Course Outline Report: SWK300

What is this course about?

Description

This course provides the first opportunity for you to apply classroom-based learning to a social work practice context. It allows for the social work values, theories, knowledge and skills to be integrated into practice in a safe, supported and supervised environment. It emphasises social work practice in an agency, demanding that you engage in what it means to work in an organisational context. It enables experience in social work methods, knowledge applied, and skills to be developed. Critical reflection on your practice and impact of organisational contexts will be emphasised.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity	Hours	Beginning Week	Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus Pre-Placement Workshop - 7 Hours in the week before O Week	7hrs	Pre-semester/trimester/session	Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – University-based field placement integration workshop - 3 Hours in Semester Break Week	3hrs	Break week	Once Only
Placement – Field Placement - 500 Hours	500hrs	Orientation week	Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – University-based field placement integration workshop - 2 hours	2hrs	Week 3	Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – University-based field placement integration workshop - 2 hours	2hrs	Week 12	Once Only

Course Topics

This course is a social work field placement and course topics are linked to the AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics.

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

36 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	Articulate and apply social work theory, skills and values in a practice situation and in accordance with the AASW Practice Standards.	Creative and critical thinker Ethical	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4, 4.2, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 6, 7
2	Apply and demonstrate the values and ethical principles of social work according to the AASW Code of Ethics.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Ethical Engaged	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7, 7.1, 7.2
3	Actively engage with individuals, groups and communities in society and apply social work knowledge and skills to enable them to develop their potential and to gain greater control over their lives.	Creative and critical thinker Empowered Ethical Engaged	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6, 6.1, 6.2
4	Critically reflect on your own practice and values.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Empowered Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	1, 1.1, 1.2, 4, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.4
5	Demonstrate respect for and value others with an understanding of and sensitivity towards issues of cultural diversity, gender and disability.	Creative and critical thinker Empowered Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1
6	Communicate respectfully with clients, colleagues and community members.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7, 7.1, 7.2
7	Demonstrate professional written and verbal communication skills and use appropriate technology for completing reports and other professional written documentation.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7, 7.1, 7.2
8	Begin to analyse organisational systems and processes and societal systems, to identify inequalities	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Ethical Engaged	1, 1.1, 1.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 5.1, 5.4
9	Begin to identify inappropriate or inequitable social policy goals and outcomes, and to consider policy alternatives for achieving equity and effective distribution of social resources.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Ethical Engaged	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 5.1, 5.4
10	Where appropriate apply research knowledge and skills to undertake ethical research and to disseminate findings	Knowledgeable Ethical Engaged	1, 1.1, 4.3, 6.1, 7.1, 7.2
11	Utilise research in practice to address the needs of individuals, groups and communities, and to further organisational goals and social policy	Knowledgeable Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	4, 4.3, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 6.2
12	Initiate professional learning opportunities in placement.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Empowered Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 5.4, 8.1, 8.2
13	Act in a professional manner and in accordance with the relevant Codes of Conduct.	Knowledgeable Empowered Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 5.2, 6.3
14	Sustain learning and engagement for required days and hours per week, for the duration of the field placement.	Knowledgeable Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed
15	Apply feedback received on placement to further learning and practice opportunities.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Empowered Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	2, 2.1, 2.2, 5.2, 6.3, 8.2
16	Engage in professional supervision to enhance professional and ethical social work practice.	Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Empowered Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed

* 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
4.3	Understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice
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
6.3	Work with others in a team environment
6.4	Use information technology to communicate and provide services
7	Information recording and sharing
7.1	Record and manage information appropriately
7.2	Keep and maintain information in accordance with ethical principles and relevant legislation
8.1	Actively participate in professional supervision
8.2	Engage in continuing professional development

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

Completed 192 units in Program AR362 or AR363 and SWK277 and SWK278, and instructor consent to ensure mandatory requirements for field are met including attendance requirements.

Co-requisites

SWK304

Anti-requisites

SWK301

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

You will have an understanding of your critical social work practice framework

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Feedback on progress will be delivered at key points in the placement experience. Early feedback on the design of the student learning plan (assessment task 3) will be provided in the liaison meeting in the first 3- 4 weeks of placement. Student performance in this course will be further reviewed by the placement supervisor, liaison officer and student via the mid-placement evaluation document and discussed during the second liaison meeting (at approx. 250 hours of placement).

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode	Task No.	Assessment Product	Individual or Group	What is the duration / length?	When should I submit?	Where should I submit it?
All	1	Code of Conduct	Individual	1 online quiz via CANVAS. Code of Conduct statement via SONIA. Professional conduct will be assessed over duration of placement.	Refer to Format	SONIA
All	2	Activity Participation	Individual	14 hours, comprising of: (1) 7 hours of pre-placement modules and/or learning tasks, completed prior to commencing field placement. This is a combination of pre-placement workshop attendance during the week prior to Orientation Week as well as completion of compulsory modules on CANVAS. Plus: (2) 2 x 2hr integration workshops plus 1 x 3 hr Narrative Integration workshop completed during weeks 3, mid-semester break week and week 12 of semester.	Refer to Format	In Class
All	3	Written Piece	Individual	Completed over duration of placement: - Learning Plan due week 3 - Midplacement Learning Plan due at 250 hours - Final Learning Plan at end of placement.	Refer to Format	SONIA
All	4	Case Study	Individual	1000 words	Week 13	SONIA
All	5	Placement performance	Individual	A minimum of 500 hours undertaken in a field placement setting.	Refer to Format	SONIA

All - Assessment Task 1:Code of Conduct
Goal:	To undertake professional practice while on placement, in accordance with the professional body’s Code of Ethics, together with agency's code of conduct and the student code of conduct at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Product:	Code of Conduct
Format:	Pre-placement code of conduct: Online quiz must be completed on CANVAS prior to pre-placement workshop (taught during the week proceeding Orientation week.) Students must complete mandatory Code of Conduct module before attempting the quiz. Quiz and module will be available on CANVAS. Code of Conduct statement accessed via SONIA: read and then signed-off by student before uploading back to SONIA Checks. This must be completed prior to the student commencing placement in the host organisation. Professional Conduct: Professional conduct is assessed by all stakeholders: the student, external supervisor (where applicable), agency supervisor(s) and UniSC liaison officer. Professional conduct is formally reviewed at three formal junctures: Liaison Visit, Mid-placement and Final Placement meeting. However, it is assessable throughout the placement and consultations can be called to review incidences/performance at any time. The Placement Difficulties/Placement Breakdown procedure will be implemented where appropriate. Please refer to field education manual and SONIA for further details about this.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Behaviour that is in accordance with the professional association's code of ethics	2 4 13
2	Behaviour that is in accordance with the placement agency code of conduct	4 6 13
3	Behaviour that is in accordance with the USC Student Code of Conduct	1 4 13

All - Assessment Task 2:Engagement in University-Based Structured Learning
Goal:	To adequately prepare students to undertake learning and professional development activities in a field placement organisation. To provide structured learning activities focused on integrating theory and practice in accordance with the professional body’s practice standards and accreditation requirements.
Product:	Activity Participation
Format:	Pre-Placement Workshop: Attendance at and participation in the pre-placement workshop on campus. This is scheduled in the week prior to Orientation Week. The workshop includes structured learning activities that prepare students for undertaking field placement learning in a social work / human services professional context. Students cannot commence their field placements until the pre-placement workshop requirements are completed. This includes the completion of compulsory modules in CANVAS prior to the pre-placement workshop. Integration Workshop: Attendance at and active participation in the 3 integration workshops. The workshops include structured learning activities designed to integrate theory and knowledge with practice whilst developing students’ reflective practice skills and their emerging practice framework. The integration workshops are taught and assessed during week 3, mid-semester break week and week 12 of semester.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Development of critical reflection skills for professional social work practice	1 2 4
2	Transfer, adapt and apply knowledge and skills in diverse contexts	5 6
3	Demonstrate an understanding of the organisational context of practice and the application of theory, frameworks, ethics, cultural competency, research and practice guidelines within the placement context.	1 2 4 5 8 9 10
4	Integration of theory with practice	1 2

All - Assessment Task 3:Learning Plan
Goal:	To assess student’s performance on placement. The learning goals in the plan need to focus on the domains specified in assessment template.
Product:	Written Piece
Format:	Draft Learning Plan: The Learning Plan formalises the placement process and the goals and aims to be achieved. This document is uploaded in SONIA, and discussed in a meeting with student, supervisor(s) and liaison officer. This is due at the end of week 3 of the student's placement. Templates and resources to assist students with drafting the Learning Plan are available on SONIA. Mid-placement Learning Plan: The student and their supervisor(s) jointly review the placement thus far, and determine progress, strengths, and areas for development. Areas of concern can be identified and plans to address them can be implemented during the remainder of the placement. This document is uploaded in SONIA. It is due once the student has completed 250 hours of placement. Final Learning Plan: The student and their supervisor(s) evaluate the student’s overall performance on placement. This document is uploaded in SONIA, and discussed in a meeting with student, supervisor(s) and liaison officer. The final learning plan and evaluation is due within 5 days of the student completing placement.

Criteria:


Demonstrate beginning competency in applying and articulating the knowledge and skills required for ethical practice.
Demonstrate beginning competency in the application, articulation and commitment to professionalism, professional development and supervision.
Demonstrate beginning competency in the understanding and application of knowledge and skills to ensure cultural responsive and inclusive practice.
Demonstrate beginning competency in knowledge of social theory and the application of theory and methods in practice.
Demonstrate beginning competency in understanding and application of professional communication and interpersonal skills, values and knowledge in practice.
Demonstrate beginning competency in the skills and commitment to Information recording and sharing that align to professional and organisational standards and produces

All - Assessment Task 4:Process Recording
Goal:	To position yourself as a social worker (potentially within the agency or utilising a life experience) within a scenario relating to practice. Integrate your theoretical understandings, practice skills and knowledge to inform your professional practice, intervention and/or response to the scenario.
Product:	Case Study
Format:	Reflecting on your practice scenario, critic your knowledge, skills and theoretical understanding on the presenting and impacting factors. The areas that should be covered include: your observations on the interaction and understanding of the power dynamics; critical reflection on your significant learning experiences in relation to your knowledge, skills and values; how social work theory informed your understanding of practice; and identify your future learning goals. To develop your process recording, you will need to refer to previous courses in which such reflection has been expected, and also to read relevant material provided. There is a template for the process recording available on Sonia. This is to be uploaded to SONIA no later than week 12 of semester.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Demonstrate an understanding of the organisational context of practice and the application and reflection of social work theory and frameworks within the context of your work in the agency	1 2 4 8 9
2	Provide evidence of critical reflection and skills and knowledge developed during the fieldwork placement	4 12
3	Clearly presented process recording which will be organised and logically ordered	7
4	Use of correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and clear quality of expression	7 13

All - Assessment Task 5:Placement-Based Evaluation and Record of Attendance
Goal:	To undertake 500 hours of professional field practice in a social work context and in accordance with the practice standards of the accrediting body/bodies.
Product:	Placement performance
Format:	Record of Attendance: Students must keep a record of their attendance at field placement, using an Hours Verification Sheet available on SONIA. This is to be regularly signed off by the nominated placement supervisor or a suitable delegate. A minimum 500 hours of field placement must be completed. Students must submit their record of attendance to Sonia, at the conclusion of placement (within 5 days of completing placement.) Placement-Based Evaluation: A mid-placement report is completed by both the student and the agency supervisor, as well as the external social work supervisor (if one is appointed) at the half-way point of placement. The mid-placement report is contained within the Student Learning Plan document. This evaluation is formative, as it provides feedback and clarifies how the student is progressing at the halfway point of placement, in relation to the relevant professional practice standards, individual learning goals and agency specific work and tasks. The Learning Plan with completed mid-evaluation document is submitted to SONIA after 250 hours of placement. A final-placement report is completed by both the student and the agency supervisor, as well as the external social work supervisor (if one is appointed) at the conclusion of placement. The final-placement report is contained within the Student Learning Plan document along with the mid-placement report. Students self-reflect on their strengths and achievements during placement as well as areas for future learning. The placement supervisor/s also provide specific feedback on the student’s practice and learning across the entire placement. Students are evaluated against specific areas of professional practice and are required to reach a competent standard for each of these 8 practice areas (to a first placement standard), which include: • Value and Ethics • Professionalism • Cultural responsive and inclusive practice • Knowledge of practice • Applying knowledge to practice • Communication and interpersonal skills • Information recording and sharing • Professional development and supervision The final placement evaluation and learning plan are uploaded to SONIA within 5 days of the student completing placement.

Criteria:


Completion of the required 500 hours
Demonstration of a collaborative approach with your supervisor(s) regarding the development of the learning agreement
Demonstrated Linkage between appropriate social work theory and knowledge with your learning tasks while on placement.
Articulation of evidence required to demonstrate achievements.
Professionalism

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

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required?	Author	Year	Title	Edition	Publisher
Required	HELEN & WILSON CLEAK (JILL.),Jill Wilson	2019	Making the Most of Field Placement	4th	Cengage AU

Specific requirements

To enrol in this course, students must complete the mandatory pre-placement compliance requirements as outlined in the pre-placement information and processes provided by the FFPO and Social Work and Human Services Field Education Unit. This includes holding a valid Blue Card for the duration of the placement. Please note that some placements require additional compliance requirements such as criminal history checks (AFP Type 37 clearance), NDIS worker screening check and vaccinations, etc. It is important to discuss this with the field education unit at the pre-placement interviews for students. 

There are mandatory onsite requirements that must be met for this course. This includes attendance on site in the host placement agency and attendance on campus for the pre-placement workshop.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. 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

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the USC.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

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

Course Outline

SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

UniSC Fraser Coast

What is this course about?

Description

How will this course be delivered?

Course Topics

What level is this course?

What is the unit value of this course?

How does this course contribute to my learning?

* Competencies by Professional Body

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

Anti-requisites

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Details of early feedback on progress

Assessment tasks

Directed study hours

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Specific requirements

How are risks managed in this course?

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Assessment: Submission penalties

SafeUniSC

Study help

Wellbeing Services

AccessAbility Services

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

Student Charter

General Enquiries