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Course Outline

SWK705 Advanced Direct Practice 2

Course Coordinator:Zalia Powell (zpowell@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 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 that requires a range of skills and knowledge. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess risk and protective factors, document client interactions, form clinical assessments and impressions, develop intervention plans and recommendations, and utilise a range of clinical screening tools and documentation formats. This course develops student capacity to explicitly identify, reflect on and respond to complexity and ethical challenges as they undertake these processes.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Seminar – 'Ideas in Practice' Zoom Seminar with industry guest. Date/time and Zoom link to be announced on Canvas by the beginning of semester. 2hrs Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) 2 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – This is an intensive course. Students will engage in 3 full day (8 hour) on-campus workshops. 8hrs Orientation week 3 times
Learning materials – This is an intensive course. Students will engage with weekly online learning materials from Pre-Orientation Week to Week 5. 1hr Pre-semester/trimester/session 6 times

Course Topics

  • Social Work Risk Assessment
  • Risk/Protective factors
  • Documentation skills
  • Treatment planning
  • Evidence informed decisions
  • Skills practice/demonstration

Please note that due to the nature of social work practice, this course provides students with an overview of a number of practice areas which are considered mature content and could be found to be confronting. The course will deliver content, and require completion of assessment tasks, that consider client circumstances across a range of practice contexts eg, domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol use, child abuse and neglect, mental illness and suicidality, trauma, medical complexity, and disability. 

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

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 Make explicit the judgements and evidence informing decisions and actions that are documented accurately and comprehensively. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.2, 3, 4, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 7, 7.1, 7.2
2 Formulate and document a bio-psychosocial assessment, including risk and protective factors Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 7, 7.1, 7.2
3 Transfer, adapt and apply knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 3, 3.1, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4
4 Gather pertinent information and analyse key factors to form a comprehensive, professional assessment. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 7, 7.1
5 Demonstrate effective group work skills. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 8.3
6 Apply critical thought and judgement in identifying, formulating and documenting assessment conclusions. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged 
1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 3.1, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 7, 7.1, 7.2
7 Demonstrate communication skills reflective of an emerging social work professional Knowledgeable
Engaged 
1.1, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 4.4, 5, 5.2, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7, 7.1

* 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
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
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
8.3 Where appropriate, to contribute to the professional development of others

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

SWK704

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

Students will receive early feedback in class prior to first assessment piece submission.

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 Activity Participation Individual 
3 x full day (8 hour) Workshops
2 x 2 hour scheduled Zoom Seminars 
Engagement with course content from pre-o week to week 6.
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Discussion Board
All 2 Written Piece Individual 
500 words
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral Group 
20 mins
 Week 1 Online Submission
All 4 Written Piece Individual 
2000 words
 Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Attendance and Participation
Goal: 
AASW external accreditation requires mandatory attendance for skills based tutorials/workshops. Students must attend workshops and actively participate in all set activities throughout the duration of the course.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
Course attendance will be recorded to meet external AASW accreditation requirements. Student participation and engagement in course activities assessed will be based upon attendance and participation across course workshop format and engagement with set activities or tasks.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Critical reflection on evidence informing decisions and actions that are documented accurate and comprehensive.
 1
2 
Transfer, adapt and apply knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
 3
3 
Apply critical thought and judgement in identifying, formulating and documenting assessment conclusions.
 6
4 
Demonstrate written and verbal skills of that of an emerging social worker.
 7
All - Assessment Task 2:Social Work Case Note
Goal: 
To draw on course readings, class activities and discussions to accurately record a social work case note in the style of an emerging social work professional.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Written case note about the practice case study, to demonstrate your ability to accurately record the interaction. Case note to be submitted during workshops in Orientation Week.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification of facts and record in a non-biased manner.
 1 4 5 6
2 
Case note uses formal, professional language to describe the case study circumstances.
 7
3 
Case note uses appropriate academic writing skills including correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.
 7
4 
Draws appropriate conclusions from the case study that inform a clear and relevant plan for further social work intervention. Plan is informed by best practice knowledge.
 1 3 4 6
All - Assessment Task 3:Social Work Assessment
Goal: 
To elicit risk factors, protective factors and an intervention plan associated with a practice scenario and develop a recorded oral presentation (clinical handover).
Product: Oral
Format: 
In groups, develop a brief social work assessment, including risk and protective factors, based on a practice case study. Record your brief assessment as a group oral presentation in Powerpoint. The context of the presentation is a clinical handover at a multidisciplinary meeting.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identify and outline of a range of risk and protective factors for the case study
 1 2 3 4 6
2 
Make explicit the judgements and evidence informing decisions and suggest actions that are appropriate and comprehensive.
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
3 
Present a clear, well-structured presentation to an 'emerging professional' standard.
 1 4 6
4 
Demonstration of writing skills (clarity of expression, correct grammar, spelling and punctuation), logically structured, and coherently presented.
 1 2
5 
Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills including group work, verbal presentation and collaboration skills.
 6 7
6 
Accurately record the key details of the case study in a relevant, comprehensive and unbiased manner.
 4
All - Assessment Task 4:Social Work Biopsychosocial Risk Assessment
Goal: 
To demonstrate advanced social work skills by formulating a biopsychosocial risk assessment in response to a case study.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
Critically reflect on a case study and develop a bio-psychosocial risk assessment and treatment plan that reflects advanced social work skills.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Case study information is considered within the context of evidence based practice and clearly and accurately recorded.
 1 3 4 6
2 
Presentation of a clear, well-structured document to an 'emerging professional' level
 1 2 3 4 5 6
3 
Recommendations and plan include details of relevant, appropriate, and evidence based services, supports, and actions.
 1 4
4 
Apply critical thought and judgement in identifying, formulating and documenting assessment conclusions with intellectual independence.
 6
5 
Demonstrates appropriate academic and professional writing skills (grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure).
 7
6 
Clearly identify risk and protective factors
 3 6

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

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accreditation requires mandatory attendance at all tutorials/workshops for this course in order to meet a minimum number of on-campus delivered hours. Attendance will be recorded to ensure that students are meeting the requirements set out by the AASW. Not attending face-to-face tutorials/workshops could impact the ability to go on field placement and graduate from the MSWQ.

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

Limited Graded Course:

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
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