Module SOCI42150: Social Work Practice 1 (50 credits)

Department: Applied Social Sciences

SOCI42150: Social Work Practice 1 (50 credits)

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module provides students with a practice learning opportunity of 100 days to demonstrate: (i) the application of social work values, theory, methods and communication skills in practice with one or more service user groups: children, young people and families, people with learning difficulties or mental health problems, disabled people, older people and carers;
• (ii) developing ability (QAA threshold level) to meet the Professional Capabilities framework for Social Work.

Content

• preparation for social work contact and involvement;
• multidisciplinary and multi-agency working including health, education, employment, criminal justice and other relevant agencies;
• needs assessment;
• social work planning;
• crisis intervention;
• interaction with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities;
• preparation, production, implementation and evaluation of plans for intervention;
• development of networks;
• direct social work;
• identification, management and minimisation of risk;
• advocacy;
• decision making;
• management of own work load;
• personal and professional accountability;
• management of resources and services;
• preparation, management and communication of records and reports;
• evidence-based practice;
• personal and professional development;
• management of ethical dilemmas and conflicts;
• promotion of best social work practice.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• Understand the theories and methods that underpin the process of social work assessment and intervention and know how to apply these within an agency context;
• Understand the overarching national policy context in which social work practice within the agency placement occurs;
• Describe the key stages of human growth and development and understand how these impact on practice with individuals and communities;
• Understand models for working in partnership and interdisciplinary working in order to describe the specific social work contribution and develop as a reflective practitioner.

• Capability in the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work:
• 1. PROFESSIONALISM - Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law. Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the professional regulator.
• 2. VALUES AND ETHICS - Apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making, including through partnership with people who use their services. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.
• 3. DIVERSITY - Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice Social workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. Diversity is multi-dimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately.
• 4. RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC WELLBEING - Advance human rights and promote social justice and economic wellbeing Social workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are protected in national and international law, conventions and policies. They ensure these principles underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law and applying these rights in their own practice. They understand the effects of oppression, discrimination and poverty.
• 5. KNOWLEDGE - Apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory Social workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people; human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and methods of social work practice.
• 6. CRITICAL REFLECTION AND ANALYSIS - Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making Social workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence. These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.
• 7. INTERVENTION AND SKILLS - Use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse Social workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to assess and intervene. They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work with.
• 8. CONTEXTS AND ORGANISATIONS - Engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional settings Social workers are informed about and pro-actively responsive to the challenges and opportunities that come with changing social contexts and constructs. They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their professional values and ethics, both as individual professionals and as members of the organisation in which they work. They collaborate, inform and are informed by their work with others, inter-professionally and with communities.
• 9. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP - Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management The social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in activities such as practice research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management. An individual’s contribution will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practice-focused organisation. Learning may be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users and carers, volunteers, foster carers and other professionals.

• integrated in (Subject-Specific Skills)

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Modes of teaching, learning and assessment in this module are designed to ensure an appropriate balance of:
• the application of values in practice;
• the application of social work theory and methods in practice;
• the application of communication skills in practice;
• the development of reflective practice;
• support for professional and personal development ;
• knowledge, understanding and skills will be assessed through:
• A formative account of practice demonstrating:
• i) the application of social work theory, research, methods and skills in practice,
• ii) appropriate forms of partnership working with other professions, agencies and with users and carers;
• A practice educator report verifying developing ability to meet the Professional Capabilities Framework & Standards of Proficiency.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

3000 word Account of Practice to demonstrate development of integrated learning across the Professional Capabilities Framework

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University