CL90 - Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (CL90) at CQU incorporates key principles outlined in the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), ASWEAS (2021), and the Profession Specific Graduate Attributes. Students pursuing this degree must meet the inherent requirements necessary to ensure they can effectively contribute to the social work profession. The social work course requires you to undertake professional experience placements in a field education setting. The following inherent requirements outline examples of the required tasks you will be expected to carry out during on-campus learning activities and professional experience placement.

Students with disabilities or other special circumstances may be provided with reasonable adjustments to enable them to meet the inherent academic requirements of the Master of Social Work (Qualifying), provided the adjustment is:

1. Logistically reasonable: The adjustment should not impose an unjustifiable hardship on the educational institution, nor compromise the academic integrity of the course.
2. Likely to result in the student being able to perform the skills adequately and in a timely manner: The adjustment should enable the student to achieve the required level of competence while preserving the learning outcomes and professional standards of the course.

It is essential to maintain the professional standards and requirements set by the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and ASWEAS (2021) while providing adjustments to students. This ensures that students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their social work career and contribute effectively to the welfare of individuals and communities.

Inherent Requirements:

1. Ethical Behaviour: Students must demonstrate knowledge of, and engage in ethical behaviour in practice, adhering to the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and ASWEAS (2021).
2. Communication: Students must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse populations, understand and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues, and accurately record and comprehend information.
3. Reflective Skills: Students must be able to accurately reflect on their professional performance, accept feedback, and manage personal issues that may impact their progress in the course.
4. Observation and Sensory Skills: Students must be able to observe and monitor their environment, interpret client appearance, posture, movement, and speech, and conduct group work.
5. Physical Capacity: Students must be able to attend field education placements in various settings and geographical locations (within reasonable proximity to their place of residence), and meet ongoing immunisation requirements.
6. Intellectual Abilities: Students must be able to gather, comprehend, and organise information, integrate theory and knowledge, develop and assess options, engage in rational and ethical reasoning, and complete tasks in a safe and reasonable timeframe.
7. Behavioural Stability: Students must be able to behave in a consistent and stable manner, work effectively in uncertain environments, accept responsibilities, respond to constructive feedback, participate in group discussions, manage their physical and mental health, respect personal and professional boundaries, and manage interpersonal conflict.

By meeting these inherent requirements, students can effectively engage in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course at CQU and contribute to the social work profession upon graduation.

• Demonstrating knowledge of, and engaging in ethical behaviour in practice, adhering to the AASW Codes of Ethics.
• Demonstrating appropriate behaviour with confidential information in classroom and field placement settings.
• Reflecting on ethical dilemmas and issues, and taking responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
• Appropriately acknowledging sources in the preparation of written assignments.

Why is ethical behaviour an inherent requirement?

Compliance with the relevant social work codes, guidelines, and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage, supporting their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Knowledge of and compliance with the AASW Code of Ethics are requirements of course accreditation and graduate standards as mandated in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the ethical behaviour requirement must ensure the codes and standards are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour.

• Managing emotions and behaviour effectively, even under stress.
• Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive and critical feedback.
• Demonstrating the capacity to develop and maintain professional relationships with diverse clients, colleagues, and supervisors.

Why is behavioural stability an inherent requirement?

Behavioural stability is necessary for working individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Social work students will be exposed to highly complex and potentially distressing situations in field placement settings, and will be required to have the behavioural stability to manage these settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the behavioural stability requirement must support stable, effective, and professional behaviour in both academic and field placement settings. These inherent requirements serve as a guide for prospective and current students in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course. The university is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support students with disabilities or other special circumstances, as long as the adjustments are logistically reasonable and likely to result in the student being able to perform the skills adequately and in a timely manner.

Examples are:

• Understanding and adhering to relevant legislation, regulations, and professional standards required in social work practice.
• Complying with university and field placement organisation mandatory checks and screening requirements eg. working with children checks, Federal and State police history checks.
• Respecting and upholding clients' rights in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and regulations.
• Recognising and reporting incidents or situations that may require mandatory reporting, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or harm to self or others.
• Maintaining accurate and complete documentation, as required by legislation, policy and professional guidelines.

Why is legal compliance an inherent requirement?

Legal compliance is an essential aspect of social work practice, as it ensures that students and practitioners act within the bounds of the law and adhere to the professional standards that govern the profession and the organisations they work within. Failure to comply with legal requirements may result in harm to clients, liability for the practitioner or the organisation, and potential disciplinary action.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the legal compliance requirement must not compromise the student's ability to understand and comply with the relevant legislation and professional standards required in social work practice.

Examples are:

• Comprehending spoken English delivered at conversational speed (including in noisy environments).
• Understanding and responding to verbal communications accurately, appropriately, and in a timely manner.
• Communicating clearly, audibly, and intelligibly in Standard Australian English.
• Reading and comprehending information presented in various formats.
• Recording information accurately and making coherent notes.
• Reading body language and responding appropriately (in context).
• Communicating respectfully with people of different abilities, genders, sexualities, ages, and backgrounds.

Why are communication skills an inherent requirement?

Effective communication is essential for social workers to establish rapport, gather information, make assessments, provide support, and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Social work students need to demonstrate effective communication skills in various contexts, including academic and field placement settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the communication skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to communicate effectively in academic and field placement settings, particularly when related to client and student safety needs.

Examples are:

• Gathering, comprehending, and organising information relevant to social work practice.
• Integrating theory and knowledge from various sources to inform decision-making.
• Developing options, assessing their merits, and making evidence-based decisions.
• Accurately recalling information without reference and applying it in practice.
• Engaging in rational and ethical reasoning, and understanding different perspectives.

Why are cognitive skills an inherent requirement?

Cognitive skills are essential for social work students to process and synthesise complex information, make informed decisions, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. These skills enable students to think critically, analyse situations, and develop appropriate interventions for diverse client populations. The ability to engage in ethical reasoning and consider multiple perspectives is fundamental to effective social work practice.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the cognitive skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of cognitive ability in both academic and field placement settings.

Examples are:

• Observing and interpreting client appearance, posture, movement, and speech.
• Monitoring the broader environment, including observing multiple people and events simultaneously.
• Comprehending spoken English delivered at conversational speed, even in noisy environments.
• Reading and comprehending information presented in a variety of standard formats.

Why are sensory abilities an inherent requirement?

Sensory abilities are vital for social work students to accurately observe, assess, and respond to the needs of clients and situations they encounter in classroom and field placement settings. Visual, auditory, and tactile abilities enable students to effectively gather information, ensure safety and well-being of clients and communities, make informed decisions, and engage in appropriate interventions in diverse practice settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the sensory abilities requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of sensory ability in both academic and field placement settings.

Examples are:

• Establishing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Responding empathetically and effectively to clients facing difficulties or expressing diverse values and perspectives.
• Demonstrating respect and openness towards people of different abilities, gender, sexuality, age, and from diverse cultural, religious, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Working effectively in teams and managing interpersonal conflicts.

Why are relational skills an inherent requirement?

Relational skills are essential for social work students to effectively engage with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in both classroom and field placement settings. These skills enable students to build trust, foster positive working relationships, and collaborate effectively in diverse practice environments.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the relational skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of relational skills in both academic and field placement settings.

Examples are:

• Accurately reflecting on professional performance.
• Accepting feedback on professional practice and responding constructively.
• Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise or when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions.
• Identifying and managing the impact of personal issues, including health conditions, to facilitate progress through the course.

Why are reflective skills inherent requirements?

Reflective skills are essential for social work practice, as they enable students to learn from their experiences and enhance their professional development. Social work students need to develop self-awareness and the ability to effectively manage their reactions to situations that may arise during academic and field placement settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the reflective skills requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of capacity in this area.

Examples are:

• Maintaining focus and concentration during lengthy tasks, meetings, or training sessions.
• Effectively managing time and workload to meet deadlines and complete tasks within a reasonable timeframe.
• Adapting to varying workloads and adjusting priorities in response to changing demands.
• Demonstrating resilience and managing stress in high-pressure situations, such as during challenging field placements or when dealing with emotionally intense client situations.

Why is sustainable performance an inherent requirement?

Sustained performance is crucial for social work students to consistently meet academic and professional demands in both classroom and field placement settings. It enables students to manage their workload effectively, remain focused and engaged during lengthy tasks, and demonstrate resilience under pressure.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the sustained performance requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of sustained performance in both academic and field placement settings.

• Engaging in physical activities during field placements, such as home visits or community outreach.
• Performing basic physical tasks required in some social work settings, such as getting in and out of vehicles when conducting home visits or transporting children when placed in child and family practice settings, or assisting clients with mobility needs.
• Adapting to various work environments, which may require standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods.
• Manoeuvring within different environments, such as navigating stairs or uneven terrain.

Why is strength and mobility an inherent requirement?

Strength and mobility are essential for social work students to perform various physical tasks and adapt to different work environments they may encounter during field placements. These abilities enable students to effectively engage with clients, ensure the safety needs of themselves, colleagues and clients and participate in community-based interventions, ensuring they can provide appropriate services in diverse settings.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the strength and mobility requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of strength and mobility in both academic and field placement settings.

Examples are:

• Establishing and maintaining rapport with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in a professional manner.
• Demonstrating empathy, active listening, and understanding when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Communicating effectively and respectfully with people of different abilities, gender, sexuality, age, cultural, religious, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contributing to group discussions.

Why is interpersonal engagement an inherent requirement?

Interpersonal engagement is a fundamental aspect of social work practice, as it allows students to build meaningful and supportive relationships with clients, colleagues, and supervisors. The ability to engage effectively with others is essential for students to provide appropriate services, work collaboratively within teams, and facilitate positive change in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the interpersonal engagement requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of interpersonal engagement in both academic and field placement settings.

Examples are:

• Utilising software programs and online platforms for word processing, record keeping, presentations, and data management.
• Accessing, navigating, and utilising online resources for research, communication, and collaboration.
• Employing electronic communication tools, such as email and video conferencing, in a professional and timely manner.
• Adhering to privacy and security protocols when using ICT tools and managing digital data.

Why are ICT abilities an inherent requirement?

ICT abilities are essential in contemporary social work practice, as they enable students to effectively access, manage, and communicate information in various formats. Students must demonstrate the ability to use ICT tools to complete assignments, engage in online learning, and collaborate with peers, academic staff, and field placement supervisors. Moreover, social work professionals must stay current with evolving technologies and be able to integrate new tools and systems into their practice.

Adjustments offered by the university to assist students in meeting the ICT abilities requirement must not compromise the student's ability to demonstrate an acceptable minimum level of ICT competence in both academic and field placement settings.