Working with AI: A Guide for Social Workers

Beth Weaver; Fern Rebecca Louise Gillon

Working with AI: A Guide for Social Workers

Research output: Working paper/Preprint/Pre-registration › Guide or manual

Abstract

This guide introduces the responsible use of OpenAI in social work practice. It outlines key concepts, ethical considerations, and practical examples of how generative AI tools like Copilot, Magic Notes and ChatGPT can support administrative efficiency, research, and content creation – while highlighting the importance of data security and protection, professional judgement, and ethical standards.

Written by Professor Beth Weaver and Dr. Fern Gillon with Dr. Gavin Heron, Fergus Reid, and Professor Feng Dong, School of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Strathclyde, in collaboration with Social Work Scotland.

Original language	English
Number of pages	7
Publication status	Published - 6 Jun 2025

Keywords

AI
Critical thinking
Social Work
OpenAI
Artificial Intelligence

Access to Document

https://socialworkscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Weaver-and-Gillon-et-al-2025-Working-with-OpenAI_Briefing-Paper.pdf

What do I not know? Working with uncertainty
Weaver, B. (Co-investigator)
ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council)
1/04/23 → 31/03/28
Project: Research - Internally Allocated

Cite this

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title = "Working with AI: A Guide for Social Workers",

abstract = "This guide introduces the responsible use of OpenAI in social work practice. It outlines key concepts, ethical considerations, and practical examples of how generative AI tools like Copilot, Magic Notes and ChatGPT can support administrative efficiency, research, and content creation – while highlighting the importance of data security and protection, professional judgement, and ethical standards. Written by Professor Beth Weaver and Dr. Fern Gillon with Dr. Gavin Heron, Fergus Reid, and Professor Feng Dong, School of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Strathclyde, in collaboration with Social Work Scotland.",

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KW - Social Work

KW - OpenAI

KW - Artificial Intelligence

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BT - Working with AI: A Guide for Social Workers

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Working with AI: A Guide for Social Workers

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Projects

What do I not know? Working with uncertainty

Cite this