Jo Bentley-Davey

Jo is a dedicated trauma informed social work practitioner with a commitment to transformative education and evidence-based social work practice.  Jo’s working knowledge and awareness in applied trauma-informed principles in her social work and mental health practice is the foundation for her passionate teaching, skilled facilitation and training nationwide, presenting at international social work conferences, and training academics in trauma-informed methods.

With a background in criminology and restorative justice, Jo’s career evolved toward social work and academia. During the Covid-19 lockdown, she innovated online placement projects for social work students, resulting in three published articles documenting this transition. She strives to integrate cutting-edge research into social work education to better prepare front-line practitioners.

 Jo is currently undertaking a PhD to explore the development of a shared understanding of trauma-informed practice, combining her passion for teaching with her commitment to advancing complex trauma knowledge for social workers. Her research focus is bringing contemporary evidence into social work education for front-line practitioners to help transform Australian social work by fostering a shared understanding of trauma-informed practices.