Professional characteristics

I have been working at the Department of Social Work of the Faculty of Education of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica since 2012. At present, my interest is focused on social work with children and youth, theories and methods of social work, social services and volunteering. In the current period, I focus specifically on the development of innovative methods of social work with children and families, the development of social skills, research methodology. I also focus on the non-profit sector and non-formal education. I deal with these areas through pedagogical, research, project, as well as practical activities. I practically implement work with children and youth, non-formal education of volunteers and research and scientific projects within this topic. The development of my practice in the field of social work was also contributed by practical experience from direct work in organizations working with children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as. o.z. Return, Pathfinder Club - Explorer, Adra, Volunteer Center in Banská Bystrica, Platform of Volunteer Centers and Organizations. I am a member of the editorial board of the magazine Mládež a spoločnosť and the author of more than 50 publications. As a co-author of 4 scientific monographs, 3 university textbooks and textbooks, more than 30 scientific studies published in foreign and domestic journals, scientific and conference proceedings and more than 30 other professional publications. I participated in the preparation of several strategic and legislative documents in the field of youth work as well as volunteering (Quality Standards for Management of Volunteers, D-Skills for Employment, Concept of Education and Training of Children and Youth to Volunteer, Youth Strategy, etc.). Since 2010 I have been a guarantor and lecturer in the field of education in the children's and youth organization Klub Prieskumník-Pathfinder, since 2013 I have been the coordinator of several volunteer programs focused on working with children from disadvantaged social backgrounds in the regional Volunteering Center. Since 2019, I have been the chairman of the Platform of Volunteer Centers and Organizations. In both organizations, I also work as a lecturer and mentor for organizations developing volunteer programs. In 2015, I will complete a long-term training and I became a trainer within the Agression regulation training method. Since 2013, together with other colleagues, I have been developing an innovative method of service learning. I am an active assessor of standards (We know it with volunteers!), Awards and evaluations (Engaged school, D-skills for employment, etc.). teams (Erasmus +).