Dr. John Vafeas, LSW, DSW

Biographical Statement:

Dr. John G. Vafeas, Chair of the Department of Social Work at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He is Professor and Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Kutztown University. Dr. Vafeas received his undergraduate diploma in social work from the Center for Higher Technical and Professional Education of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, a bachelor's degree in sociology from Winthrop University, and the master and the doctor of social work degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Vafeas' doctorate work was related to computer technology and its application in practice. His practice experience includes work in all levels of practice in the field of disabilities. His research has been varied and multifaceted and included applications of information technology in clinical practice and program evaluation, policy research and advocacy, needs assessment methodology, poverty research, and assessment methodology for agency and academic program accreditation. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania, Rider University, and since 1989 at Kutztown University. His teaching included courses in the area of policy and social administration, information technology, research methods, and generalist practice. He has developed and provided leadership in the development of BSW, MSW and DSW programs. He is acting as a consultant to various social service organizations in the areas of program evaluation, and non-profit board development and serves in leadership positions in various boards of directors at local and national levels. Most recently, Dr. Vafeas was appointed to the board directors of the National Association of Case Management (NACM).

Teaching Interests:

• • Social Welfare Policy
  • Social Research Methodology
  • Information Technology in Human Services
  • Generalist Social Work Practice
  • Social and Behavioral Aspects of Disabilities
  • Methods of Program Evaluation
  • Social Work Theory Development

Research Interests:

• • Information Technology in Human Services
  • Methods of Community Based Service Delivery to the Elderly
  • Attitudes of Students Toward the Poverty and the Poor
  • Poverty Associated Social Problems
  • Using Goal Attainment Scales in Social Work Practice and Program Evaluation
  • Generalist Social Work Curriculum Development
  • Graduate Social Work Training--Program and Curricular Design
  • Integration of Greek Immigrants into American Society
  • Social Determinants of Health

Professional Involvement in the University and Community Life:

• • University Curriculum Committee, Chair
  • Social Work Department, Chair
  • Master of Social Work Program, Director
  • Kutztown University Graduate Council, Member
  • Greek Orthodox Church, Lancaster, PA Chair of the Hellenic Culture Committee
  • Service Access and Management, Inc. Chair, Board of Directors
  • National Association of Case Management (NACM), Member of the National Board of Directors