Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 700142

Coordinator Paul Rouillon Opens in new window

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 fees 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.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. 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;
2. Identify and describe a major model of working with individuals and groups;
3. Apply professional ethical decisions;
4. Demonstrate an ability to conduct a social assessment;
5. Interpret group dynamics.

Subject Content

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