Aim

You are required to participate in two online group discussion topics due in Week 2 and Week 5; see the Moodle unit site for the due dates for each group discussion topic. The group discussion tasks are intended to replicate a face-to-face tutorial to develop student knowledge of ethical practice and skills essential for social work practice. The activities will strengthen your capacity to participate in an informative discussion for ethical decision-making and provide constructive feedback to peers. These activities are to be viewed as learning opportunities rather than peer evaluations.

Instructions

For each group discussion topic, you are required to:

· Post a 500-word written online response to a group discussion topic.

· Make a considered response to another student's submission.

· Post a 300-word short reflection.

Your responses should:

· Identify and analyse ethical content inherent to the case study and refer to the relevant unit and independent literature.

· Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the relevant core ethical principles of social work practice referring to the AASW Code of Ethics (2020).

· Demonstrate an ability to interact and discuss important ethics-related issues in a human service context.

· Utilise reflective practice to consider other perspectives, identify the values, beliefs and assumptions influencing ethical decision-making, and articulate insights gained for future practice.

Important note: The two group discussion topics will be assessed (15% each). To pass this assessment, you are required to post a response to the topic, respond to another student's discussion post, and provide a short reflection on both group discussion topics.The group discussion topic, which includes a case study and questions, and a detailed schedule of due dates for each topic are located under Assessment 1 on the unit Moodle site. You will be allocated to a small group for each discussion topic.

Literature and references

In this assessment, you are expected to have completed the core readings before participating in the group discussion, and your discussion should refer to the core readings and be properly cited/referenced (APA). Additionally, you are encouraged to undertake independent reading on the topic.

Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles and textbooks sourced from the CQUniversity Library. 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 government, university, or peak national bodies, such as the Australian Association of Social Workers. You are expected to have completed the core readings before participating in the group discussion, and your discussion should refer to the core readings and be properly cited/referenced (APA). Additionally, you are encouraged to undertake independent reading on the topic.

Requirements

· It is recommended that students complete their responses in a saved Microsoft Word document and cut and paste from the document into the respective group forum; this will avoid any loss of work due to internet outages or timeout of Moodle session.

· Your initial 500-word response to the group discussion should be written in the third-person perspective.

· Write in the first-person perspective in your response to another student and your short reflection response.

· Use the APA 7th referencing style.

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

· You are expected to adhere to acceptable netiquette protocols in all your communications on the Moodle site.

Word limit for each group discussion topic

· A 500-word limit for the online response to the group discussion topic.

· No word limit for the online response to a student.

· A 300-word limit for the online reflective practice post.

You must remain within 10% of the word limit. The word count is considered from the first word to the last word of the student post. It excludes the reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.

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

• Important note: Each group discussion is weighted 15% and will be marked out of 15. Assessment Criteria			Grade
  	HD (85-100)	D (75-84.5)	C (65-74.5)	P (50-64.5)	F (0-49.5)
  Identifies and analyses ethical content inherent to the case study and refers to the relevant unit and independent literature. (  /4 Marks)	Comprehensive and accurate ethical analysis utilising a range of relevant sources.	A detailed and accurate ethical analysis utilising relevant sources.	A sound and accurate ethical analysis utilising relevant sources.	A basic understanding and mostly accurate ethical analysis utilising relevant sources.	Inappropriate and or inaccurate ethical analysis and insufficient or inappropriate utilisation of sources.
  Identifies and demonstrates an understanding of the core ethical principles of social work practice referring to the AASW Code of Ethics (2020). ( /4 Marks)	Advanced understanding of the core professional ethical principles relevant to the scenario demonstrated.	A detailed understanding of the core professional ethical principles relevant to the scenario demonstrated.	A good level of understanding of the core professional ethical principles relevant to the scenario demonstrated.	Adequate or basic understanding of the core professional ethical principles relevant to the scenario demonstrated.	Inadequate or inappropriate understanding of the core ethical principles relevant to the scenario demonstrated.
  Demonstrates an ability to interact and discuss important issues relating to ethics in a human services context. ( /2 Marks)	Excellent ability to interact with peers, consider other perspectives and discuss ethical issues.	Very good ability to interact with peers, consider other perspectives and discuss ethical issues.	Good ability to interact with peers and consider other perspectives and discuss ethical issues.	Adequate or basic ability to interact with peers and discuss ethical issues.	Inadequate or inappropriate ability to interact with peers and discuss ethical issues.
  Engages in reflective practice to consider other perspectives, identify the values, beliefs and assumptions influencing ethical decision-making, and articulate insights gained for future practice.   (  /3 Marks)	An advanced application of reflective practice that uncovers and details the influence of assumptions, values and beliefs on decision-making and details insights for practice.	A very good application of reflective practice that identifies assumptions, values and beliefs underlying decision-making and details insights for practice.	A sound application of reflective practice that identifies assumptions, values or beliefs influencing decision-making and identifies insights for practice.	Adequate or basic reflective practice that has identified an assumption, value or belief and articulates basic insights for practice.	Inadequate or inappropriate level of reflective practice that has not identified values, assumptions or beliefs influencing decisions and insights for practice.
  Demonstrates synthesis and integration of literature within postings, clear expression and grammar, appropriate referencing (APA, 7th), and citation, with correct spelling (Macquarie) and punctuation.       (  /2 Marks)	Excellent synthesis and argument. Excellent writing and extensive referencing.	Very good synthesis and argument. Very good writing and comprehensive referencing.	Good synthesis and argument. Good writing and good referencing.	Adequate or basic synthesis and argument. Adequate writing or referencing.	Inaccurate or limited synthesis or argument. Inadequate writing and referencing.

Aim

Your task is to identify a field of practice (mental health, child protection, youth justice/work, domestic and family violence, health, disability, aged care, etc.) in Australia and explore two ethical issues that a social worker/human services worker would commonly encounter in that area, giving consideration to the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) (2020) Code of Ethics. Additionally, you are required to identify how you might respond to the ethical issues you may encounter. Within your chosen field of practice, you are also required to analyse the ethical issues that may present when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users and communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The essay must refer to relevant literature. You are expected to refer to the unit readings and undertake independent research and reading.

Instructions

With reference to the chosen field of practice, produce a written essay that addresses the following:

· Identifies two ethical issues a social worker/human service worker would commonly experience in the chosen field of practice, referring to the literature relevant to this assignment topic.

· Referring to the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) identifies and discusses the core social work ethical principles and responsibilities relevant to the ethical issues.

· Identifies how the identified ethical issues can be addressed, referring to the relevant literature.

· Analyses the ethical elements of cultural competence when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in this chosen field of practice.

· Demonstrates synthesis and integration of literature, strength and logic of the argument, correct spelling (Macquarie) and punctuation, with appropriate citation and referencing (APA). Remains within the word limit.

Length

The word limit is 1500 words (excluding references and appendices) and is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations. You must remain within 10% of the word limit.

Literature and references

In this assessment, use at least seven relevant and contemporary (<10 years) references to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles and textbooks sourced from the CQUniversity Library. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature from the internet must be from reputable websites such as government, university, or peak national bodies: 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 and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word)

· Include page numbers on each page in a footer.

· Write in the third-person perspective.

· Use formal academic language.

· Use the APA 7th referencing style.

· Penalties will apply for late submissions as per the CQUniversity assessment procedure.

Aim

This assessment requires you to analyse an ethical dilemma in social work practice. You will explore the complex ethical dilemmas that emerge when political, social and economic context impacts service user populations and social work practice. Therefore, ethical problem-solving is an essential professional requirement for social work practice.

Instructions

Produce a written essay that addresses the ethical dilemma (vignette) outlined on Moodle under Assessment 3 - Written Assessment.

Your discussion needs to address the following:

· For each of the following courses of action listed below, provide an ethical rationale for selecting and rejecting the action in Mrs Peterson’s case.

· Refer to appropriate literature and the AASW Code of Ethics to identify and examine the relevant ethical principles, values and responsibilities that apply to the scenario and courses of action.

· Based on the options below or a different course of action you have considered, what course of action would you favour? (Be sure to explain and provide an ethical justification, reflection and evaluation for your decision).

· Explain the cultural considerations you would make in your decision-making process for each course of action if Mrs Peterson identified as a First Nations person.

· You are required to refer to the literature relevant to this assignment's topic.

The proposed courses of action include:

1. The social worker decides to respect the principles of confidentiality and self-determination and do nothing.
2. The social worker assesses for involuntary placement due to Mrs Peterson’s impaired judgment about her current life circumstances.
3. The social worker decides that the least restrictive route is to contact Mrs Peterson’s daughter, Janice, to check on Mrs Peterson over the weekend.
4. The social worker explains to Mrs Peterson that they are not convinced she can attend to her needs and presents her with the options based on their assessment.

Length

The word limit is 2000 words (excluding references and appendices) is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations. You must remain within 10% of the word limit.

Literature and references

Use at least eight contemporary (<10 years) references to support your discussion in this assessment. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles and textbooks sourced from the CQUniversity Library. 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 and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).

· Include page numbers on each page in a footer.

· Write in the third-person perspective. The first-person perspective can be used to critically reflect on your final decision.

· Use formal academic language.

· Use the APA 7th referencing style.

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