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QUT Course Structure
Transition to Social Work Practice

Unit code: SWB406
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 1 Yes
2013 Semester 2 Yes
2013 Summer Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit recognises that you are about to transition from university to social work practice and that you will need to sustain your professional and educational development. Accordingly, this final semester unit provides a dual platform for transition to practice and independent professional development.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to ensure that your practice incorporates the AASW Code of Ethics; that you have well developed understanding of the roles and expectations of a Social Work practitioner (as articulated by the AASW Practice Standards); that you have an ongoing commitment to engage in critical and reflective practice and a commitment to professional development and lifelong learning.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

  1. evidence competency for practice against the AASW Practice Standards (GVS1 - 1.1,. 1.2, 1.4, 1.9);

  2. apply the AASW Code of Ethics to social work practice (GV2 - 2.6);

  3. demonstrate specific plans for continuing professional development (GVS4 - 4.5, 4.6, 4.7).


Learning outcomes link to:
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards - 2.3; 3; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 4.1.4; 4.1.3; 4.1.5; 4.1.6; 4.2.1; 4.2.2
AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers - 1.1; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6; 1.8; 1.9; 1.10; 1.12; 2.1; 2.3; 2.9; 3.1; 3.5; 4.3; 4.8; 5.1; 5.2; 6.1; 6.3; 6.4; 6.6

Content

Drawing primarily on AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics the unit includes:

  • Assisting students to clearly articulate the links between the practice experiences and theoretical knowledge and the AASW PS and CoE

  • The profession of social work - drawing on real life experiences of practitioners

  • Skills and preparation to assist with seeking employment opportunities including resume preparation, interviewing, employment opportunities

  • Continuing professional development.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Students are expected to attend some on campus workshops which are combined with self directed online learning activities including EPortfolio development, , simulated interviews with peers and a range of discussion forums focusing on the transition to practice. You will participate in individual and collaborative learning activities which will incorporate an array of contemporary information, communication and presentation technologies including Blackboard functionalities, Blogs, Wikis, VoIP and where relevant social networking tools.

Assessment

The assessments are designed to support your personal and professional reflections and assist you in synthesising your experiences, knowledge, skills and values into the transition to social work practice and independent continuing education. The assessments require you to transform your initial Professional Learning Plan [PLP] and continuing EPortfolio into a statement relating to Professional Competencies for Social Work Practice and to present and defend your claim for AASW Accreditation before a panel of expert social work educators and practitioners.Feedback will be provided to you throughout the semester with opportunities to present drafts on the Professional Competencies for Social Work Practice and EPortfolio. Generic advice will be provided by the use of relevant online technologies. Further feedback will be given on simulated interviews in preparation for the final presentation to the panel of expert social work educators and practitioners.

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: Professional Competencies for Social Work Practice and EPortfolio - you will be required to evidence your competency to practice as an accredited social worker through your Professional Competencies for Social Work Practice document and EPortfolio. This assessment acts as your supporting material when you present your claim for AASW accreditation before the panel of expert social work educators and practitioners. Weight: PASS/FAIL with resubmit opportunities.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Interview
Description: Professional AASW Competency and Continuing Education Description: You are required to present and justify your claim for AASW accreditation and plan for continuing education before a panel convince a panel of panel of expert social work educators and practitioners. Weight: Pass/Fail.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Final Week

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text:
Australian Association of Social Workers (2003). Practice Standards for Social Workers: Achieving Outcomes. URL: http://www.aasw.asn.au

Australian Association of Social Workers (2010). Code of Ethics URL: http://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/740

Web based resources:
Students will have access to range of on line materials.

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Risk assessment statement

There are no particular risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Feb-2013