Credit Points 20

Legacy Code 102391

Coordinator Hong-Jae Park Opens in new window

Description The aim of this first practice education subject is to introduce Master of Social Work (Qualifying) students to social work practice through experiential learning, building upon their undergraduate qualifications to facilitate the development of foundational practice knowledge and skills, and beginning professional identity formation. This subject enables students to develop beginner level skills and knowledge of social work processes in the context of a supervised placement experience, drawing on their existing academic foundation to transition into professional practice. This subject provides the opportunity for students to integrate their theoretical knowledge of social work with practical application. Learning is informed by the AASW Practice Standards (2023) and the AASW Code of Ethics (2020). Placements will be offered in direct, indirect or mixed service work with a wide range of service user groups and communities across the human services sector. Students are required to complete a total of 400 hours of placement, inclusive of three integrated seminars and two peer practice group meetings, in accordance with the accreditation requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

School Social Sciences

Discipline Social Work

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 20cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Pre-requisite(s) WELF 7023

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1792 Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate the skills needed for working within human services organisations (as described in the Field Education Manual);
2. Explain the different skills needed for working with a range of service users and organisations;
3. Critically evaluate their own performance in a variety of practice contexts including mental health and child wellbeing.
4. Critically evaluate their own performance in a variety of practice contexts.

Subject Content

400 hours of supervised practice
Campus based Integrative workshops covering:
Learning styles
Developing a Learning Plan and negotiating a promising learning experience
The nature of supervision and assessment
Peer support and teamwork
The use of critical thinking on placement
Intervention Skills focus: Casework, Group work, Community Work, Submission writing writing in diverse fields of practice including mental health and child wellbeing
Professional context: ethical practice, stress and burnout, the role of ideology in practice frameworks
Winding up the placement and developing a learning plan for future social work learning
Intervention Skills focus: Casework, Group work, Community Work, Submission writing

Special Requirements

Legislative pre-requisites

Prior to enrolling in this subject, students must have submitted a Student Undertaking Form and undertake to apply for a National Police Check, which is required to be submitted before placement, and a Working with Children Check Student Declaration. Refer to the Special Requirements website for more information.

Special Requirements