معرفی
Simone Litvaitis serves as Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Salford's School of Health & Society, where she combines academic teaching with active professional practice as a registered social worker (Social Work England) and Independent Social Worker specializing in Best Interests Assessments. With eighteen years of post-qualification experience primarily in adult mental health settings, she holds dual credentials as an Approved Mental Health Professional and Best Interests Assessor.
Her educational journey includes:
- Professional Doctorate in Social Work (current, University of Salford)
- Master's in Applied Mental Health (University of Manchester, 2011-2014)
- Bachelor's in Social Work Studies (University of Salford, 2004-2007)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Community and Social Care Policy (University of Lancashire, 2018-2020)
- PGCert in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (University of Bolton, 2022)
Dr. Litvaitis's research critically examines the intersection of mental health law and social work practice, with particular emphasis on Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards implementation following the Cheshire West Judgement. Her work addresses systemic challenges in Best Interests Decision Making while advocating for person-centered approaches in Mental Capacity assessments. This focus directly informs her teaching across multiple modules spanning legal frameworks, professional practice, and mental health policy.
Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through:
- Best Poster Award at the 2024 European Doctoral Conference in Nursing Science
- Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Award (People's Champion, 2018)
- Advance HE Fellowship (2022)
As an active practitioner-academic, Dr. Litvaitis maintains strong connections to frontline social work through her Independent Social Worker role while contributing to the University's Centre for Research on Inclusive Society. Her dual perspective uniquely positions her to develop curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with complex real-world applications in mental health law and ethics.
