Overview
This unit will introduce you to social work and human services in Australia and the changing context for professional practice within contemporary society. You will develop an understanding of the historical and cultural context of social work, and human services more broadly, within the Australian welfare state and how these services are currently organised and delivered. You will be able to conceptualise social justice, inequality and disadvantage and their significance to professional practice. You will understand the values, ethics and principles of social work and human services, and how these inform methods of practice. This unit will focus on the human services context of professional practice and the broader challenges and opportunities within the social services sector. Consideration will be given to reflective practice and the 'use of self' and how social workers navigate complex systems of service delivery.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
Feedback from students throughout the course in 2021 was overall positive. Students commented on the benefit of the residential school and the content and format of these.
Continue to provide engaging residential schools to support student learning.
Feedback from Evaluations
Students provided feedback on the assessments, stating each were helpful in their learning. There was some feedback that some of the assessments were difficult.
Assessments reviewed and greater clarity about task requirements undertaken.
- Examine the historical and contemporary context of service delivery within Australian human service organisations;
- Critique the concepts of social justice, and inequality, and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human service organisations;
- Appraise the key values, ethics, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services;
- Demonstrate critically reflective practice techniques.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Case Study - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
The Road to Social Work & Human Service Practice 6th edition
Edition: 6th edn (2020)
Authors: Lesley Cheoweth, Donna McAuliffe
Cengage Learning
South Melbourne South Melbourne , Vic , Australia
ISBN: 9780170446860
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited, so if you prefer your own copy, you can purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.ledger@cqu.edu.au
f.hardy@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Contemporary Human Services
Chapter
AASW Code of Ethics 2020 AASW Code of Ethics 2020
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). Chapter 1 Starting the journey: An introduction to social work and human service practice 1-28
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit learning outcomes
What is social work
Goals of social work
Core values of social work
Module/Topic
From Past to Present: History of social work, key discourses shaping the profession
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). Chapter 2 Surveying the landscape: Historical and philosophical foundations for practice
Pawar, M.S. & Anscombe, A.W (Eds.). (2015). Contemporary social work practice: Thinking, doing and being. In Reflective social work practice: Thinking, doing and being (Chapter1).
Events and Submissions/Topic
· Key discourses welfare, neoliberalism
· Key concepts
· Discussion of assessment 1
Module/Topic
Current and past discourses influencing social work: Impact on social work practice
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). Chapter 3 Locating the lighthouse: Values and ethics in practice.
Green, S., & Bennett, B. (2018). Wayanha: A decolonised social work, Australian Social Work, 71(7), 261-264
Events and Submissions/Topic
Current and past discourses influencing social work: impact of colonisation, racism and discrimination, patriarchy, medical, economic discourse – capitalism, globalisation, neo liberalism etc. This relates to the key issues of social justice, inequality and marginalisation.
ALC presentation
Module/Topic
Importance of reflective practice
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Understanding reflective practice
Understanding concepts of use of self
Understanding our own value base
Module/Topic
Inequality and poverty: The role of social work
Chapter
Boone, K., Roets, G., & Roose, R. (2018). Social work, poverty and anti poverty strategies: Creating cultural forums. British Journal of Social Work, 48, 2381-2399. DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcy006
Morris, K., Mason, W., Bywaters, P., Feathestone, B., Brigid, D., Brady, G., et al., (2018). Social work, poverty and child welfare interventions, Child and Family Social Work, 23(3), 364-372
Events and Submissions/Topic
Understanding inequality and poverty
Influence of discourses
The role of social work - macro level practice
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Social justice: Power and inequality
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). The road to social work and human service practice. (6th ed.) Chapter 9 Different landscapes: Working with difference and diversity (pp. 269-292).
Ife, J., & Fiske, L. (2006). Human rights and community work: Complementary theories and practices. International Social Work, 49(3), 297-308
UN Convention of the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recognising power
Human rights perspective
Advocacy and activism
Assessment 1 – Social work and concepts informing practice Due: Week 6 Monday (17 Apr 2023) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Introduction to the knowledge base of social work
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). Chapter 5 Finding the right maps: the knowledge base of practice
Events and Submissions/Topic
Key theories and knowledge underpinning social work practice
Assessment 2 discussion - ALC presentation
Module/Topic
Developing skills and knowledge for inclusive and culturally respectful practice
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020) Chapter 9 Different landscapes working with difference and diversity
Gottlieb, M. (2021) The case for a cultural humility framework in social work practice. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 30(6), 463-481,
Events and Submissions/Topic
Understanding the concepts of culturally inclusive and respectful practice
Module/Topic
Global social work and climate justice
Chapter
Alston, M. (2015). Social work, climate change and global cooperation. International Social Work, 58(3), 355-363. DOI: 10.1177/0020872814556824
Events and Submissions/Topic
Identifying the role of social work in addressing the impacts of climate injustice
Reflective Practice Assignment Due: Week 9 Wednesday (10 May 2023) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Guest speakers - the service user perspective
Chapter
Ping Kwong, K. (2020). Social work is not just a job: The qualities of social workers from the perspectives of service users. Journal of Social Work, 20(6), 775-796
Events and Submissions/Topic
Stepping Stone Clubhouse members will provide their insights on what they value from human services professionals
Assessment 3 discussion
Module/Topic
A day in the life of a social worker Guest speakers
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020) Chapter 7 Negotiating the maze: The organisational context of practice 202-228
Events and Submissions/Topic
A panel discussion by social workers
Assessment 3 discussion
Module/Topic
Bringing it all together
Chapter
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). Chapter 10 New Journeys Newell, J. M (2018). The essential practice of professional self-care: Cultivating and sustaining professional resilience. Chapter 1 : Cultivating Professional Resilience in Direct Practice
Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2020). Chapter 10 New Journeys
Newell, J. M (2018). The essential practice of professional self-care: Cultivating and sustaining professional resilience.
Chapter 1 : Cultivating Professional Resilience in Direct Practice
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review of the unit
Understanding the importance of self care
· Understanding vicarious trauma
· Developing self care strategies
· Reflective practice
Case Study Due: Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
All lectures will be recorded and available for students to review. Most lectures will be live recorded for those who can attend. It is essential that students review the lecture recordings and not just the power points or just the readings, as the lectures will explore a greater depth of information. Discussion about assessments will also occur during lectures. Students are encouraged to keep up with the weekly class readings and recordings.
1 Written Assessment
Aim
As an emerging social worker, it is important to understand social workers' historical and current context in addressing social injustice. The aim of this assessment is to explore the concepts of social justice and inequality and the role of social work historically and currently, with a focus on the Australian cultural context.
Instructions
Please set out your assignment as below
1. Cover page, include your name, student number, course code, assessment details and word count ie the actual number of words you have used
2. INTRODUCTION (50 words)
3. PAST TO THE PRESENT
Explore and discuss the historical context of social work in human services both nationally and internationally. Include a discussion of the key movements, the principles and values underpinning these. (350 - 400 words)
4. ANALYSIS
Choose and discuss one of the following discourse/s neoliberalism, patriarchy, ableism, racism, colonisation, medical. In doing so, identify key implications of the discourse for social work with respect to addressing issues related to social justice, human rights and inequality. (350-400 words)
5. CONCLUSION
In the conclusion summarise the key implications and identify any links regarding principles, values and discourse between the historical development of social work and current social work practice. (50 words)
6. REFERENCES
Week 6 Monday (17 Apr 2023) 9:00 am AEST
Submit via moodle in WORD format only
Week 8 Monday (1 May 2023)
Marked assessments will be returned via Moodle
Papers will be assessed on the following:
includes attention to the structure and clarity of the arguments, lay out and adherence with requirements - 10%
Discussion of the exploration of the historical context of social work and the key movements, principles and values that underpinned this - 30%
Discussion of a key discourse for social work with respect to addressing issues related to social justice and human rights and inequality = 50%
Appropriate use of referencing APA 7th edition - 10%
- Examine the historical and contemporary context of service delivery within Australian human service organisations;
- Critique the concepts of social justice, and inequality, and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human service organisations;
2 Reflective Practice Assignment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate an understanding of the key values, ethics, and principles of the social work profession to become a competent ethical practitioner. Reflective practice allows you to critically analyse your own work, helping to take an objective view of your skills, abilities, and approaches which allows you to continually improve your practice. Reflecting on key values, ethics and principles is a critical skill for all social workers and human services professionals.
Instructions
Within this assignment, you will be required to do the following:
1. COVER PAGE- include your name, student number, course code and assessment details and word count
2. INTRODUCTION (50-100 words)
3. Drawing on appropriate literature and references, discuss the key values and principles that underpin ethical professional practice in social work and human services. Identify 2 of your core values that underpin your emerging practice framework. (550 - 600 words)
4. Discuss and evaluate the concept of reflection and why this is important to ethical practice. In doing so critically discuss how understanding your own values and their alignment with social work values contributes to ethical practice. (750 words)
5. CONCLUSION (50-100 words)
6. REFERENCES
Week 9 Wednesday (10 May 2023) 5:00 pm AEST
Submit via turnitin word format only
Week 11 Wednesday (24 May 2023)
Marked papers will be returned via moodle
The paper will marked according to the following criteria
Presentation and structure - includes attention to the structure and clarity of the arguments, lay out and adherence with requirements - 10%
Discussion of the key values and principles underpinning ethical practice, identifying two core personal values - 30%
Discussion of the evaluation of critical reflection and ethical practice - 50%
Appropriate use of referencing APA 7th edition - 10%
- Appraise the key values, ethics, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services;
- Demonstrate critically reflective practice techniques.
3 Case Study
Aim
The aim of this assessment is to understand how social work addresses social justice and human rights issues. You will do this by identifying a social issue that leads to inequality and critically discuss how social work contributes to addressing the issue, drawing on evidence. Issues may include for example, youth or adult justice, drug and alcohol, homelessness, child protection, mental health, poverty, etc. Consider the strategies and challenges to addressing the issues at a macro level.
Instructions
Within this assignment, the set out will be as below:
1. Cover page- include your name, student number, course code and assessment details and word count
2. INTRODUCTION (50-100 words)
3. Identify and explore a social issue related to inequality within the Australian or international context. Describe the scope of the issue linking this to social work. (500 words)
4. Critically discuss one of the dominant discourses you have explored in the unit and assessment 1 and the impact of the discourse on the social issue (for example, the causes of the issue, the perpetuation of the issue. (550-600 words)
5. Critically discuss how social work addresses or can address inequality and promote social justice with regard to this issue. (550-600 words)
4. CONCLUSION (50 words)
5. REFERENCES
Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 5:00 pm AEST
Submit word document via moodle
Exam Week Friday (16 June 2023)
Assignments will be returned via Moodle
The paper will marked according to the following criteria
Presentation and structure - includes attention to the structure and clarity of the arguments, lay out and adherence with requirements - 10%
Identification and exploration of a social issue related to inequality within Australia or international context and scope of the issue - 20%
Critical discussion of one dominant discourse and impact on the social issue - 30%
Critical discussion of how social work addresses inequality and promotes social justice with regards to this issue - 30%
Appropriate use of referencing APA 7th edition - 10%
- Critique the concepts of social justice, and inequality, and how these inform professional social work practice within Australian human service organisations;
- Appraise the key values, ethics, principles and models of practice that inform professional practice in social work and human services;
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
