HCS509 Social Work Theory and Practice 3 - Mezzo level Practice (8)

This subject uses a case-based approach to methods of intervention at the mezzo-level of practice. It develops students intervention and evaluation skills in working with groups and communities and in organisational practice contexts. It considers how to work with groups of diverse ages and generations. The subject provides a foundational and advanced understanding of group and community work, as well as work within and between organisations and interdisciplinary teams and meetings as a form of group process.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: HCS509. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Social Work and Arts

Enrolment Restrictions

Student needs to have successfully completed HCS507 & HCS508 prior to enrollment into HCS509.

Prerequisites

HCS507 and HCS508

Subject Relationships

HCS300 Paired Subject
HCS508 Prerequisite subject
HCS507 Prerequisite subject

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to independently research and demonstrate mastery of theory and principles related to group work, organisational practice, and community work;
  • be able to critically apply a range of theories and skills for mezzo-practice within groups, communities and organisations;
  • be able to critically reflect on their own mezzo-level practice and professional identity by identifying strengths, areas for further development that will contribute to professional practice;
  • be able to independently research and demonstrate an understanding of approaches to leadership in groups, communities and organisations, and an ability to critically reflect on their own leadership;
  • be able to demonstrate the application of theory to practice through participation in face-to-face learning activities as per accreditation requirements; and
  • be able to critically reflect on the complexity of Indigenous Australian knowledges and to work reflexively with communities commensurate with the aspirations of that community.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Characteristic features of groups, communities and organisations
  • Principles, theory and skills related to organisational practice and working alongside groups and communities, including Indigenous Australians
  • Key aspects relating to community-based practice, including community capacity building, social capital and community resilience
  • Characteristic features of group, community and organisational structures, internal and external relationships and how power impacts on processes and dynamics within these contexts
  • Approaches to leadership in groups, communities and organisations underpinned by social work values and ethics
  • Strategies for managing conflict and improving inter-sectorial relationships with other services and disciplines

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of HCS509 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Reflective task
20
2
Group project
40
3
Linking theory to practice tasks
40
4
Attendance record
0

Residential School

This subject contains a 5 day Compulsory Residential School.

The residential school will involve the students in interactive experiential learning all basic skills and advanced skills in a safe environment. It will provide specific lectures and opportunities for discussion and clarification of key concepts and processes. There will be individual and group activities that will simulate a project team and require the identification of roles, responsibilities and utilise formal theories of groupwork. Activities will include the integration of research into practice and the development of skills and values in developing theory. 

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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