CQUniversity Unit Profile
SOWK11017 Scope of Social Work Practice in Australia
Scope of Social Work Practice in Australia
All details in this unit profile for SOWK11017 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

The aim of this unit is to introduce you, as a first year student, to the primary fields of social work practice where you will find yourself positioned as a practitioner on completion of your Bachelor of Social Work. In this unit, you will explore several fields of practice and gain knowledge about the interface between the individual and their environment in a range of different practice settings. These fields of practice may include but is not limited to, aged care, children and families, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, youth work, disability, mental health, and refugees and asylum seekers.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

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

Online

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Annotated bibliography
Weighting: 20%
2. Case Study
Weighting: 30%
3. Essay
Weighting: 50%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 unit evaluation

Feedback

Clarity in unit expectations could enhance student experience

Recommendation

Ensure clear descriptions of required activities in both unit profile and in Moodle.

Feedback from Student unit evaluation

Feedback

The assessment tasks require greater connection to the unit learning outcomes and preparation for social work practice.

Recommendation

Review assessment tasks for strengthened connection to new learning for social work practice.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Compare social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
  2. Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
  3. Explore the issues that impact on social work practice
  4. Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS 2020) discuss the importance of students gaining an understanding of the experience of individuals, groups and communities within a range of different fields of practice settings (ASWEAS Appendix 2.1). This unit provides a beginning understanding of social work in general and within these practice settings. It will allow students to understand some of the complex issues that social workers are involved in within their practice. Also, it will commence the process for students to assess whether their value base aligns with that of the social work profession. 

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Annotated bibliography - 20%
2 - Case Study - 30%
3 - Essay - 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 and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Social Work: Fields of Practice

Edition: 3rd (2018)
Authors: Alston, M., McCurdy, S., McKinnon, J.
Oxford University Press
Melbourne Melbourne , VIC , Australia
ISBN: 9780190309879
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited. If you would prefer your own copy, purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

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.

Teaching Contacts
Emily Cleary Unit Coordinator
e.cleary@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Welcome to Social Work 

Chapter

Context of Contemporary Practice pp xix from required text

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press

Events and Submissions/Topic

Please note optional tasks are set for each week

Task 1– Getting to know each other - In your discussion forum share a brief overview of what your understanding of social work is and what influenced your decision to become a social worker?

See unit Moodle site for extra resources each week

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

  • Skimming the fields of practice in social work
  • Core considerations in each field
  • Exploring the AASW scope of practice series and Code of Ethics

Chapter

Chapter 15 - Social Work in Regional, Rural and Remote Australia

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

  • Exploring the AASW scope of practice series

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 2– Choose one scope paper to explore and share your impressions in a discussion forum

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; Australia's First Nations People and Social Work Practice

Chapter

Chapter 4 -Social Work and Indigenous Australians: Ngurambang Yanhambulanha (‘Walking Country’)

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 3 – Refer to links for video's on Moodle - watch all or one. Explore websites attached and journal around your initial thoughts and reactions. Ask yourself: how does this impact my understanding of the role of social work practice?

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

  • Health and Hospitals 

Chapter

Chapter 8 - Social Work in Healthcare Settings

Chapter 16 - Social Work in Palliative Care

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 4 – Read the AASW scope papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

  • Disability and Aged Care

Chapter

Chapter 3 - Social Work and People with Disabilities

Chapter 7 - Working with OlderPeople (Gerontological Social Work)

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work:

Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 5 – Read the AASW scope of practice papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.


social work practice contexts Due: Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

  • Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness 

Chapter

Chapter 10 - Social Work Practice in Mental Health Settings

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 6 – Read the AASW scope of practice papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

  • Education Settings 

Chapter

Chapter 9 - Social Work in Educational Settings

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 7 – Read the AASW scope of practice papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

  • Justice and Welfare Systems 

Chapter

Chapter 13 - Criminal Justice: Extending the Social Work Focus

Chapter 11 - Social Work in the Field of Income Maintenance and Employment

Chapter 6 - Working with Young people

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 8 – Chose one or all chapters to explore. Why would these perhaps sit together? Which area interests you more? Journal around your thoughts and reactions.


audio presentation and visual aid Due: Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

  • Child Protection

Chapter

Chapter 12 - Social Work in Child Protection Settings

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.


Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 9 – Read the AASW scope of practice papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

  • Refugees and Asylum Seekers 

Chapter

Chapter 10 - Working with Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Connolly, M., Harms, L., and Maidment, J., 2017, Social Work Contexts and Practice. Oxford University Press.

Chapter 5 - Social Work Practice with Ethnically and Culturally Diverse Clients

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 10 – Read the AASW scope of practice papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

  • Domestic Violence Sector

Chapter

Chapter 14 - Social Work in the Domestic Violence Sector

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 11 – Read the AASW scope of practice papers relevant to this topic - see links on Moodle. Watch video links on Moodle, make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

  • Emerging trends
  • Summing up the Unit 

Chapter

Chapter 18 - Social Work, Sustainability and the Environment

Chapter 20 - Understanding Trauma and Resilience

Alston, M., McCurdy, S. and McKinnon, J., 2018. Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Task 12 – Watch video links on Moodle. How do you understand the role of social work within the environment? What is the prevalence of trauma on various fields? Make notes in your journal around your thoughts and reactions.


Exploring a field of practice Due: Week 12 Monday (29 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Annotated bibliography

Assessment Title
social work practice contexts

Task Description

Aim

The aim of this assessment is to enhance your understanding of social work processes in a range of practice contexts through reviewing the literature while also developing your research and referencing skills.

Instructions

Developing research skills is an important component of the social work discipline. It is a skill that is used in direct practice as well as within research and policy development. These skills are also critical to your study and your ability to familiarise yourself with quality material that is available on a particular subject or topic.

For this assessment you are required to read 3 of the 10 peer reviewed journal articles provided on Moodle and research one additional article from a social work field of practice that interests you. A list of databases is available in Moodle to assist your search. You are then required to prepare an annotated bibliography in set format. Based on what you have read, you will need to include the following elements:

  • Provide a summary or description of the article’s main points

  • Include some of the key social issues being discussed in this article

  • Consider the relevance or usefulness of this article to social work practice

  • What recommendations, findings or conclusions are drawn from the research or article?

Format

  • Using APA 7th edition referencing style, provide a complete and accurate reference for each of the articles included

  • Each annotation must be in your own words and should not include any quotes or excerpts from the article

  • Each annotation must be a minimum of 200 words, maximum 300 words

  • Articles must be listed in alphabetical order

  • Your chosen article must consider scholarly validity, recency and reliability. Please see Moodle for more information on reviewing literature

  • If your annotation includes mention of work that has been referenced in the article, you must include this as an additional reference

Requirements

  • Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).

  • Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.

  • Write in the third-person perspective.

  • Use formal academic language.

  • Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online CQU APA Referencing Style Guide.

  • The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.

Resources

  • You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

  • We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: Social Work and Community Services Guide.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

1 - Compare social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia

3 - Explore the issues that impact on social work practice.

References

Alston, M., McCurdy, S., & McKinnon, J. (2018). Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Australian Association of Social Workers, Scope of Practice Documents


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (21 Apr 2023)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Criteria

HD 84.5-100%

D 74.5 – 84.49%

C 64.50-74.49%

P 49.50-64.49%

F <49.5%

MARKS

Standard of written expression with correct spelling and punctuation and adherence to the word count. Overall assessment structure adheres to the guidelines in the assessment instructions.

Excellent quality of written expression and presentation with consistently accurate spelling and grammar remaining within the word limit.

Particularly good written expression and presentation with minimal spelling & grammatical errors and within the word limit

Good written expression demonstrated with some spelling & grammatical errors and within word limit

There may be one or more areas where there was evidence of a lack of attention to academic presentation and written expression. Further editing required.

Word limit acceptable

Many academic errors noted. Difficulties with readability and academic presentation.

Word count not within an acceptable range.

............./15

Evidence that the student has explored the presenting social issues in each annotation and described them clearly

Extremely clear and concise description and evidence of exploration of presenting social issues.

Particularly good evidence of the exploration of the presenting social issues and clearly described in the annotation

Good evidence of the exploration of the presenting social issues with some described in the annotation

Evidence of the exploration of the presenting social issues and evidence of basic understanding in the description provided

Limited evidence of exploration, description and understanding of the presenting social issues. Description is unclear.

............./35

Ability to describe the relevance and implications to social work practice

Extremely clear and concise evidence that the student has explored and expertly articulated the relevance of the article to social work practice

Particularly good evidence that the student has explored and clearly described the relevance and implications for social work practice.

Good evidence that the student has explored the relevance to social work practice and efforts made to describe the implications of this to social work practice.

Evidence that the student has explored and has detailed, with a basic level of understanding regarding the relevance to social work practice.

Limited evidence that the student has understood the relevance and implications of this article to social work practice.

............./30

Appropriate referencing using APA style. Each annotation is appropriately and correctly referenced.  

APA referencing conventions in both in-text 

referencing and reference list has been accurately 

and consistently applied.

APA referencing conventions in both in-text referencing and the reference list have been used accurately and consistently with minimal mistakes.

APA referencing conventions in both in- text referencing and the reference list have been used with some mistakes

Attempt made to adhere to APA referencing conventions in both in- text referencing and the reference list, but with errors and inconsistencies. 

Adherence to APA referencing conventions in both in-text referencing and the reference list is minimal.

............./20

Total Marks/Percentage 

.........../100


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment via Moodle in Microsoft Word format only.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Compare social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
  • Explore the issues that impact on social work practice

2 Case Study

Assessment Title
audio presentation and visual aid

Task Description

Aim

The aim of this assessment is to explore fields of social work practice. Using a case study as your guide, you will begin to develop an understanding of the various fields of practice and the presenting social issues and social work processes in these contexts. This is also an opportunity for you to develop your use of visual aids and presentation skills.


Instructions

You are required to develop a concept map, mind map or similar visual aid that allows you to showcase your understanding of one field of practice. You will use this visual aid to present your findings in the form of a recorded audio presentation. Your presentation is expected to be minimum 5 minutes, but no more than 10 minutes. You are not required to provide a video recording of yourself presenting.

Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task.

  1. Choose one of the following case scenario's: Isabel OR Ella and Ken
  2. Provide an overview of the presenting issues from your chosen case study
  3. Use the questions at the end of the case study to guide your exploration of the issues
  4. You will need to expand your reading beyond the key text and review current academic peer reviewed journal articles.
  5. You will record an audio presentation that will:

a. Outline the case study and corresponding issues

b. briefly explain why this case study was chosen

c. Respond to the questions that correspond with the chosen case study

d. identify the types of tasks that a social worker might undertake in this case study

e. conclude with any key findings and new learning

Requirements

  1. The presentation should be 5-10 minutes long. You will need to submit an audio recording of this presentation in the assessment submission portal. You do not need to submit a transcript of this audio presentation.
  2. Develop a visual aid to guide your presentation. Submit the visual aid in the submission portal on Moodle. You can use one of the following Microsoft Office programs to complete your visual aid: Word, PowerPoint, Publisher.
  3. Submit a reference list in Word document to accompany your visual aid and presentation.
  4. All references should be documented in accordance with APA 7th Edition standards.
  5. Ensure the visual aid is engaging and demonstrates planning to address the case study and the questions
  6. Check the marking rubric to ensure you are covering all assessment criteria


Resources

  1. You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
  2. We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: Social Work and Community Services Guide.
  3. We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote us available at the CQUniversity Library website.
  4. For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.


Learning Outcomes Assessed

2: Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

3: Explore the issues that impact on social work practice.

4: Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.


References

Alston, M., McCurdy, S., & McKinnon, J. (2018). Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Australian Association of Social Workers, Scope of Practice Documents


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Wednesday (17 May 2023)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Key Criteria

HD 84.5-100%

D 74.5 – 84.49%

C 64.50-74.49%

P 49.50-64.49%

F <49.5%

MARKS

Ability to organise visual aid effectively to create an engaging and informative tool to present the case study and student findings.

Visual aid shows evidence of clear planning and images and text are used in a highly effective and engaging manner; all questions have been answered in detail in the visual.

Visual aid shows evidence of clear planning and images and text are used in an effective and engaging manner; almost all questions have been answered in some detail in the visual.

Visual aid shows some evidence of planning and images and text are used in a somewhat effective and engaging manner; almost all questions have been answered in the visual, however some concepts are unclear.

Visual aid shows some planning, with images and text used mostly effectively. Some questions appear to be missing or concepts are somewhat unclear.

Visual aid shows a lack of planning, with images and text ineffectively used to demonstrate understanding of questions and present finding/concepts.

............./15

Skills used in the presentation of material and ability to stay within the task parameters

Excellent audio presentation. The presenter demonstrates an expert understanding of the case study and the presentation is well-paced, confident and compelling. Audio presentation is within the time frame.

A very good presentation. The presenter demonstrates a very sound understanding of the case study, the presentation is delivered confidently

and is within the set time frame.

A good presentation. The presenter demonstrates a sound understanding of the case study, the presentation is delivered well and is within the set time frame.

The presenter demonstrates an understanding of the topic and the presentation conveys this.

This assignment could be improved through improved pacing or other delivery style factors (e.g. pre-planning). The presentation is marginally outside the set time frame.

A poor presentation. The presentation style is not engaging or credible and the presenter does not demonstrate a grasp of the content. The time limit has not been adhered to

............./15

Ability to share relevant content; discusses planning, assessment and implementation. Depth of research evident and sharing of choice of case study

Content is entirely relevant to the case study, with the questions comprehensively addressed and the presentation proceeding logically

An insightful explanation of choice of case study

Content is very relevant to the case study, clearly addressing the questions and the presentation proceeds logically

A good explanation of choice of case study

Content is appropriate to the case study, mostly addressing the questions and the presentation for the most part proceeds logically

A sound explanation of choice of case study

Content generally addresses the case study but the presentation is at times repetitive or lacks cohesion

A basic level explanation of choice of case study

Content is limited and does not appear to address the case study well with the presentation lacking cohesion

No explanation of choice of case study

............./25

Ability to identify own personal values and how they impact social work practice in the context of the case study.

Excellent ability to identify personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are explored in great depth.

Very good ability to identify personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are explored in depth.

A good ability to identify personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are explored in some depth.

An adequate ability to identify personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are lacking.

Limited or no ability to identify personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values have not been explored.

…........../20

Ability to identify the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral or support, outside of the initial field of practice.

Excellent ability to identify the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral and support.

Very good ability to identify the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral and support.

A good ability to identify the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral and support.

An adequate ability to identify the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral and support.

A limited ability to identify the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral and support.

............./15

Use of APA referencing

Accurate APA referencing on visual aid and included reference list - No apparent errors.

Accurate APA referencing on visual aid and included reference list with limited errors

Mostly accurate APA referencing on visual aid and included reference list with a few errors

Mostly accurate APA referencing on visual aid and included reference list with many errors.

Significant errors present on vidual aid and included reference list.

............./10

Total Marks 

.........../100


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
You need to submit three files for this assessment; (1) Submit an audio recorded presentation, (2) submit a Microsoft Word Document with reference list, (3) submit your visual aid (this can be in a Word Document, PowerPoint or Publisher).

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
  • Explore the issues that impact on social work practice
  • Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

3 Essay

Assessment Title
Exploring a field of practice

Task Description

Aim

The aim of this assessment is to explore a chosen field of practice in more depth and consider the roles, responsibilities and challenges for social work practice.

Instructions

You are to write a 1500-word essay exploring a range of issues that impact on social work practice.

Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:

  1. Chose one Field of Practice in social work that interests you:

a. Mental health (perinatal &/or infant; child &/or youth; adult; or aged)

b. Child Protection

c. Domestic and Family Violence

d. Disability

e. Social Work with First Nation's Peoples

f. Eco Social Work

2. Questions for you to explore in this essay:

a. Briefly outline why this field of practice was chosen, and why it interests you.

b. Discuss the key roles and responsibilities of a social worker in this field of practice. Use the relevant AASW Scope of SW Practice document as a guide and conduct additional research

c. Consider the presenting issues of prospective clients through a social work values lens. How might the values of the profession and your personal/professional values intersect when addressing these issues?

d. Identify key challenges for you as a social worker in this field. How might you overcome these challenges? Demonstrate your understanding with relevant literature.

Requirements

  1. Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word)
  2. Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
  3. You may write in the first-person perspective (I, My) for this essay.
  4. The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
  5. Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.

Resources

  1. You can use unit provided materials (e.g., text book) and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles, books) to reference your assignment. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
  2. We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: Social Work and Community Services Guide.
  3. We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.
  4. For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

Learning Outcomes


1. Compare social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia.
2. Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation.
3. Explore the issues that impact on social work practice.


References

Alston, M., McCurdy, S., & McKinnon, J. (2018). Social work: Fields of practice. Oxford University Press.

Australian Association of Social Workers, Scope of Practice Documents


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (29 May 2023) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (12 June 2023)


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Key Criteria

HD 84.5-100%

D 74.5 – 84.49%

C 64.50-74.49%

P 49.50-64.49%

F <49.5%

MARKS

Demonstrated synthesis and integration of literature and strength and logic of argument. Correct grammar, spelling and referencing (APA); within the word limit

An excellent level of written expression. No grammatical, spelling or referencing errors

Within the word limit

A very good level of written expression. Limited grammatical, spelling and referencing errors

Within the word limit

A good level of written expression. Minor grammatical, spelling and referencing errors

Within the word limit

Sound level of written expression. Multiple grammar, spelling, and referencing errors

Within the word limit

Inadequately written

Significant inaccuracies in grammar, spelling and referencing.

Not within acceptable word limit

............./15

Identifies chosen field of practice and why. Scope of SW practice roles and responsibilities related to the chosen field of practice are articulated and explained. Further research is evident.

Student clearly articulates scope of SW practice roles and responsibilities relating to field. An excellent exploration of these roles and responsibilities has been included, and further research evident.

Student clearly articulates scope of SW practice roles and responsibilities relating to field. A very good exploration of these roles and responsibilities has been included and further research is evident.

Student is able to somewhat articulate scope of SW practice roles and responsibilities relating to field. A good exploration of these roles and responsibilities has been included, minimal further research is evident.

Student is able to mostly articulate scope of SW practice roles and responsibilities relating to the field, however essay is lacking in exploration and further research.

Student is unable to articulate the scope of SW practice roles and responsibilities relating to chosen field. Very little to no exploration is present.

............./30

Identifies social work and personal/professional values and how they intersect when supporting clients in this field of practice.

Research and integration of current literature and social work knowledge relating to personal/professional values

An excellent ability to identify SW values and own personal/professional values and how they relate to social work practice in this field.

Evidence of superior exploratory skills and widely researched concepts sourced from credible literature

A very good ability to identify SW values and own personal/professional values and how they relate to social work practice in this field.

Evidence of substantial exploratory skills and widely researched concepts sourced from credible literature

A good ability to Identify SW values and own personal/professional values and how they relate to social work practice in this field.

Evidence of good exploratory skills and a broad range of literature utilised

Shows some ability to identify SW values and own personal/professional values and how they relate to social work practice in this field.

Evidence of adequate exploratory skills with key literature identified

A limited ability to Identify a social justice issue that impacts social work practice in this field

Minimal evidence of research beyond the use of key texts.

............./25

Identifies key challenges for self that impact on social work practice in the chosen field. Student is able to articulate how they would overcome these challenges.

An excellent ability to identify challenges for self and outline issues that impact on social work practice in the chosen field. Solutions for overcoming these challenges have been explored in great detail.

A very good ability to identify challenges and outline issues that impact on social work practice in the chosen field. Solutions for overcoming these challenges have been explored in some detail.

A good ability to identify challenges and outline issues that impact on social work practice in the chosen field. Solutions for overcoming these challenges have been explored in limited detail.

An adequate ability to identify challenges and outline issues that impact on social work practice in the chosen field. Lacking in exploration of solutions to overcome these challenges.

A limited ability to identify challenges and outline issues that impact on social work practice in the chosen field of practice. No solutions explored.

............./30

Total Marks 

.........../50


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment in Microsoft Word format only.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Compare social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
  • Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
  • Explore the issues that impact on social work practice
  • Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

Academic Integrity Statement

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?