Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

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

  Field Placement 1

• Unit Code

  SWK3115

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  45

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit comprises two components: a supervised Social Work practice placement and integrative academic study. The unit enables the student to build an understanding of a particular field of practice through a structured fieldwork placement, organised and supported by academic staff. Through their work within the agency and their participation in the integrative academic study program, students begin to identify their own strengths and learning needs. Students are supported to analyse and reflect on their own practice.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 3 units from SWK3110, SWK3112, SWK3113

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply social work practice skills in the context of the agency setting.
2. Demonstrate ability to reflect upon professional practice.
3. Describe and analyse the major characteristics of the target group (individual, group or community) for the agencys work.
4. Describe and analyse the mission, structures, service design and service outcomes of the field placement agency.
5. Identify and utilise theoretical knowledge to inform and direct practice.

Unit Content

1. Integrate theory to practice.
2. Practice beginning social work in agency settings, including working in teams.
3. Recognise an organisations purpose, structure, practices and outcomes.
4. Reflective practice, particularly as it relates to social work supervision.
5. The nature of social work in a rural, regional and remote context.
6. The role of theory in informing and directing social work practice.
7. Understand organisations as complex and contested sites of social work practice.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Supervised practicum, on-campus integration workshops.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail 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

• Davys, A. & Beddoe, L. (2010). Best practice in supervision: A guide for the helping professions. London and Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
• Australian Association of Social Workers (2010). Code of ethics Canberra: Australian Association of Social Workers.
• Birkenmaier, J. & Berg-Weger, M. (2007). The practicum companion for social work: Integrating class and field work. (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
• Cleak, H. & Wilson, J. (2007). Making the most of field placement (2nd ed.). Australia: Thomson.
• Australian Association of Social Workers (2003). Practice standards for social workers: Achieving outcomes. Canberra: Australian Association of Social Workers.

Website References

• The Social Work Podcast http://socialworkpodcast.com/
• The New Social Worker Online http://www.socialworker.com/home/index.php
• The International Federation of Social Workers http://www.ifsw.org/home
• The Australian Association of Social Workers http://www.aasw.asn.au/

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