation

From the New Content

- **Part 1: 'What is a social worker? Definition and basic knowledge'** What kind of qualification is a social worker, and what roles do they play? This lecture explains the legal definition, the system for acquiring the qualification, specific job duties, and places of activity in an easy-to-understand manner, allowing learners to acquire basic knowledge about social workers.

- **Part 2: 'Places of activity and expertise of social workers'** Social workers are welfare professionals active in a wide range of fields, including disability, elderly, medical, and childcare sectors. Through specific support settings, job descriptions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and roles in rights advocacy, this lecture clearly explains the expertise and social role of social workers.

- **Part 3: 'Career development and organizational activities of social workers'** This section explains diverse working styles, including career building, roles within organizations, and independent practice for social workers. Through the activities of the Association of Social Workers, additional qualifications, and the practice of rights advocacy, learners can easily understand the potential for professional growth and social contribution.

Comments from the Production Team

When hearing the term 'social worker,' many people might think of national qualifications or welfare-related universities and vocational schools. Also, while the image of providing direct support in the field is common, they are actually professionals active in a wide range of areas such as disability, medical, elderly, and childcare sectors. In recent years, the number of social workers starting their own independent practices has increased, and we feel that the image of how social workers work and their roles has expanded significantly compared to a few years ago. We hope this course will serve as an opportunity to discover the appeal and potential of the social work profession. We highly recommend this content not only to those who already hold the qualification but also to those aiming to acquire it.

Overview of Supporters College

'Supporters College' (Sapokare) is an online training service (e-learning) designed for all staff members, from new hires to facility directors and management, working in disability support facilities. Centered around a 'Web Lecture' delivered weekly that can be learned in 15 minutes, and 'Live Seminars' where staff from various corporations and facilities learn together through web conferencing systems, it aims for systematic human resource development in disability support facilities and the improvement of 'job satisfaction' × 'support capability' for people working in these facilities nationwide.

### How to Use

The weekly Web Lectures can be taken an unlimited number of times by an unlimited number of people for an annual fee of 165,000 JPY (tax included). Unlike general e-learning, there is no per-person fee. Any number of people in the same facility can take the courses, so it is available to all staff members regardless of their employment status, such as full-time or part-time, and can be viewed on PCs, tablets, or smartphones.

In addition, up to 5 facilities can use the service at no extra charge, allowing corporations to provide educational opportunities to their staff regardless of their financial scale or number of employees. * From the 6th facility onwards, an additional 11,000 JPY (tax included) per facility annually is required. * An initial registration fee of 11,000 JPY (tax included) applies upon contracting.

About NPO Human Resources Development Organization

The NPO Human Resources Development Organization aims to foster 'job satisfaction' and 'pride in work' among individual staff members and improve the service quality and social status of the entire industry. It achieves this by providing opportunities for staff working in disability support facilities to enhance the knowledge and skills required on-site while remaining in their working environment, thereby deepening the mission of disability welfare. We also aim to contribute to the employment of people with disabilities by companies. We kindly ask for your understanding and support for the purpose of 'Supporters College' (Sapokare) and invite many corporations and facilities to participate.