Skills for Social Work Direct Practice

Unit code: ASW3101 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
96 credit points of first year core ABSW units.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

Social workers engage with individuals, groups and communities to promote wellbeing, advocate for social change and create a just and equitable society for all. This unit facilitates student development of a basic awareness of self as this relates to social work direct practice and practice knowledge; and a beginning level of understanding of relevant theoretical frameworks informing direct practice including strength-based and eco-systemic traditions

This subject is practice based. Students engage in experiential learning activities using scenarios drawn from contemporary social work with individuals, families and groups across a range of human service contexts. These include both statutory and non-statutory examples. The focus of student learning is on the use of self in practice, and the demonstration and application of skills for engagement, assessment and intervention.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critique various models and frameworks for social work practice with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and in diverse contexts;
  2. Critically reflect on the influence of personal values, professional values and ethics in social work practice with individuals;
  3. Exemplify relevant social work practice skills in engagement, assessment, planning, intervention and review;
  4. Exhibit effective written, verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communication skills with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and in diverse contexts.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 15%
Video recording (3 min)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 35%
Social work assessment & Case Note (1400 words)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 40%
Process Recording (1600 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 10%
Presentation of the reflective journal about applying self-in-practice (5 minutes)

To gain a pass in this unit students must meet the attendance requirements described below, attain a minimum overall grade of 50%, attempt and submit all assessment tasks, and achieve a pass grade in the case study/process recording task. Each assessment task covers discrete areas of knowledge and skill required for the successful completion of the social work course.

Attendance requirements

AASW accreditation standards require students to complete a minimum of 140 hours (20 days) face-to-face classroom-based learning, the focus of which is professional practice skills. To meet this standard, attendance in this unit is compulsory. Students attending less than 90% of classes in this unit, will be awarded a fail grade due to not meeting the attendance requirement and will be required to repeat the unit. A minimum attendance requirement of 80% is acceptable in situations where a student has been granted special consideration for class absences.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available by the unit coordinator.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Social Work
ABSW | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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