Dr. Hui Yu Yao

Biography

Hui-Yu Yao is a social work academic and practitioner with extensive experience in clinical practice, policy development, research, and education. She teaches in the Master of Social Work program at Monash University, focusing on courses such as SWM5126: Longevity Social Work Practice and SWM5131: Social Work Capstone – Contemporary Issues in Social Work Practice. With over a decade of frontline policy experience, Hui-Yu utilizes real-world insights to prepare students for contemporary practice in diverse settings. She is currently completing her PhD at Monash University, which examines the professional identity development of international social work students and graduates in Australia. Her research, published in leading international journals, contributes to advancing inclusive approaches in social work education within the framework of global mobility. Before her current role, she worked with the Tasmanian Department of Health and the Tasmania Health Service, where she led and supported projects related to child safeguarding and workforce development while also focusing on digital innovation. Her clinical background includes hospital social work, where she specialized in supporting older adults with cognitive impairments, which has fueled her lasting interest in individuals with dementia and cognitive impairment and informed her commitment to ethical, person-centered, and inclusive practice.

Research Interests

Experience