Program Overview

HCS519 Social Work Fields of Practice 2-Mandated Practice

This subject extends the knowledge and research base of HCS518 Fields of Practice 1 by concentrating on the professional association for social work in the mandated fields of cross-cultural practice, mental health, practice with Indigenous Australians, and child wellbeing and protection. The knowledge and skills covered in this subject are generalisable for social workers operating in any field of social work, while focusing on the desired knowledge and approaches that ensure effective service to the four mandated groups.

Availability

The subject is available in Session 1, with 30 places offered. It can be undertaken online or at the Wagga Wagga Campus.

Subject Information

Grading System

The subject uses an HD/FL grading system.

Duration

The subject is one session in duration.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate basic and advanced micro-skills appropriate to working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians, including working with interpreters when required
• research and outline key aspects of the historical development of social work as a profession as they impact upon working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• discuss and apply social work core values and practice standards while working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• demonstrate an understanding of discourse and practice theory relevant to social work and articulate this knowledge when working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• explain the relevance of social inclusion, diversity, globalisation, and ecological sustainability to social work practice in working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• demonstrate mature development of self-reflection and critical thinking skills appropriate for working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• draw upon appropriate research and discern cultural and other biases of research while working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• History of social work and foundations of a social work identity as it applies to working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• Core values, Social Work Code of Ethics, and Practice Standards expected of a social worker working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• Outline and develop micro skills and communication skills for practice for working with children, people with a mental illness, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and Indigenous Australians
• Develop enhanced skills in cultural sensitivity, social inclusion, responding to difference and diversity