John Balfe

Background

About John Balfe

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 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 academia by engaged teaching and research.