I am currently three years into a doctorate in social science at UCC, I hold a master's degree in teaching and learning in higher education, a Masters degree in Social Science (Social Work from UCD), a Post Grad Diploma in Supervision and Management (level 9 University of Galway) and a diploma in restorative practice (NUI Maynooth), diploma in addiction studies, mediation, and community reinforcement approach. My core competencies include teaching and researching in social work and social care work, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. My mission is to use my position as a Lecturer to enhance the well-being, empowerment, and social justice of individuals and communities. I value lifelong learning, diversity, and ethical practice, and I aim to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the academic by engaged teaching and research.
With over 20 years of experience as a social worker, addiction counsellor, and therapist, I am currently a lecturer at South East Technological University (SETU), where I teach and research social care and early childhood disciplines and the MA in Child Youth and Family. I am also a Tutor on the Masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and supervise dissertations at MA Level 9.
Academic and Research Experience
John Balfe is a qualified Social Worker, Social Care Worker, Addiction Counsellor, Youth Mentor/Co-ordinator, Strengthening Families Facilitator and CRA (Community Reinforcement Approach) Therapist.
He is currently a full time Lecturer on the MA in Child, Youth and Family, Applied Social Studies and Early Childhood Education Care Programmes based at SETU Carlow Campus. He also lectures special purpose awards on Restorative Practice, Community Development and Social Analysis in settings like the Portlaoise Prison and Tiglinn Addicttion Centre.
He commenced his Social Care career having completed a National Diploma and Honours Degree in Applied Social Studies and Social Care from NUI Maynooth. He has worked in the professional areas of disability, family therapy, residential care and youth and community work. Having taught for two years as an English teacher in South Korea he returned to work with the Irish Probation Service for a period of 14 years in prisons, community and specialised court settings such as the Drugs Court and served as a Senior Probation Officer covering North inner city Dublin and County. He has completed his MA in Teaching and Learning at Higher Education and is currently in his third year of a Doctorate in Social Science in University College Cork.
Subjects currently being taught include Restorative Justice/Practice, Supervision in the caring professions, Reflective practice, Supervised Professional Practice, Health, Wellbeing and Nutrition, Psychology and Sociology of Children and Childhood studies,Leading Contemporary Practice, Addiction Studies, Strengthening Families, Sexual offending, Disability Studies, Protection of Vulnerable Children and Adults.
Engagement and Collaboration
South East Research Sparks Initiative with WIT and presentation on ' Restorative Practice and how it is used by Social Workers in the Criminal Justice system'.
WIT Crime and Society research group with a research interest in restorative justice and victims.
GAME CORE and an organisation called FOCUS Games with a research grant from The Teaching and Learning Forum on developing a simulated game to teach social care students on issues to do with child protection.
Completed a Digital Badge in Universal Design for Learning with AHEAD and UCD and Teaching and Learning Forum in applying principals of UDL to teaching and learning in Higher Education. Will be awarded the facilitators badge.
A current member of the Irish Association of Social Care Educators (IASCE) and Social Care Ireland - https://socialcareireland.ie/
Held the position of Chair of the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) Special Interest Group on Probation 2015-2017 and is currently an active member of the IASW https://www.iasw.ie/
Balfe, J., Farrell, T., Kenny, N., McNamara, M.(2018) ‘Assessment 4 Students’ Poster Presentation at EDTech 2018, IT Carlow, Carlow.
Balfe, J. & Roche, A. (2017) ‘A shared vision; Innovative responses to enhance treatment and rehabilitation pathways’, International Conference for Therapeutic Communities, Dublin Castle.
Balfe, J. (2016) ’Inspiring Change, Transforming Lives,’ the 2016 National Volunteer Conference, Unpublished paper presented at National Volunteer Conference, Tipperary, Ireland.
Balfe, J. & Donnelly, D. (2009) ‘Healthy Families Healing Communities: an Irish experience’ at the NADCP 14th Annual Training Drug Courts Conference, St Louis, Missouri USA.
Balfe, J & Hanna, E. (2009) ‘Navigating the 1983 Community Service Act’ Unpublished paper presented to Training and Development Unit in the Irish Probation Service, Dublin.
Balfe, J. & Hatton, P. (2008) ‘The value of the therapeutic alliance when working with people in addiction: involuntary clients and treatment’. Unpublished paper presented to the Cork Probation Service, Cork.
Reports
Balfe, J. (2017) Review of staff morale, burnout and staff engagement issues by Probation Officers, unpublished report, Impact, Dublin.
Dissertations
Balfe, J. (2014) ‘Restorative Justice: How is it currently used by the Probation Service when working with Adult Offenders?’ MSc In Social Science (Social Work), UCD, DUblin.
Balfe, J. (2001) ‘Streaming in secondary school education: An empirical study of the effects using Ballyfermot as a case study’, BA in Applied Social Studies, NUI Maynooth, Kildare.
Balfe, J. (1998), ‘ Thank you for the Music: How is Music Therapy utilised for people with a disability’ National Diploma in Applied Social Studies, Athlone Institute of Technology, Westmeath.
Guest Lecturing
Balfe, J (2017) ‘ A Joint Agency Response to Crime (JARC): The STRIVE Initiative’, Ballymun, Dublin.
Balfe, J (2016) ‘ The Strengthening Families Programme’ presentation to MA in Child, Youth and Family Studies programme, Institute of Technology, Carlow.
Balfe, J (2013) ‘The Irish Probation Service- what do they do?’ To BA in Applied Social Studies Programme, Carlow College, Carlow.
Balfe, J (2012) ‘ Working with people who sexually offend’ presentation to the Social Work Department in St James Hospital, Dublin.
John Balfe was also an External Examiner for the BA in Applied Social Studies Programmes in IT Carlow from 2014-2017.
