Unit rationale, description and aim
Social work is a distinct discipline grounded in a commitment to social justice, human rights, and professional ethics. This unit, SWTP637 (10 CP), together with SWTP636 (20 CP) are the alternative option to SWTP625 (30 CP) Field Practicum 1, for students awarded Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of 500 hours for SWTP636. Students who have not been awarded RPL for SWTP636 CANNOT enroll in this unit.
SWTP637 (10 CP) and SWTP636 (20 CP) show equivalency with SWTP625 Field Practicum 1, the first of two professional practice placements in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in which students integrate theoretical knowledge with practice in diverse settings. As required by the AASW, students must produce a portfolio that demonstrates their work skills and abilities are equivalent to, at least, a student who has successfully completed SWTP625.
SWTP637 will allow students to meet with peers in mandatory integration seminars, engage in the formal teaching and peer discussions, and receive support to develop their portfolio. Students will be required to provide the portfolio in the template of the first placement learning agreement and to make a presentation at the mid-point of the unit, as do the first placement students in SWTP625. Students will attend scheduled integration seminars with students taking SWTP625, with learning in this unit informed by the AASW Practice Standards (2023) and the AASW Code of Ethics (2020).
The aim of this unit is that students develop a beginning level of competence for safe and effective practice as required by the Australian Social Work Education Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). Students will be prepared to undertake social work practice at a new graduate level as stated in the Australian Social Work Education & Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS 2024).
ATTENDANCE:
Integration seminars.