Head of Department:
Nadiia CHERNUKHA, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor.
An expert in the field of social pedagogy, inclusive education, and the organization of socially-oriented educational environments in institutions of higher education.

Department of Social Rehabilitation and Social Pedagogy

The Department of Social Rehabilitation and Social Pedagogy was established in 2016 on the initiative of the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor Ivan DANYLIUK, and Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor Olena CHUIKO.
Its founding marked a new stage in the development of social work in Ukraine — as a scientific discipline, a wide-ranging field of practice, a system of professional training, and a component of the broader social service infrastructure.

The Department is a member of the European Association of Schools of Social Work (EASSW).

Main Objectives of the Department

• Implementation of a competency-based model for the training of professionals in healthcare and social services.
• Development and advancement of educational and professional standards in the fields of social work, healthcare, and social protection.
• Participation in international and national research projects aimed at developing and applying restorative practices in social work, healthcare, and social welfare.
• Personnel training for specialized state and non-governmental institutions providing social and socio-pedagogical rehabilitation.
• Provision of expert and consulting services in the area of restorative social work practices.

Educational Programs

The department offers professional education in Specialty 231 “Social Work” (from 2025 — I10 “Social Work and Counseling”, within the Knowledge Area I “Health and Social Welfare”) at all three levels of higher education:

Bachelor’s Level:

• Educational and Professional Program Social Pedagogy
  (from 2025 – Social Counseling and Inclusion)
  Program Coordinator: Associate Professor Liudmyla TOKARUK

Master’s Level:

• Educational and Scientific Program Social Pedagogy
  (from 2025 – Social Counseling and Leadership)
  Program Coordinator: Associate Professor Maryna VASYLIEVA-KHALATNYKOVA
• Educational and Scientific Program Social Rehabilitation
  (from 2025 – Social Recovery and Resilience)
  Program Coordinator: Associate Professor Olha BAIDAROVA

PhD Level:

• Educational and Research Program Social Work
  Program Coordinator: Professor Olena CHUIKO

Educational Process

The educational process is based on the principle of fostering student agency through mandatory participation in professionally-oriented activities throughout the course of university study. The curricula incorporate volunteer, research, project-based, and clinical practice components.

Interactive Learning Methods

The department places strong emphasis on the use of interactive teaching methods, including:

• academic discussions
• training workshops
• educational dialogues with innovative ODI formats
• simulation-based activities
• project-based learning sessions

In addition, advanced English language training is integrated into the educational process to enhance the international competitiveness of graduates.

Academic Mobility

The department actively supports student participation in academic mobility programs, including international exchanges and double degree programs with partner institutions in Finland, Germany, Hungary, and Poland.

School of Social Leadership

The department established the School of Social Leadership as an educational platform that once promoted student leadership and civic engagement. Its activities contributed to shaping students’ civic responsibility and involvement in socially significant initiatives.

Academic Staff

The department’s academic staff includes:

• 3 Doctors of Sciences
• 8 Candidates of Sciences
• 3 Professors
• 7 Associate Professors

Research Activity

The department publishes the peer-reviewed academic journal
"Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv: Social Work" (Category B).

Scientific and Practical Cooperation

The department collaborates with:

• international organizations and programs such as UNDP, UNICEF, and the Global Environment Facility;
• leading Ukrainian research institutions, including:
  • H.S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology, NAPS of Ukraine
  • Institute for Social and Political Psychology, NAPS of Ukraine
• Ukrainian higher education institutions that train social workers and social pedagogues.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the department are prepared for employment in:

• socially-oriented institutions, enterprises, and organizations
• social services and rehabilitation centers
• educational and psychosocial institutions under the Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Education and Science, and Ministry of Health of Ukraine
• organizations working with children, youth, persons with disabilities, war veterans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), families of military personnel, individuals who have survived captivity, violence, or loss, as well as other vulnerable populations requiring support and rehabilitation during wartime and post-war recovery
• international organizations, social projects, humanitarian initiatives
• civil society organizations, state and non-state institutions

Possible Professional Roles

Graduates are qualified to work in positions such as:

• social worker
• social pedagogue
• specialist in social work
• assistant educator or rehabilitation teacher in inclusive environments
• cultural and recreational program organizer
• manager or coordinator of social services in territorial communities or social service centers
• healthy lifestyle consultant
• child protection officer
• rehabilitation specialist for persons with disabilities
• veteran reintegration specialist
• trainer or facilitator of educational, rehabilitative, or preventive programs
• volunteer program coordinator
• coordinator or director of a social center
• project coordinator in humanitarian or international organizations (e.g., UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR, Red Cross, etc.)