Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Regional Professional Studies (Bunbury)

School: Regional Professional Studies

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Professional Helping

• Unit Code

  SWK3111

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit will introduce students to the theories and methodologies of social work practice, as it pertains to micro-interventions in rural, regional and remote (RRR) locations. Students will be introduced to the concept of professionalism and the characteristics of ethical practice. They will apply reflective and ethical thinking to their practice, and demonstrate practice skills in an interpersonal interview scenario.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

Students undertaking this unit in Off-Campus mode must attend the 5-day Residential on the Bunbury campus as a requirement of completing this unit.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 240 credit points

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SWK3112

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the ethical and philosophical base which informs and guides practice as is reflected in the AASW code of ethics.
2. Demonstrate an ability to identify the nature and process of professional helping using micro-intervention methods.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of professional self and an ability to practise reflectively
4. Demonstrate interpersonal and interactive skills in social work practice.
5. Describe the historical and theoretical influences on contemporary social work, via a focus on micro level professional helping.

Unit Content

1. Historical and theoretical perspectives of social work.
2. Identifying the elements/stages of the helping process.
3. Implications for RRR practice.
4. Professionalism in social work.
5. Social work interpersonal and interactive skills.
6. The practice of assessment in micro-interventions.
7. The value of reflection, the use of self and the need for awareness regarding effects of power in professional relationships.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, workshops based tutorials, role plays, DVD case studies of interventions, and student presentations and/or skills demonstration.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Cournoyer, B.R. (2011). The social work skills workbook. (6th ed.). Belmont, California: Thomson, Brooks/Cole.
• James, R. & Gilliland, B. (2005). Crisis intervention strategies. (5th ed.). Belmont: Thompson Brookes/Cole.
• Kirst-Ashman, K. (2006). Introduction to social work and social welfare: Critical thinking perspectives. Belmont: Thompson Brookes/Cole.
• O'Brien, P. & Sullivan, M. (Eds.). (2005). Allies in emancipation: Shifting from providing a service to being of support. South Melbourne: Thomson Learning.
• Turner, F.J. (Ed.). (1996). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches. (4th ed.). New York: Free Press.
• O'Connor, I., Wilson, J. & Setterlund, D. (2003). Social work and welfare practice. (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education.
• Payne, M. (2005). Modern social work theory. (3rd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.
• Pelling, N., Bowers, R. & Armstrong, P. (2006). The practice of counselling. South Melbourne: Thomson.
• Thompson, N. (2006). People problems. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Chenoweth, L. & McAuliffe, D. (2005). The road to social work and human service practice: An introductory text. Southbank: Thomson Learning.
• O'Connor, I., Smyth, P. & Warburton, J. (Eds.). (2000). Contemporary perspectives on social work & the human services: Challenges and change. Frenchs Forest: Addison Wesley Longman Australia.

^ Mandatory reference

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