SWRK3300Field Practicum 1

Course handbook

Description

Each student is placed in a human service organisation for a minimum of 70 days/ (500 hours) to complete social work tasks with the support of supervision from a qualified social worker. Academic staff locate and support the field practicum. Each student is allocated to a practicum organisation by the BSW (Hons) academic staff, taking into account the learning needs of the student and the type of placements available. The practicum is assessed against learning objectives. Students are well supported during the practicum with a preparation for practicum workshop prior to the commencement of the placement, mid-placement workshops during the practicum and a staff liaison person allocated to each student. Policies, procedures and expectations relating to field practicum courses in the Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) program are detailed in the BSW (Hons) Field Education Handbook, a copy of which is available on the Social Work Program Blackboard Site, and also on the Professional Experience Unit site.

Availability2024 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Display professionalism and integrity, including practicing in a professional manner that is in accordance with social work values and ethics, the AASW Code of Ethics and shows an understanding of policies, procedures and structures within the organisation and wider systems and how these impact on outcomes for clients, groups and communities.

2. Engage with clients/service users/communities in a respectful, non-discriminatory way that is culturally responsive, inclusive and appropriate to presenting situations and in keeping with ethical and legislative requirements.

3. Articulate knowledge for social work practice, including systemic influences, theories and concepts, the role of research and evaluation and articulate how theories, and knowledge informs practice.

4. Demonstrate skills in social work practice, including assessment and intervention, working collaboratively, and critical, and reflective practice.

5. Employ effective communication and teamwork when engaging with a diverse range of people, including other professional disciplines.

6. Complete appropriate written communication skills in recording and reporting on practice in keeping with ethical principles, legislative requirements and organisational procedures.

7. Participate in self-reflection and effective use of supervision to increase self-awareness, manage stress and continually develop practice, taking initiative and responsibility for own learning and professional development.

Content

Each student is placed in a human service organisation for a minimum of 70 days/ (500 hours) to complete social work tasks with the support of supervision from a qualified social worker (field educator or external field educator).

The student prepares a learning plan based on the AASW practice standards in consultation with the field educator and/or external field educator that specifies tasks and outcomes to be achieved during the practicum. The learning plan template and preparation guide is available on Blackboard for SWRK3300. The learning plan identifies how the student will demonstrate achievement of the learning objectives, against which the student is assessed. The learning plan should be submitted electronically to the student's University Field Liaison Officer within ten days of commencing placement. The Field Liaison Officer will provide feedback to the student on their plan and advise of its feasibility and acceptance.

A mid-placement review is conducted to facilitate processing of what has happened to date on the placement, contribute to planning of the remainder of placement and renegotiate the learning plan, if necessary. The mid-placement review involves a visit to the agency by the university liaison officer and a three-way discussion on the learning process with the student, field educator and external field educator where one is appointed. Decisions and outcomes from this discussion should be incorporated into a mid-placement report prepared by the student. The mid- placement report template is available on Blackboard for SWRK3300. The mid-placement report should be submitted electronically to the university liaison within five days of the mid-placement visit. Your university liaison will complete feedback and make recommendations on the basis of this report.

An end of placement review by student, field educator and external field educator where there is one appointed provides the opportunity to reflect on the second part of placement and to look for future learning needs. The end of placement report is submitted by the Field Educator but is completed in consultation with the student. Students do not need to submit an additional report. NB. All reports must be received by the School (with a signed hard copy) before a final grade will be awarded. The end of placement field educator's report seeks feedback from the field educator/s on the student's progress towards learning goals, an assessment of the student's strengths and areas for development, and a review of opportunities the field educator has had to observe student performance. A standardised report format is included on Blackboard for SWRK3300. All field educators also receive an electronic copy of these documents. The completed and signed report should be sent to the PEU in hard copy. Mailing details are included in the Field Education Handbook (a copy of which is on the Blackboard site for SWRK3300).

Classes prior to and during the placement will address practicum learning processes needed to progress through the course and are a compulsory requirement of SWRK3300.

Review of Progress

This course is a compulsory program requirement and is monitored for academic progress purposes. The course must be completed to progress in the program or meet other program requirements.

Failure or withdrawal from this course will result in students being considered under the Student Academic Progress Procedure.

Requisite

To enrol in this course students must be active in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) (12317), and have successfully completed SWRK1001 and SWRK1002, or SWRK1010 and SWRK1020, or SWRK1001 and SWRK1020. Students must also have completed SWRK2001, SWRK2003 and SWRK2200.

Assumed knowledge

SWRK1001, SWRK1002, SWRK2003, SWRK2001, SWRK2200.

Assessment items

Demonstrated competency: Students must demonstrate competency in all listed assessment items below
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Compulsory Requirements

Compulsory Placement and WHS Requirements:

• NSW Health Verification Requirements - Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. - NSW Health Immunisation Requirements, and where placed in a NSW Health site online HETI training as stipulated by NSW Health.
• National Police Certificate - Students must complete a National Police Check.
• Working with Children - A national criminal history check and review of findings of misconduct involving children, required for any child-related work.

Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Course outline

• SWRK3300 - Semester 1, 2024 (All) (PDF, 301.1 KB)