Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Social work practitioners are expected to be familiar with casework and case management processes and practice models, including understanding their strengths and limitations and implications for practice. Accordingly, this unit provides theoretical knowledge and creative skills for practitioners who will apply these critical tools to evaluate the complexities of practice. It is located in the second semester of the first year of the Masters program and will provide an opportunity for students to apply key principles and theories to practice scenarios in preparation for forthcoming placements.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to enable students to develop their knowledge and skills of casework and case management for professional practice in complex and diverse settings.

Objectives

After completing this unit students should be able to:

1. define casework and case management, explaintheir implications for social work policy, practice and intervention and utilisation in service delivery
2. demonstrate critical knowledge of theoretical frameworks, the major features, principles, functions, processes and roles of casework and case management practice and systems relevant to diverse contexts
3. apply casework and case management processes and skills to service delivery situations
4. critically analyse and evaluate the major issues and dilemmas, including ethical issues, involved in the implementation of casework and case management practice or systems

Learning outcomes link to:
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards: 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.2.1, 4.2.2
AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1

Content

The unit will cover different aspects of Casework and Case Management including:

• An overview of casework and case management: Historical antecedents


• Definitions


• The key features and principles of casework/case management systems.


• Case work and case management models and their relevance to current service delivery contexts


• Practice level principles and processes


• Core functions, processes and skills of casework and case management


• Casework and case management practice roles, responsibilities and principles. Ethical practice


• Practicing with different communities and across different cultures - Indigenous, rural and diverse communities


• Casework and case management in relation to particular contexts: mental health, aged care, domestic and family violence, poverty


• Practice and program implications: Further considerations for casework and case management, including ethical issues and decision-making

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching approach adopted for this unit is based on developing casework and case management practice and systems in a formal learning environment. Learning is individual and group centred. Material is presented through a range of teaching strategies, such as lectures, tutorials, use of Blackboard, case scenario discussions, problem solving, videos, exercises and role plays. The underlying goal is to create a learning environment where students appreciate the nature and experience of collaboration. Students will attend lectures that succinctly examine relevant theory and practice and tutorial sessions. Students should read the set text, review other relevant articles and texts and the lecture content. Additional reading is essential for those who wish to do well in this unit.

Assessment

Assessment will consist of two essays.Students will receive written feedback on their essays.

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Critique theoretical frameworks, the major features, principles, functions, processes and roles of casework and case management.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Develop, critically analyse and evaluate a strategy/model of intervention based on one of the scenarios provided.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

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

Rothman, J., & Sager, J.S. (1998). Case management: Integrating individual and community practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Hepworth, D. H., Rooney, R. H., Dewberry Rooney, G., Strom-Gottfried, K., & Larsen, J. (2006). Direct social work practice: Theory and skills. (7th Ed). Belmont CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

An extensive reading list will be available from the lecturer. In addition, each week's lecture notes will include extra readings that will be available on Blackboard.

Risk assessment statement

Students who have difficulty dealing with the emotional content of any lecture or video are encouraged to seek appropriate support before or after the class.

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: 25-Mar-2013