Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW401B
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In this unit, you will further develop your knowledge of social work practice with individuals, families or groups by examining core aspects of direct practice in organisational settings.
After examining how organisations function, you will explore the different ways that organisational mandate and culture shapes social work practice with individuals, families and groups and consider the implications of this.
In order to develop practice knowledge and skills, you will also examine core theories and frameworks used for assessing client needs, developing interventions and writing case notes in different organisational contexts, as well as exploring some of the issues that often arise for social workers in upholding the value of social justice in many organisational contexts.
You will also reflect on the importance of effective communication and self-care.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The trimester offerings of this unit in 2027 are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to the opening of unit enrolment (approximately November).
HSSW401B and HSSW555 need to be taken in the same trimester as per the course plans.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse the purpose, structure, funding, and mandates of human service organisations across key levels of government, and critique how these factors shape social work roles and practice;
- apply and critically evaluate core theories and frameworks that inform assessment, planning, and case note writing in organisational contexts and with diverse client groups;
- critically analyse challenges of upholding the core values of social work and ethical principles within organisational contexts, including navigating tensions between personal, professional, and organisational expectations;
- demonstrate effective, culturally responsive communication skills and use critical reflection to support ethical, safe, and sustainable practice; and
- analyse how clients, workers, and organisations co-produce ethical practice, and evaluate how social workers can centre client perspectives, lived experience, and participation within organisational decision making.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Online activity No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Written assessment No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Oral Examination No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice
ISBN: 9780170295178
Donna Mcauliffe; Jennifer Boddy, Cengage 7th 2024
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Reflective Social Work Practice
ISBN: 9781137301987
Ingram, R., Fenton, J., Hodson, A. and Jindal-Snape, D., Palgrave MacMillan 2014
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 1 (Online)
Working With People: Communication Skills for Reflective Practice
ISBN: 9780195522280
Harms, L., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2015
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 1 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Reflective Social Work Practice
ISBN: 9781137301987
Ingram, R., Fenton, J., Hodson, A. and Jindal-Snape, D., Palgrave MacMillan 2014
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
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