Unit rationale, description and aim

Social work is a distinct discipline, and social workers demonstrate their professional identity by applying and integrating social work values, ethics, knowledge and skills in diverse practice contexts. This unit is the first of two professional practice placement units offered in the Bachelor of Social Work that facilitates practice learning in the field. Learning in this unit is informed by the AASW Practice Standards and the AASW code of ethics. The aim of the unit is to provide practice experience in context, and through experiential learning, to facilitate integration of learning of practice knowledge and skills and professional identity development.

The aim of this unit is that students develop a beginning level of competence.

ATTENDANCE

Field Practicum 1 comprises of a 500-hour practice placement inclusive of campus-based integration seminars.

2026 30

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  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
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  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

HLSC120 Indigenous Health and Culture AND PSYC100 Foundations of Psychology AND PSYC101 Applications of Psychology AND SOCS100 Introduction to Sociology AND (SOCS108 Contemporary Society and Change OR SOCS101 Global Society and Change ) AND SWTP108 Purpose and Context of Social Work and Human Services AND SWTP109 Human Rights and Social Justice in Social Work and Human Services AND SWTP215 Ethics and Theories in Social Work AND SWTP216 Social Work Skills in Practice with Individuals AND (SWTP217 Social Work with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities OR SWTP213 Race and Identity: Anti-Racist Social Work Practice ) AND SWTP218 Social Work with Children, Youth and Families AND (SWTP238 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Social Work Practice OR SWTP318 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Social Work Practice ) AND (UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society OR PHCC102 Being Human OR PHCC104 Ethics and the Good Life )

Incompatible

SWTP323 Field Informal Learning AND SWTP324 Field and Practice Integration

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Understand and prepare for Field Education process...

Learning Outcome 01

Understand and prepare for Field Education processes and experiences.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC3, GC7, GC9

Apply knowledge and skills developed in campus-bas...

Learning Outcome 02

Apply knowledge and skills developed in campus-based units and in the placement setting to demonstrate AASW practice standards at a beginning level of competence
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11, GC12

Assimilate and demonstrate professional and ethica...

Learning Outcome 03

Assimilate and demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour appropriate to the practice setting as stipulated by the AASW.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11, GC12

Evaluate and reflect on own performance through se...

Learning Outcome 04

Evaluate and reflect on own performance through self-assessment, supervision, and reflective practice, and respond constructively to feedback to support ongoing professional development.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC7, GC11

Content

Interactive discussions and experience-based learning activities assist students to explore placement learning experiences, with a focus on:

• Relating theory and knowledge to practice

• Exploring values and ethics in practice

• Critical reflection

• Building social work identity

Assessment strategy and rationale

Students are assessed on a range of activities which reflect developmental and experiential learning principles. Prior to placement a preplacement quiz promotes the student’s understanding of the process and expectations of placement and a mark of 100% must be achieved before commencing placement.

The Learning Agreement is developed in collaboration with the social work supervisor. It sets out the specific goals and activities associated with the placement and the evidence required to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes.

The Mid Placement report and presentation enables students to demonstrate their progress toward their learning goals at mid-point and includes feedback from the student’s Field Educators. This task provides students with the opportunity to review progress against learning goals and plan for tasks and strategies to meet goals for the remainder of the placement. These tasks enable students to articulate the connections between relevant social work theory and ethics to their placement experience in order to develop informed practice decision making.

In the Final Placement Report, students demonstrate their progress toward and achievement of the learning goals at the conclusion of their placement. The report also includes feedback from the student’s Field Educators. Students use the Final Placement Report to evidence beginning practice capability.

In order to pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, submit and pass all assessment tasks, attend integration seminars or complete make up work as per the attendance requirements, and complete 500 hours of placement, as evidenced by a signed timesheet.

Overview of assessments

Students are assessed on a range of activities that accumulate prior to commencing placement and over the beginning, middle and end of the placement which reflect developmental and experiential learning principles.

Assessment of placement preparation is designed to reinforce the student’s learning in relation to the process of placement. Students must achieve 100% for this quiz to be eligible to begin placement; they have unlimited attempts to complete and pass the pre-placement quiz.

The assessments of learning prior to placement and at the beginning, middle and end are designed to identify areas of competence and deficit, as well as strategies for students to address areas of deficit prior to the next assessment point.

The timesheet hurdle task can only be attempted after the completion of 500 hours of placement and has unlimited attempts. Completion of less than 500 hours of placement will result in a fail.

In order to pass this unit, Students are required to pass the preplacement quiz and timesheet hurdles, submit all assessment pieces to a pass standard, complete all 500 hours of placement and attend integration seminars as per the attendance requirements.

Hurdle Task preplacement quiz - Reinforces the in...

Hurdle Task preplacement quiz - Reinforces the information about placement processes and what to expect during placement.

Weighting

Hurdle Task

Learning Outcomes LO4

Learning Agreement – Detailed statement of the le...

Learning Agreement – Detailed statement of the learning activities and strategies for the student placement.

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1

Mid Placement Report and presentation - Demonstra...

Mid Placement Report and presentation - Demonstration of student progress against the goals set out in the Learning Agreement.

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO4

Final Assessment report- Demonstration of student...

Final Assessment report- Demonstration of student progress against the goals set out in the Learning Agreement.

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO4

Ungraded hurdle task - Signed Time Sheet  St...

Ungraded hurdle task - Signed Time Sheet 

Students are required to maintain and submit a record of the placement hours completed in order to meet AASW requirements for graduation as a social worker.

Weighting

Hurdle Task

Learning Outcomes LO3

In negotiation with the ACU Staff and Social Work Supervisor, students will be able to revise the Learning Agreement and Mid Placement Report in response to feedback on the requirements to achieve a satisfactory standard.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

For this professional experience unit, learning happens in three asynchronous, online preplacement sessions, and the 500-hour practice placement inclusive of the integration seminars. The main teaching and learning strategies include experiential learning, reflective learning, practice - theory integration and skills development. These are used in the placement setting, and integration of this experience with social work knowledge, values and ethics is facilitated in Integration seminars. Planned learning goals and strategies for the specific placement are recorded in the Learning Agreement.

Punctual and full attendance on the placement is an essential requirement for this unit. Students are required to attend 100% of all Integration seminars scheduled for this unit, and an attendance record of all seminars will be kept. In integration seminars, students will be interacting with each other and developing skills which will be used in professional/clinical practice. Students who do not attend are at risk of not developing these essential skills. Attendance is required as part of meeting the AASW requirement to integrate campus learning with field placement learning and skill development.

Graduate Attributes and the Practice Standards (ASWEAS, 2024)

This Unit has been mapped to the ACU Graduate Capabilities and the Graduate Attributes and the Practice Standards (ASWEAS, 2024). The following table sets out the broad relationship between the Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes and the Graduate Attributes and the Practice Standards (ASWEAS, 2024).

  • Relating to

    Conduct themselves according to the values, principles and guidelines of the AASW

    Code of Ethics 2020

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Have a clear sense of accountability for their actions and accept responsibility for the

    decisions they make and their professional actions

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Recognise and take responsibility for what is within their power, control or

    management

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

    Can articulate the ethics underpinning their approach to decisions and actions

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Are willing and able to seek advice from supervisors or senior colleagues on ethical

    issues

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Practice in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to support

    their priorities and aspirations

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Are aware of the diversity among, and differences between, Aboriginal and Torres

    Strait Islander cultures throughout Australia

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

    Respect the knowledge and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

    peoples, and privilege their voices

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Can recognise and draw upon the cultural knowledge, experience, and wisdom

    provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to guide approaches to

    practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Adopt appropriate cultural and communication protocols

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Advocate for human rights and practice in ways that aim to achieve access, equity, participation and legal protection for all

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Ensure that the rights of the people they work with are promoted, protected, and

    upheld

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Support action to enable people to live a life free of abuse, neglect, exploitation and

    violence

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Promote public policy initiatives aimed at eliminating structural and systemic

    inequities experienced by people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Conduct their approach to practice respectfully and inclusively with regard to culture

    and diversity

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Apply an intersectional lens in their approach to complexities around culture and

    diversity

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Respectfully engage with people who have culturally diverse identities

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Adapt and modify their practice on the basis of a critical awareness of how their

    personal values, cultures and beliefs impact on their interactions with people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Practise within a professional knowledge framework informed by a critical

    understanding of contemporary social work theory and research

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Work from a clearly articulated framework for reflective practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Contribute their critical perspectives in interactions with other professions in a

    positive and constructive manner

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Practise within the limits of their professional scope, knowledge and skills and, where

    necessary, direct people to alternative sources of professional advice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Make professional decisions on the basis of a holistic assessment of the needs,

    strengths, goals and preferences of people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Recognise, and use responsibly, the power and authority they have when exercising

    professional judgement affecting people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Critically assess the quality and veracity of all relevant information to support their

    decisions

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Make decisions aimed primarily at achieving the best possible outcomes for people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Assess the nature and level of risk to people and incorporate that into the overall

    assessment

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Make assessments and decide courses of action informed and guided by the lived

    experience, wishes and preferences of service users to the fullest extent possible

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Consult with other professional practitioners who are contributing to the wellbeing of

    the people they serve or work with

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Actively contribute to strengthening and promoting the identity and standing of the

    profession

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Articulate and promote the unique scope and contribution of social work to the

    people they serve, including within interdisciplinary settings

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Treat colleagues and all who contribute to the wellbeing of service users with

    courtesy, and demonstrate respect for their individual expertise

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Actively participate in professional supervision to build and strengthen their practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Undertake formal supervision, relevant to their area of practice, by an appropriately

    trained, senior social work qualified supervisor

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Maintain a record of supervision for the duration of the supervisory relationship

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Use supervision to examine and critically reflect upon their personal and professional

    values and the implications for practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Use supervision to demonstrate integration of professional knowledge and theoretical

    approaches to practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Monitor, evaluate and review their skills, knowledge and expertise

    Relevant learning outcomeLO4

  • Relating to

    Identify their current and future professional learning needs

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Be active learners, open to new and emerging knowledge, research and evidence

    informing their practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO4

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Australian Association of Social Workers (2020) Code of ethics. AASW: North Melbourne.

Australian Association of Social Workers (2023) Practice standards. AASW: North Melbourne.

Cleak, H., & J. Wilson. (2022). Making the most of field placement (5th ed.). Victoria. Thomson: Learning Australia.

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