SOAD4002 Complexities of Contemporary Social Work Practice

This topic aims to prepare students more directly to join the workforce by reflecting critically on their two field placements. It will allow them to understand better the complexity of human service organisations, the different models of social work intervention, and the centrality of the person of the social worker. Students will undertake an in-depth analysis of at least two Australian human service organisations and/or fields of practice. They will also be introduced to the welfare service systems of two countries in the Asia Pacific region.

This topic aims to:

• Assist students to analyse critically the complexity of human service organisations, starting from their own experience, and that of their fellow students, of two field placements
• Focus on organisational contexts, covering issues such as organisational mandate and goals, structures and communication, values and culture, client groups, etc
• Assist students to develop their own initial 'practice framework' within the context of the challenges facing the profession
• Introduce students to the challenges and opportunities of social work in an international context by examining two national welfare service systems in the Asia Pacific region

1. Have a critical/analytical framework for understanding human service organisations
2. Articulate the values and principles that underpin their own initial practice framework
3. Be familiar with two national welfare service systems in the Asia Pacific region
4. Reflect on their learning in two field placements and the implications on their professional self-understanding as they enter the workforce