Professional Practice Seminar

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), the national accrediting body for social work, requires students to undertake at least two social work supervised field education placements within a health or human service agency for a total minimum of 1,000 hours. This unit of study is designed to help students prepare for professional practice in the context of field education and beyond and is a pre-requisite to the social work Field Education units of study. Classes will include a combination of practical preparation for field placement; revision and integration of relevant theory and practice skills; small group reflective discussions; and simulated learning activities. The unit addresses each of the AASW Practice Standards and involves input from a range of professionals with expertise in student placements and careers in health and human services. Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of critical reflection; professional social work supervision; and inter-professional team work. In addition, students will work in small groups to consider contemporary ethical practice dilemmas and ways to resolve interpersonal conflicts and other common practice difficulties that also occur on field placement. Students will learn how to: negotiate and develop a suitable learning plan; maintain a reflective practice journal; undertake self-assessment; and develop strategies for ongoing self-care. This unit is also intended to encourage students to develop the skills to engage in difficult discussions in a respectful way; create a safe and supportive learning environment; and establish peer-support networks that carry over into the Field Education units of study.