Description This is an introductory subject which examines underlying theories of social welfare work, community work, youth work and international social development. Students will explore the ideological underpinnings of theories and discourses in the human services, particularly with regard to the impact of poverty, inequity and the experience of vulnerable populations. The contribution of other disciplines to knowledge and practice in these fields of practice will also be examined. This subject will focus on developing beginning skills in working with individuals (casework), working with groups, community work and working in human service organisations as a member of a team.
School Social Sciences
Discipline Human Welfare Studies and Services, Not Elsewhere Classified.
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject
Equivalent Subjects WELF 1003 - Human Services Intervention Strategies
Restrictions
Students must be enrolled at Western Sydney University, The College. Students enrolled in extended diplomas must pass 40 credit points from the preparatory subjects listed in the program structure prior to enrolling in this University level subject.
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
Identify and explain theories, discourses and concepts underpinning social work and community welfare work with individuals, families, groups and communities within a context of the inequitable distribution of wealth and underlying power;
Identify and describe a major model of working with individuals and groups;
Apply professional ethical decisions;
Demonstrate an ability to conduct a social assessment;
Interpret group dynamics.
1. Theories underlying human services practice
- different ways of understanding the world
- different levels of theory: formal & informal
2. Basic concepts underlying human service practice
- Empowerment
- Advocacy
- Self-determination
- Self-help
3. Working with individuals (casework)
- an overview major models of casework
- assessment and intervention
4. Working with Groups
- an overview of group work theories
- group dynamics and group processes
5. Anti-Discriminatory Practice: gender, ethnicity, class, politics, Aboriginality, culture, religion, (dis)ability, age and sexual orientation
6. Strategies for cross-cultural and other anti-discriminatory practices
7. Personal, professional and organisational power and social control
- issues related to accountability
- social welfare policy
- management issues
- the inter relationship of the worker's personal, professional values & those of their agency
8. Beginning understanding of Ethics & professional practice in the welfare sector & the role of training & supervision in supporting this.
1. Theories underlying human services practice
- different ways of understanding the world
- different levels of theory: formal & informal
2. Basic concepts underlying human service practice
- Empowerment
- Advocacy
- Self-determination
- Self-help
3. Working with individuals (casework)
- an overview major models of casework
- assessment and intervention
4. Working with Groups
- an overview of group work theories
- group dynamics and group processes
5. Anti-Discriminatory Practice: gender, ethnicity, class, politics, Aboriginality, culture, religion, (dis)ability, age and sexual orientation
6. Strategies for cross-cultural and other anti-discriminatory practices
7. Personal, professional and organisational power and social control
- issues related to accountability
- social welfare policy
- management issues
- the inter relationship of the worker's personal, professional values & those of their agency
8. Beginning understanding of Ethics & professional practice
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
Type
Length
Percent
Threshold
Individual/Group Task
Quiz
20
N
Individual
Report
1,000 words
40
N
Individual
Case Study
1,500 words 2 hours
40
N
Individual
Prescribed Texts
O'Hara, A & Pockett, R. 2012, Skills for human service practice : working with individuals, groups and communities, South Melbourne, Vic, Oxford University Press.
