WS1006 - Foundations of Social Work

Mixed attendance mode is for external students only and requires on-campus attendance for the 3-day workshop.

This subject introduces students to the foundations of social work and explores the importance of 'the self' as a tool of practice. Professional helping is distinguished from natural helping and the historical and philosophical origins of social work, ethical and value orientations, processes, and the knowledge base that underpin social work practice examined. Critical reflection is introduced as a method to consider 'the self' in practice, and opportunities are provided to explore and demonstrate the ways social workers use professional knowledge to inform their work.

Learning Outcomes

• identify key features of the foundations of social work practice;
• demonstrate knowledge of professional helping and the use of self as appropriate to social work;
• explain the concept of the self and critically reflect on its place in Social Work practice;
• describe the processes of social work engagement, including theoretical lenses and steps required to facilitate change when working with individuals, groups and/or communities.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (30%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.