Course Outline

SWK200 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings

Course Coordinator:Laura Dodds (ldodds@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

UniSC Fraser Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course, we will be shining a spot light on a different fields of practice each week to take a closer look at the different contexts, environments and fields you might work in. We will be hearing from practitioners in the field to take an inside look at what you might expect in different organisations and fields of practice, including practice theories and challenges as well as different organisational structures and presenting practice issues. The course has a strong critical social work focus. 

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online content 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – on-campus tutorials 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Online
Learning materials – online content 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – online tutorials 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Practice in health settings

Practice in child & family welfare

Practice in mental health

Practice in neighbourhood & community centres

Practice in domestic & family violence

Practice in aged care

Practice in alcohol & other drugs

Practice in disability

Practice in the justice system

Psychological responses to disasters

Critical social work perspectives

Communication skills

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Review and critique theories, approaches, communication skills, and information relevant to working in human services and indicate how they condition social work practice Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
1.1, 1.2, 2, 3, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2
2 Demonstrate reflective and critical practice within social work and human service organisations, reflecting on your own motivations for practice, values and ethics Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1
3 Apply critical social work theories and perspectives to social work practice Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
1.1, 2.2, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.3
4 Identify practice challenges and articulate how a social worker can exercise agency consistent with practice frameworks and ethics Empowered
Ethical
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Values and ethics
1.1 Practise in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics
1.2 Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice
2 Professionalism
2.1 Represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism
2.2 Behave in a professional manner and be accountable for all actions and decisions
3 Culturally responsive and inclusive practice
3.1 Work inclusively and respectfully with cultural difference and diversity
3.2 Respect and strive to understand and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures
4 Knowledge for practice
4.1 Understand higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice
4.2 Understand and articulate social work and other relevant theories and concepts
4.4 Understand and articulate how and when theories, knowledge bases and knowledge sources inform practice
5 Applying knowledge to practice
5.1 Assess and analyse needs to inform practice
5.2 Work collaboratively
5.3 Use a range of social work methods and techniques appropriate to the area of practice
5.4 Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice
6 Communication and interpersonal skills
6.1 Communicate with a diverse range of people
6.2 Communicate the details and nature of the service offered to people

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

SWK402

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided with the first quiz in Week 4 and with activities in the weekly tutorial sessions. 

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 30%
3 online quizzes
60 minutes each
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Oral Group 30%
15-20 minutes - in-class presentation.
Week 10 In Class
All 3 Artefact - Professional Individual 40%
Presented in-class in a simulated environment to peers and academic staff.
Refer to Format In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Quizzes
Goal:
This task will enable you to understand how various core concepts / processes canvassed in the lectures and course key readings inform practice.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Released: Weeks 4, 8 & 12
This is an individual assessment. You will access and respond to the quizzes via Canvas. Quizzes may contain multiple choice and/or short answer questions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accuracy of course information and course concepts.
1 2 3 4
2
Description and application of effective responses to practice challenges & situations
3 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Group Case Presentation & Analysis
Goal:
The goal of this task is for you to demonstrate you can identify and apply relevant social work concepts, values, questions and theories to a given practice/social issue, which are supported by relevant contemporary literature.
This task further requires you to demonstrate your oral communication and presentation skills as well as your group work and collaboration skills in accordance with the inherent academic requirements of this degree.
Product: Oral
Format:
In groups of 3 to 4 students, you will present an in-class oral and visual analysis of the chosen practice context/issue.
Presented in Week 10.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrated ability to review and critique theories, approaches, discourses and relevant information in relation to a specific social issue or practice area, including relevant  and sufficient use of course and other literature to support discussion
1
2
Demonstrated critical and context responsive analysis of social work practice, relevant to your presentation topic, including relevant and sufficient use of course and other literature.
3
3
Demonstrated knowledge and exploration of practice challenges, including application of AASW code of ethics and values to practice. Discussions are supported by relevant and sufficient literature.
2 4
4
Displays originality, independence of thought, creativity, professionalism and the ability to engage your audience in your visual presentation.
1
5
Demonstration of clear, articulate, engaging and professional verbal expressions and communication skills during in-class verbal presentation.
All - Assessment Task 3:Individual Social/Practice Issue Artefact
Goal:
The goal of this assessment task is to develop a visual/audio representation of a chosen service delivery/social issue concept and to present this in a simulated professional setting to peers.
This task further requires you to demonstrate your oral communication and presentation skills accordance with the inherent academic requirements of this degree.
Product: Artefact - Professional
Format:
In-class presentation in weeks 12 & 13.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification and justification of relevant critical social work concepts, values and theories including relevant and sufficient use of course and other literature to support and deepen reflection and analysis
1 2 3 4
2
Apply theory and knowledge of structural social issues and contexts and the role of social work within this context including relevant and sufficient use of course and other literature to support and deepen reflection and analysis
1 3 4
3
Display originality, independence of thought, creativity, professionalism and the ability to engage your audience in your visual/audio presentation
1
4
Demonstration of clear, articulate, engaging and professional verbal expressions and communication skills during your in-class verbal presentation.
1

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Nil

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au