Korea Cyber University partners with welfare center to train social work professionals

Korea Cyber University and the Wolgok Comprehensive Social Welfare Center have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at cultivating skilled professionals in the field of social welfare. The signing ceremony, held at the university's main hall, signifies a commitment to bridging academic learning with practical field experience.

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This agreement is meaningful in closely connecting education and social welfare practice sites to nurture practical social welfare professionals. Going forward, we will contribute to realizing the values of social welfare through cooperation with the local community.

The collaboration is designed to invigorate social welfare education and training by leveraging the strengths of both institutions. The university seeks to provide students with hands-on experience through internships and joint training programs, while the welfare center offers a real-world setting for students to develop essential practical skills. This synergy is expected to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable in social welfare theory but also adept at navigating the complexities of the profession.

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The biggest effect will be the improvement of 'field understanding' and 'practical response capability.' Students will gain direct experience in communication with actual clients, case management, and service linkage, beyond simple theoretical learning. Through this, they are expected to simultaneously acquire the professionalism and ethical awareness required of a social worker.

A significant aspect of the partnership involves the development of specialized roles, such as "medical care companion managers." This initiative addresses the growing needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, who require support in navigating healthcare systems. The program will equip participants with skills in medical care understanding, patient communication, counseling, and monitoring, preparing them for direct service roles.

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The Medical Care Companion Manager program is a new model of welfare professional that responds to social changes such as aging and the increase in single-person households. The program will focus on practical field competencies, including communication support during hospital visits, client counseling skills, and service monitoring. They will grow into professional managers who enhance the quality of life for individuals, beyond simply assisting.

Furthermore, the collaboration emphasizes a multi-sector approach, involving government, private organizations, and academia. This integrated model aims to create a sustainable network for delivering comprehensive care services, particularly in addressing medical blind spots and providing personalized support. Professor Park Jeong-sun of Korea Cyber University highlighted the MOU's significance in connecting education with practice, stating, "This agreement is meaningful in closely connecting education and social welfare practice sites to nurture practical social welfare professionals." The university also plans to integrate digital and community-based practices into its curriculum, preparing students for the evolving landscape of social welfare.

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This agreement is significant as a cooperative model that organically connects universities, welfare institutions, and local communities. In particular, areas like hospital companion services have limitations with the efforts of a single institution, making it important to build a sustainable service system through a cooperative network. This structure can also be expanded into a community-integrated care model in the future.