Aim  

The aim of this assessment is to enhance your understanding of human service organisations and the context of social work practice. Importantly, the assessment will require you to consider how social workers can work effectively within organisations and develop strategies to deal with complex practice issues in the context of an agency setting. 

Instructions  

This assessment requires you to analyse a human service organisation and consider the theoretical models about organisational practice that will be presented in the lectures. You will need to make an online forum post in Moodle to demonstrate your organisational analysis.  Your post needs to thoughtfully address the questions and provide a brief outline of the information you have gathered, together with your opinion or viewpoint. 

You need to choose a human service organisation in your local community or an organisation that you are otherwise familiar with. You could conduct your research online, or you might choose to visit the organisation and ask some questions. You could research an organisation where you are interested in a social work placement. 

You are encouraged to read other student contributions to the online forum and respond with your thoughts and ideas, but this is not a requirement.

Your post will also need to be uploaded as a word document in Turnitin for similarity checking and marking.

The rubric for allocation of marks is available on Moodle in the assessment tab. 

The questions that you need to answer will be uploaded into the discussion forum in Moodle in week 1. 

Word Limit  750 words  

You must remain within 10% of the word limit. The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the conclusion's last word. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.  

Penalties will apply for late submissions as per CQUniversity's late submission procedure.  

Literature and references  

In this assessment, use at least 3 academic references (<5 years) to support your analysis. 

You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. 

Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers. 

You should correctly reference any information that you gather from personal interviews or from the organisation’s website.  

Requirements   

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

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

•      You may write in the first-person perspective. 

•      Use formal academic language.

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

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 essential. 

·       We recommend you access your discipline-specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide. 

·       We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available on the CQUniversity Library website. 

·       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. 

·       Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.  

Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) includes a range of computer programs that use data sets and computer-generated information to create new content.   For this assessment you may use Gen-AI to help you to understand the question, explain research concepts and check references are in the correct format. If you use Gen-AI, you should include a statement that declares that you have used Gen-AI and how you have used Gen-AI.

You should not use Gen-AI in the creation or critical analysis of the content or to write or rewrite any part of your assessment.  

You should be aware that Gen-AI output can be incorrect and can include fictitious references and sources.  

References 

There are no prescribed references for this assessment. 

Learning Outcomes Assessed 

·        Research and analyse organisational theoretical models, within the context of social systems and change, and apply those models to professional practice within human service organisations

Identify and apply appropriate strategies, consistent with professional values and ethics, for the resolution of dilemmas in organisational practice contexts.

Aim  

The aim of this assessment is for you to explore the connection between organisational practice theories and social work practice. In this assessment you will develop your knowledge and skills about organisational theory and practice and reflect on the theoretical perspectives that influence social work practice in human service organisations.    

Instructions  

You are writing a report about organisational practice theories that influence social work practice in human service organisations.  You should refer to the concepts that are discussed in the course content and references provided.  

Your report should include three sections:

1.        Describe a human service organisation  

·        Briefly describe a human service organisation such as your workplace or a human service organisation that you are familiar with.    

·        Explain the main business of the organisation and your connection to the organisation.  You should refer to the concepts that are discussed in the course content and references provided.  

2.        Organisational change  

·        Briefly describe an organisational change that you have experienced in connection with this organisation. 

·        Outline the key aspects of this organisational change that are relevant to social work practice. 

·        Describe one thing that the organisation could do differently to improve the outcome. You should refer to the concepts that are discussed in the course content and references provided.  

3.         Organisational culture

·        Report on your observations of organisational culture in this human service organisation. You should refer to the concepts that are discussed in the course content and references provided.  This could include whether the organisation is welcoming to staff and clients, does the culture allow for diversity. How do you know this? 

·        Outline the key aspects of organisational culture that are important for social work practice. 

·        Report on whether you think the organisation is accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Identify one thing the organisation could do to improve their cross-cultural practice.  

·        Reflect on your positioning with this organisation. Is this an organisation that would be an interesting option for placement and explain your reasons.  

The rubric for allocation of marks is available on Moodle in the assessment tab. 

Word Limit  1,500 words  

You must remain within 10% of the word limit. The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the conclusion's last word. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.  

Penalties will apply for late submissions as per CQUniversity's late submission procedure.  

Literature and references  

Use at least 10 references (<10 years) to support your discussion in this assessment. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as government, university, or peak national bodies, such as the Australian Association of Social Workers. 

Requirements  

·        Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing or double line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word). 

·        Include a title page including details of the unit code and name, unit coordinator, assessment number and word count. 

·        Include page numbers on each page in a footer. 

·        Write in the first or 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 APA Referencing Style Guide. 

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 essential. 

·       We recommend you access your discipline-specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide. 

·       We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available on the CQUniversity Library website. 

·       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. 

·       Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.  

 Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) includes a range of computer programs that use data sets and computer-generated information to create new content.   For this assessment you may use Gen-AI to help you to understand the question, explain research concepts and check references are in the correct format. If you use Gen-AI, you should include a statement that declares that you have used Gen-AI and how you have used Gen-AI.

You should not use Gen-AI in the creation or critical analysis of the content or to write or rewrite any part of your assessment.  

You should be aware that Gen-AI output can be incorrect and can include fictitious references and sources.  

Submission 

Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only. 

References 

There are no prescribed references for this assessment. 

Learning Outcomes Assessed 

·       Research and analyse organisational theoretical models, within the context of social systems and change, and apply those models to professional practice within human service organisations

·       Evaluate organisational models for cross-cultural practice, including working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Aim  

The aim of this assessment is for you to develop your knowledge of social work practice in human service organisations and in private practice in Australia.      

Instructions  

This assessment task requires you to research social work practice in contemporary human service organisations. There are resources available on the AASW website if you a member, but they are not required for this assessment.  You should only use Australian examples and references in this assessment and refer to the Australian social work practice context.    

You should refer to the concepts that are discussed in the course content and references provided.  

You are required to develop a written report that addresses the following areas:

·       What is a private practice social worker?

·       How can you become a private practice social worker?

·       What does a private practice social worker do?

·       What does a social worker who is interested in private practice need to know about setting up their own business?

·       Why are social workers motivated to work in private practice?

·       What are the ethical issues that a social worker in private practice needs to consider?

·       What are three income streams that private practice social workers might be interested in targeting? 

·       Search on the internet for three private practice social workers in Australia. Briefly describe the type of services that they offer and comment about their web page. Who is the target group and is the practice accessible to diverse communities?

·       Reflect on your thoughts about social work in private practice. Is this a field that you are interested in? Briefly describe why or why not. 

This written assessment can be presented in different ways and you can choose the presentation style that you prefer. You might like to develop a booklet or written report in a word document. 

The rubric for allocation of marks is available on moodle in the assessment tab. 

Word Limit  2,500 words  

You must remain within 10% of the word limit. The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the conclusion's last word. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.  

Penalties will apply for late submissions as per CQUniversity's late submission procedure.  

Literature and references  

Use at least 10 references (<10 years) to support your discussion in this assessment. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as government, university, or peak national bodies, such as the Australian Association of Social Workers. 

Requirements  

·                  Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing or double line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word). 

·                  Include a title page including details of the unit code and name, unit coordinator, assessment number and word count. 

·                  Include page numbers on each page in a footer. 

·                  Write in the first or 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 APA Referencing Style Guide. 

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 essential. 

·        We recommend you access your discipline-specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide. 

·        We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available on the CQUniversity Library website. 

·        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. 

·        Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.  

 Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) includes a range of computer programs that use data sets and computer-generated information to create new content.   For this assessment you may use Gen-AI to help you to understand the question, explain research concepts and check references are in the correct format. If you use Gen-AI, you should include a statement that declares that you have used Gen-AI and how you have used Gen-AI.

You should not use Gen-AI in the creation or critical analysis of the content or to write or rewrite any part of your assessment.  

You should be aware that Gen-AI output can be incorrect and can include fictitious references and sources.  

Submission 

Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only. 

References 

There are no prescribed references for this assessment. 

Learning Outcomes Assessed 

·       Analyse a variety of organisational types and contexts, and evaluate their strengths and limitations in delivering human service organisation goals and social work outcomes

·       Identify and apply appropriate strategies, consistent with professional values and ethics, for the resolution of dilemmas in organisational practice contexts.