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Course Outline

SWK304 Direct Practice 1

Course Coordinator:Gerard Jefferies (gjefferi@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

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

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

This course orientates students to undertake social work practice in various settings and supports their development of professional practice frameworks. Students will develop skills for professional communication, practicing in a manner consistent with being an emerging practitioner, and practicing constructively in a student role within the host agency and community. The course involves assessment to ensure students have the skills and capacity to reflect and develop their capabilities as outlined in the AASW Practice Standards and AASW Code of Ethics prior to being placed in the field.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Content required for workshop discussion and assessment preparation 4hrs Pre-semester/trimester/session Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Workshops Completed in pre-o week 35hrs Pre-semester/trimester/session Once Only

Course Topics

  • Organisation models, frameworks and approaches to practice
  • Giving and receiving appreciative and constructive feedback
  • Professional Practice Frameworks
  • Understanding appropriate professional practice expectations including professional boundaries and self advocacy 
  • Understanding social work values and principles

Mature Content

Drug Use, Sex/Sexual references, Violence, Coarse Language, Adult themes

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?

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 Understand the values, principles and guidelines described in the Code of Ethics, while recognising and managing personal values and bias Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
1
2 Advocate, promote, protect and uphold the rights, dignity and autonomy of people served Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Problem solving 
2, 3
3 Work inclusively and respectfully with regard to culture and diversity of clients and service users while promoting client involvement in decision-making Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Collaboration 
2, 4
4 Work from a clearly articulated framework for reflective practice informed by a critical understanding of contemporary social work theory, professional knowledge, skills and evidenced-based research Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration 
4, 5
5 Transfer, adapt and apply knowledge and skills in diverse contexts Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
5
6 Actively contribute to strengthening and promoting the identify and standing of the profession Knowledgeable
Ethical
Communication 
7
7 Articulate and promote the unique scope and contribution of social work to the people served using professional oral and written skills. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
7
8 Monitor, evaluate and review skills, knowledge and expertise Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Problem solving 
9
9 Identify current and future professional learning needs Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Problem solving 
9
10 Be an active learner, open to new and emerging knowledge informing practice. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration 
9

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Practice Standard 1: AASW Code of Ethics
2 Practice Standard 2: Working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
3 Practice Standard 3: Human rights and social justice
4 Practice Standard 4: Culture, identity and intersectionality
5 Practice Standard 5: Critical thinking in practice
7 Practice Standard 7: Professional identity
9 Practice Standard 9: Professional growth

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

132 units and SWK278 and enrolled in program AR362 or AR363

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

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

Early feedback will be provided to students verbally in group discussions and practice skill demonstrations.

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 Oral and Written Piece Individual 
500-1000 words
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class
All 2 Artefact - Creative, and Oral Individual 
10 mins
 Refer to Format In Class
All 3 Activity Participation Individual 
Workshops
 Refer to Format In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Mapping the Agency Context
Goal: 
The goal of this assessment task is to identify and demonstrate an understanding of your placement agency's practice context, purpose and levels of practice.

You will also need to identify your professional practice framework with reference to the practice setting.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format: 
Submit: During first intensive workshop. 

This requires you to research and map your placement agency’s organisational and practice contexts, and articulate your professional practice framework. 

The map will identify the practice contexts of your placement agency. (For example: the field of practice, the organisational mission, values and purpose; client or consumer services provided by the agency, and social work skills utilised). 
Outline your professional practice framework.
Highlight the social issues addressed by the agency, provide understanding of how social work relates to the practice context and any gaps associated in service. 

The information collected is to be delivered creatively in the form of power-point presentation. 

Students will have an opportunity to share this information with other students in class to acquire critical and supportive feedback before uploading the final presentation to Canvas.

Work is completed in the scheduled workshops.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Creates a product demonstrating knowledge and summarises the organisation’s procedural flows
 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2 
Identifies the practice context and contributing elements
 2 3 4 5 7 8
3 
Locates the social work role and purpose of the agency
 6 7
4 
Use of professional communication including oral and written skills.
 7
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Organisation
All - Assessment Task 2:Professional Skills Analysis
Goal: 
The goal of this task is to apply your cumulative understanding of practice framework (knowledge, skills and values) to a context of social work practice (eg your placement). You will be required to reflect on your chosen practice field while articulating a proposal for professional growth in practice. 

This task further requires you to demonstrate your oral communication and presentation skills in accordance with the inherent academic requirements of this degree.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Oral
Format: 
The format of the assignment task is an oral presentation on a professional social work analysis on a context of practice. 

Undertaken in workshops.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Articulate your emerging professional framework, including identification of your skills, knowledge and theories.
 1 2 3 4 6 7 8
2 
Hold a sound theoretical and practical knowledge base that supports the reflection
 1 4 5 8
3 
Evidence of critical reflection in identifying relevant areas of practice for development
 1 4 5 8 9
4 
This task further requires you to demonstrate your oral communication and presentation skills as in accordance with the inherent academic requirements of this degree.
 1 7 10
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Tutorial Attendance and Participation
Goal: 
AASW external accreditation requires mandatory attendance for skills based tutorials. Students must attend workshops and actively participate in all activities.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
Course attendance will be recorded to meet external AASW accreditation requirements. Student participation and engagement in course activities assessed based upon attendance and participation across course workshop format.

You are required to attend all days to meet the attendance requirements.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Attendance and engagement in activities
 10
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode Assessment Type Title Competency Teaching Methods
Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS)
All delivery modes Activity Participation Tutorial Attendance and Participation 1 Taught, Practiced
7 Taught, Practiced
9 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Artefact - Creative, and Oral Professional Skills Analysis 1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2 Taught, Practiced
3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4 Taught, Practiced
5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
6 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
8 Taught, Practiced
9 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
Oral and Written Piece Mapping the Agency Context 1 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
2 Taught, Practiced
3 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
4 Taught, Practiced
5 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
7 Taught, Practiced, Assessed
9 Taught, Practiced, Assessed

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

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 5.1.1.3 and 5.1.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Academic Policy.
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.
Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures.

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
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