This unit builds directly upon the work based learning gained in ASW3002 Professional Practice and provides you with  a final structured and supervised University organised placement in a different field of social work practice.  Your placement experience is enhanced by participation in University based seminars. Upon successful completion you  will demonstrate your ability to work ethically, critically, professionally and inclusively. This unit helps to prepare you as an emerging graduate for entry into the social work profession, and informs the work you will complete in your second semester capstone units: ASW4003 Social Work Advocacy: Scope, Research, Design and ASW4004 Social Work Advocacy: Social Change in Action.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Nicholson
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
48
Unit code:
ASW4002

Prerequisites

288 credit points of core ABSW Bachelor of Social Work (first, second and third year units).

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Negotiate and validate a plan for professional learning consistent with the placement context of practice and aligned to AASW Graduate Practice Standards and Attributes (2019);  
  2. Practice according to social work values, ethics and knowledge in alignment with the AASW Code of Ethics (2010) and AASW Graduate Practice Standards and Attributes (2019);  
  3. Exemplify cultural responsiveness, sensitivity and inclusive practice and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures;  
  4. Use a broad range of professional communication skills to build and foster collaborative, inclusive and respectful relationships with a diverse range of individuals, groups, colleagues and communities;  
  5. Demonstrate intellectual independence through the application of critical thought and judgement in social work practice;  
  6. Identify and effectively engage with ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice; and  
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of research and evaluation in generating new knowledge for practice.  

Assessment

Assessment of this unit aligns with the Practice Standards outlined in the Australian Association of Social Workers Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2019). Performance on field placement is assessed in relation to your individual professional learning plan, as detailed in the Social Work Field Education Manual.
Assessment type Description Grade
Exercise Plan for professional learning Pass/Fail
Practicum Mid-placement assessment Pass/Fail
Practicum Final placement assessment Pass/Fail
Students are required to attend a minimum of 500 hours of supervised field education, which includes 12 hours of attendance and participation in theory-practice integration seminars. In addition, 5 hours of attendance in a pre-placement one-day intensive is required. This requirement is in accordance with the Australian Social Work Education Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS 2019) and the Victoria University Assessment for Learning- Standards for Assessment Procedure. In the event of illness, students are required to make up missed placement hours. Where circumstances exist so that a student cannot attend the pre-placement intensive and integration seminars in person (e.g. rural/regional/international placement), engagement in the seminars will be by negotiation with the Unit Convenor.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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