Unit rationale, description and aim
The purpose and context of social work and human services is important for social work and human services students to understand when becoming committed to the values and ideals of professional practice. This unit introduces students to Australian and International social work and human services. This includes historical and contemporary practice contexts as well as the national and international professional bodies which articulate professional standards and ethical codes of practice. The key ideologies underpinning the provision of welfare in Australia will be presented in the context of the current political climate. This overview includes the history of the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the welfare state, fields of human service practice, power, equity and social justice and reflexive practice. This unit contributes to understanding the role and value of social work and human services in the community, its values, components and areas of practice and the complex changing context in which students will practice.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ foundational understanding of social work and human services, including their values, practice contexts and roles in promoting equity and social justice within a changing Australian and international context.
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.
Demonstrate an understanding of power, equity and ...
Learning Outcome 01
Relate the history of the relationship between Abo...
Learning Outcome 02
Differentiate the fields of human service and soci...
Learning Outcome 03
Define and explain the purpose and roles of Austra...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate beginning skills in academic writing a...
Learning Outcome 05
Demonstrate developing skills in oral communicatio...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
Australian human services and social work profession
Definition of human services and social work
Code of Ethics
History of Human Services and Social Work including, the history of the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Welfare State
Fields of practice and organisation settings of human services and social work
Power, Equity and Social Justice
The role of social work in activism and change
Politics and Social Work
Reflexive Social Work Practice
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy uses a variety of approaches that support the development of academic literacy, critical thinking and reflection skills required of 1st Year social work students.
The hurdle task ensures students gain practice and feedback in collaborative teamwork and communication skills in a safe classroom environment. Students will be given a second attempt at this task if the first attempt is unsatisfactory.
Assessment 1 requires students to demonstrate an emerging understanding of social work practice fields and organisational contexts. It also provides an early evaluation of academic writing skills to inform targeted support.
Assessment 2 reflects social work’s commitment to working with vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, groups and communities. It assesses students’ ability to critically reflect on their social location and the role of power in different contexts, while demonstrating engagement with academic literature, critical thinking, oral communication, collaboration and referencing skills.
Assessment 3 focuses on students demonstrating their developing understanding of the role of social work and human services, with an emphasis on activism and social change.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, pass the hurdle task, meet the attendance requirements, and obtain a minimum mark of 50%.
Overview of assessments
Hurdle task - Group Presentation Students ...
Hurdle task - Group Presentation
Students work collaboratively to deliver a presentation examining a field of social work practice, including its key challenges, the role of social workers, and relevant historical and contemporary contexts
Pass/Fail
Written assignment: Enables students to demonstr...
Written assignment: Enables students to demonstrate their developing understanding of the differing fields of human service and social work practice and the associated organisational settings. Enables students to demonstrate developing skills in critical analysis and academic writing.
Weighting: 30%
Learning Outcomes: L02, LO3, LO5
30%
Collaborative Group Project: Enables students to...
Collaborative Group Project: Enables students to demonstrate their developing understanding of power and equity and its relevance to human service and social work and the students own social location. Enables students to demonstrate their developing skills in oral communication and group collaboration, critical analysis, academic referencing, and critical reflection.
40%
Written assignment: Enables students to dem...
Written assignment: Enables students to demonstrate their developing knowledge of the role of human services and social work in activism and change. Enables students to demonstrate their developing understanding of social justice, and skills in critical analysis and academic writing.
30%
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS UNIT
Students are expected to attend 100% of scheduled tutorials, with a minimum of 80% required. Attendance will be recorded for all tutorials.
Reasons why attendance is required
Tutorials involve practice-based learning activities that support the development of core social work skills, including communication and collaboration. Regular attendance is necessary to engage in these activities and to support achievement of the unit learning outcomes.
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university.
Teaching and learning strategies for this unit will include lectures, guest lectures, interactive tutorials, simulations, self-directed learning and Canvas online activities. Tutorials support active discussion in understanding unit content and knowledge and simulated learning on professional standards and writing. The combination of strategies aims to support the development of an emerging sense of identity as a student within the human services and social work profession.
Graduate Attributes and the Practice Standards (ASWEAS, 2024)
This Unit has been mapped to the ACU Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes. The following table sets out the broad relationship between the Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes.
Relating toBe accountable for the quality of their practice, the decisions they make and their professional actions
Relevant learning outcomeLO5
Relating toClearly articulate the ethics underpinning their approach to decisions and actions
Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO5
Relating toDemonstrate awareness of the diversity among, and differences between, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout Australia
Relevant learning outcomeLO2
Relating toDemonstrate respect for the knowledge and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and privilege their voices
Relevant learning outcomeLO2
Relating to
Social workers advocate for policy initiatives and approaches to practice aimed at achieving fair and equitable access for people to social, health, economic, environmental, and political resources
Relevant learning outcomeLO1
Relating to
Social workers practice respectfully and inclusively with regard to culture and diversity
Relevant learning outcomeLO6
Relating to
Social workers practice within a professional knowledge framework informed by a critical understanding of contemporary social work theory and research
Relevant learning outcomeLO3
Relating to
Contribute their critical perspectives in interactions with other professions in a positive and constructive manner
Relevant learning outcomeLO3
Relating to
Social workers make professional decisions on the basis of a holistic assessment of the needs, strengths, goals and preferences of people
Relevant learning outcomeLO3
Relating to
Recognise, and use responsibly, the power and authority they have when exercising professional judgement affecting people
Relevant learning outcomeLO6
Relating to
Social workers actively contribute to strengthening and promoting the identity and standing of the profession
Relevant learning outcomeLO4
Relating to
Promote the unique scope and contribution of social work to the people they serve, including within interdisciplinary settings
Relevant learning outcomeLO4
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 outcomeLO6
Relating to
Social workers monitor their skills, knowledge, and expertise to maintain, improve and broaden their professional development
Relevant learning outcomeLO5
Relating to
Systematically identify their current and future professional learning needs
Relevant learning outcomeLO5
Relating to
Be active learners, open to new and emerging knowledge, research and evidence informing their practice
Relevant learning outcomeLO5