Overview

This module covers the main areas of current social work practice. The module introduces the student to different social work perspectives of information provided by theoretical concepts relevant to social work, evidence-based practice, messages from research and the experiences of individuals who need care and support and their carers. It will explore a range of social work theories, methods, and models to develop a critical understanding of how the theoretical frameworks that form the knowledge base of social work underpin decision making and intervention in social work practice. Social workers need to be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and effective application of social work theories, models, and approaches. This module integrates learning, application, reflection on, and assessment of social work skills, models, and approaches to practice. It includes a focus on developing essential communication skills required of social workers, linked to essential practice activities such as needs assessment, and planning and reviewing service provision.

Topics may include: What is Social Work? Describing and defining Social Work.

You and Social Work. What do Social Workers do and where do they work?

Values and Ethics for Social Work. Codes of Practice for Social Work Practice.

The Legal and Organisational context in which the Social Work process occurs.

Research and service user and carer experiences – analysing serious case reviews in social work and how they inform current social work practice.

Anti -oppressive practice. Identity and understanding oppression and the many faces of oppression in society.

Social work process: Assessment: Theories and Models (Questioning model, Procedural model, Exchange model and Narrative) Assessment of Risk and Need; Assessment and Oppression; Multi-disciplinary assessment.

Social Work process: Systems Theory as an underpinning approach to social work interventions; User participation; Theories of Empowerment; Advocacy, Negotiation and Partnership.

Social Work processes: Communication- Interviewing skills and structure; Questioning; Responding; Barriers; Using interpreters; Interviewing children.

Social Work processes: Reflective practice; Review stages in social work; Endings.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade DTo pass the module students must have achieved the expected outcomes at a basic level. They will be able to recognise what is current social work practice in society. Identify ethical approaches and values in social work processes. Describe different methods and models of assessment in social work practice. Demonstrate knowledge of the social work process.

-good -Grade BStudents will be able to recognise and describe what is current social work practice in society. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of ethical approaches and values in social work processes. Analyse different methods and models of assessment in social work practice. Demonstrate knowledge of the social work process.

-excellent -Grade AExcellent students will be able to recognise, describe and critically evaluate what is current social work practice in society. Demonstrate knowledge of how ethical approaches and values inform social work processes. Critically analyse different methods and models of assessment in social work practice. Demonstrate knowledge of the social work process.

-another level-Grade CStudents will be able to discuss key issues around current social work practice in society and engage competently with ethics and values in social work processes. They will be able to describe different methods and models of assessment in social work practice in some detail and demonstrate a good knowledge of the social work process.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse different methods and models of assessment in social work practice.

• Demonstrate knowledge of how ethical approaches and values inform social work processes.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the social work process.

• Recognise, describe and critically evaluate what is current social work practice in society.