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. Students undertake a supervised field placement of 500 hours in a human service agency and attend 10 hours of integrative seminars. This final field education unit encourages students to build on knowledge and practice skills gained in Social Work Field Education 1, to strengthen critically reflective practice and to facilitate a strong social work professional identity as graduating social workers. Learning in this unit is informed by the AASW Practice Standards and the AASW Code of Ethics.   

The aim of this unit is that students develop a graduating level of competence in social work practice in an agency setting. 

2025 30

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  • Semester 2Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

SWTP236 Social Work and Community Practice AND SWTP237 Mental Health and Social Work AND SWTP319 Group Work in Social Work Practice AND SWTP320 Research in Social Work AND SWTP333 Social Work Field Education 1 AND SWTP339 Law and Social Work AND SWTP415 Social Policy and Social Work AND SWTP416 Fields of Social Work and Best Practice AND SWTP417 Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Social Work Practice in Organisations

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.

Implement knowledge of social work practice and se...

Learning Outcome 01

Implement knowledge of social work practice and service delivery in an organisational setting
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC6, GC7, GC9

Assimilate and demonstrate professional and ethica...

Learning Outcome 02

Assimilate and demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour appropriate to the practice setting as stipulated by the AASW.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC3, GC4, GC7

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

Learning Outcome 03

Apply knowledge and skills developed in campus-based units and in the placement setting to capably demonstrate AASW professional standards
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC8, GC9, GC11

Understand and prepare for Field Education process...

Learning Outcome 04

Understand and prepare for Field Education processes and experiences
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC3, GC7, GC8, GC9

Content

Interactive discussions and experience-based learning activities are used to explore students’ placement 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 that accumulate prior to commencing placement and over the beginning, middle and end of the placement and 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. 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. Students will have unlimited attempts to complete and pass the pre-placement quiz. They must achieve 100% for this quiz to be eligible to begin placement. This promotes the student’s understanding of the process and expectations of placement. The tasks that contribute to the assessments during placement include a Learning Agreement, Mid Placement Report and Final Placement Report. The mid and end of placement report are structured in line with Australian Association of Social Workers Practice Standards. Students are also required to submit a signed timesheet at the end of their placement. Each assessment task is informed by the identified learning outcomes for the unit.

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 nature of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes.

The Mid Placement report requires students to demonstrate their progress toward their learning goals at the mid-point of their placement. The report also 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. The Mid Placement 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 negotiation with the ACU Liaison Visitor 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.

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

Overview of assessments

Hurdle Task preplacement quiz Reinforces the inf...

Hurdle Task preplacement quiz

Reinforces the information about placement processes and what to expect during placement.

Weighting

Hurdle Task

Learning Outcomes LO4

Learning Agreement   Enables students to identify...

Learning Agreement 

Enables students to identify their learning goals, tasks and timeframes for completion in alignment with AASW Practice Standards 

Weighting

Pass/ Fail 

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Mid Placement report, including Theory to Practic...

Mid Placement report, including Theory to Practice/Ethics Presentation  

Students need to demonstrate their progress against their learning goals at the mid-point of their placement. The report also needs to include feedback from the student’s Field Educators.  

Enables students to articulate the connections between relevant social work theory and ethics to their placement experience in the form of a 20 minute presentation at the mid-placement liaison contact. 

Weighting

Pass/ Fail 

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Brief Oral Conference Presentation of Theory to P...

Brief Oral Conference Presentation of Theory to Practice / Ethics in Practice Presentation School of Allied Health Final Year Student Conference 

Enables students to present on an aspect of their practice learning and development as a social worker at the School of Allied Health Final Year Student Conference. Enables students to showcase and celebrate their placement learning to a broader audience in the context of a professional presentation and to demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development. 

Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Final Placement Report     Students need to demon...

Final Placement Report   

Students need to demonstrate their progress and completion against their learning goals at the conclusion of their placement. The report also needs to include feedback from the student’s Field Educators. 

Weighting

Pass/ 

Fail 

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Signed Time Sheet   Students demonstrate professi...

Signed Time Sheet 

Students demonstrate professional accountability for the completion of at least 500 hours of placement, in accordance with AASW requirements, by providing a time sheet signed by the placement supervisor. 

Weighting

Pass/ 

Fail 

Learning Outcomes LO2

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

For this final professional experience unit, learning happens in three asynchronous, online preplacement sessions, in the 500-hour placement and in the classroom. 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 10 hours of campus-based integrative seminars. Planned learning goals and strategies for the specific placement are recorded in the Learning Agreement.  This Unit Outline needs to be read in conjunction with the Social Work Field Education Handbook. 


ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS OF UNIT 

Punctual and full attendance on the placement is an essential requirement for the unit. The attendance requirements are specified in ACU Assessment Policy and are in accordance with the AASW requirements. Attendance at all integrative seminars is expected and an attendance record of all seminars will be kept. For this unit you are required to attend 500 hours of field placement, including at least 80% of all integrative seminars scheduled.  

 

Reasons why attendance is required 

In integrative seminars, students will be interacting with each other and developing skills used in professional/clinical experience. 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. 

Field education practice in community-based agencies as well as campus-based integrative seminars. 


Duration: Students will participate in the equivalent of 500 hours of supervised field education experience including 10 hours of participation in class seminars.  

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

  • 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 outcomeLO1, LO2

  • Relating to

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

    management

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Can articulate the ethics underpinning their approach to decisions and actions

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

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

    issues

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

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

    their priorities and aspirations

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

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

    Strait Islander cultures throughout Australia

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

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

    peoples, and privilege their voices

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • 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 outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Adopt appropriate cultural and communication protocols

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • 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

  • Relating to

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

    upheld

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

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

    violence

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • 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

  • Relating to

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

    diversity

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Respectfully engage with people who have culturally diverse identities

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • 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

  • Relating to

    Practise within a professional knowledge framework informed by a critical

    understanding of contemporary social work theory and research

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Work from a clearly articulated framework for reflective practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Contribute their critical perspectives in interactions with other professions in a

    positive and constructive manner

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • 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 outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

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

    strengths, goals and preferences of people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1, LO3

  • Relating to

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

    professional judgement affecting people

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

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

    decisions

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

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

    assessment

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • 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, LO3

  • Relating to

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

    the people they serve or work with

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

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

    profession

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

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

    people they serve, including within interdisciplinary settings

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • 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 outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Actively participate in professional supervision to build and strengthen their practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

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

    trained, senior social work qualified supervisor

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant learning outcomeLO1

  • Relating to

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

    values and the implications for practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Use supervision to demonstrate integration of professional knowledge and theoretical

    approaches to practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Monitor, evaluate and review their skills, knowledge and expertise

    Relevant learning outcomeLO4

  • Relating to

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

    informing their practice

    Relevant learning outcomeLO4

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

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

Australian Association of Social Workers (2013) Practice standards. AASW: Canberra. 

Cleak, H., & J. Wilson. (2019). Making the most of field placement (4th ed.)Victoria. Thomson: Learning Australia.  

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