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Course Outline

SWK306 Direct Practice 2

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

Social work is a dynamic area of professional practice. This course equips you as a practitioner with knowledge and skills to actively contribute to a range of core direct practice processes across a range of practice contexts. These processes include collaborative case management; developing and facilitating experiential programs; facilitating collective action; and writing well-founded social work reports that assist decision making. Such processes often occur in practice contexts typified by social and systemic complexities and containing significant ethical challenges for practitioners.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled On-Campus Workshops in intensive format in O week 35hrs Pre-semester/trimester/session Once Only
Learning materials – Online asynchronous learning and teaching materials 4hrs Pre-semester/trimester/session Once Only

Course Topics

  • Assessment
  • Risk/Protective factors
  • Accurate record keeping
  • Evidence informing decisions
  • Skills practice/demonstration
  • Organisational culture

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
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
1
2 Advocate, promote, protect and uphold the rights, dignity and autonomy of people served Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration
Problem solving 
3
3 Work inclusively and respectfully with regard to culture and diversity of clients and service users while promoting client involvement in decision-making Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration 
4
4 Engage in effective professional dialogue, including communicating the details and nature of services offered, with a diverse range of clients and service users Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
4
5 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 Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Problem solving 
5
6 Practise within the limits of their professional scope, knowledge and skills and, where necessary, direct people to alternative sources of professional advice Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged 
5
7 Make professional decisions on the basis of a holistic assessment of the needs, strengths, goals and preferences of people, while recognising power and authority Knowledgeable
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration 
6
8 Critically assess the quality and veracity of all relevant information to support decisions when assessing the nature and level of risk to people Ethical
Engaged
Problem solving 
6
9 articulate and promote the unique scope and contribution of social work to the people served Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
7
10 Utilise formal supervision to examine and critically reflect upon personal and professional values, theoretical approaches, professional knowledge and the implications for practice Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged
Communication 
8
11 Be an active learner, open to new and emerging knowledge informing practice Ethical
Engaged
Communication
Collaboration 
9

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Association of Social Workers
1 Practice Standard 1: AASW Code of Ethics
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
6 Practice Standard 6: Exercising professional judgement
7 Practice Standard 7: Professional identity
8 Practice Standard 8: Professional supervision
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

SWK301 or (SWK300 and SWK304)

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


            

        


        

            

                
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
                                Written Piece
                                Individual
                                
300-500 words

                                Throughout teaching period (refer to Format)
                                Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
                            

                            

                                All
                                2
                                Oral
                                Individual
                                
10 - 15 mins

                                Throughout teaching period (refer to Format)
                                In Class
                            

                            

                                All
                                3
                                Activity Participation
                                Individual
                                
Workshop days

                                Throughout teaching period (refer to Format)
                                In Class
                            

                    
                

            


                

                    

                        

                            
                                All - Assessment Task 1:Social Work Case Note
                            
                        

                        

                            Goal:
                            
To draw on course readings, class activities and discussions to develop a professional social work case note.

                        

                        

                            Product:
                            Written Piece
                        

                        

                            Format:
                            
Written case note reflecting on an authentic practice case study, to demonstrate your ability to accurately record an appropriate understanding of the interaction to a professional social work standard.

Submission will be within the intensive week.

                        

                        

                            Criteria:
                            
                                

                                    
                                        

                                            No.
                                            
                                            Learning Outcome assessed
                                        

                                    
                                    
                                            

                                                1
                                                
Identification of facts and record in a non-biased manner.

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        6
                                                        8
                                                        9
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                2
                                                
Appropriate judgements and assessment conditions.

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        6
                                                        8
                                                        9
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                3
                                                
Written communication skills (clarity of expression, correct grammar,spelling and punctuation), logically structured, and coherently argued appropriately supported by relevant published literature.

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        4
                                                
                                            

                                    
                                

                            		
                        

                        

                            Generic Skills:
                            
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy

                        

                    

                

                

                    

                        

                            
                                All - Assessment Task 2:Social Work Assessment and Skills Analysis
                            
                        

                        

                            Goal:
                            
To demonstrate advanced social work skills in assessment. Drawing on social work concepts, skills, values and approaches to make a professional assessment of a simulated case study. 

This task further requires you to demonstrate your oral communication and presentation skills in accordance with the inherent academic requirements of this degree.

                        

                        

                            Product:
                            Oral
                        

                        

                            Format:
                            
Engage in a simulated practice scenario and critical reflection to develop a comprehensive social work assessment that reflects advanced social work skills. Present a professional assessment incorporating social work skills and knowledge in an in-class presentation which simulates a professional supervision session in practice.

                        

                        

                            Criteria:
                            
                                

                                    
                                        

                                            No.
                                            
                                            Learning Outcome assessed
                                        

                                    
                                    
                                            

                                                1
                                                
Use a range of social work theories and practice skills

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        4
                                                        5
                                                        6
                                                        7
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                2
                                                
Critical reflection of the assessment with understanding on the professional judgements made

                                                
                                                        4
                                                        5
                                                        8
                                                        9
                                                        10
                                                        11
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                3
                                                
Present a clear, well-structured critical assessment to an 'emerging professional' level

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        5
                                                        7
                                                        8
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                4
                                                
Demonstration of clear, articulate, engaging and professional verbal expressions and communication skills during your in-class presentation.

                                                
                                                        4
                                                        5
                                                
                                            

                                    
                                

                            		
                        

                        

                            Generic Skills:
                            
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving

                        

                    

                

                

                    

                        

                            
                                All - Assessment Task 3:Participation and engagement
                            
                        

                        

                            Goal:
                            
Critically reflect on participation in workshop activities to meet the AASW accreditation guidelines

                        

                        

                            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
                                                
Actively participate in workshops in a professional manner

                                                
                                                        11
                                                
                                            

                                    
                                

                            		
                        

                        

                            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
                                                                                                                    Participation and engagement
                                                        9
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                    Oral
                                                                                                                    Social Work Assessment and Skills Analysis
                                                        1
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        3
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        4
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        5
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        6
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        7
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        8
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                    Written Piece
                                                                                                                    Social Work Case Note
                                                        1
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        2
                                                        Taught, Practiced
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        3
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        4
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        5
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        6
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        7
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        8
                                                        Taught, Practiced, Assessed
                                                    

                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                        9
                                                        Taught, Practiced
                                                    


                            
                    

                

            

    

    

        

            

                
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

                    
Not applicable

            

        

    


    

        

            
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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