WS5611 - Professional Development for Social Work Practice

This subject provides students of the Master of Social Work with an opportunity to reflect on their personal journey through social work studies, reviewing areas of learning and development as they relate to the professional practice standards for graduating social workers. It is expected that on completion of the subject, students will be able to articulate their vision for practice, including the values underpinning the way they intend to practice; their preferred ideological position and the skills and strengths they will bring to their practice as entry level social workers. Importantly, students will also be able to articulate the challenges they may encounter when working in the sector. Pathways to maintaining optimism and commitment to socially just and rights-based practice will also be explored. Attendance at the 7 day workshop is compulsory.

Learning Outcomes

• apply to scenarios well-developed professional practice knowledge and skills autonomously and in collaboration with others to address social barriers, inequity and injustice across diverse contexts;
• discuss and synthesise different perspectives related to professional practice in a group context;
• reflect on and synthesise the literature and develop a sound articulation of the values, ethics, theories, professional practice and workplace contexts to inform judgement and decision making in social work practice;
• develop and present a vision for practice that aids in continuing professional development and a commitment to socially just rights-based practice;
• examine the importance and elements of self-care and supervision in professional social work practice.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (35%) - Group
• Oral > Presentation 2 - (45%) - 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.