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.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Nicholson
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
ASW3101

Prerequisites

96 credit points of first year core ABSW units.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Explain various models and frameworks for social work practice with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and in diverse contexts;  
  2. Reflect on the influence of personal values, professional values and ethics in social work practice with individuals;  
  3. Demonstrate relevant social work practice skills in engagement, assessment, planning, intervention and review;  
  4. Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communication skills with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and in diverse contexts.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Exercise Video recording (3 min) 15%
Assignment Social work assessment & Case Note (1400 words) 35%
Case Study Process Recording (1600 words) 40%
Presentation Reflection journal about self-in-practice (400 words) 10%
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 and 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.

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