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    Overview

    Introductory study and application of social work roles and skills in preparation for practice.

    This paper prepares students for fieldwork placements. The objectives of  this professional practice paper are based on learning basic interpersonal skills required for social work practice. This will assist students to engage purposefully with the service user of social services. This involves assisting students to understand and apply a range of social work skills in different social service contexts.

    About this paper

    Paper title Introduction to Professional Practice
    Subject Social Work
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    SOWK 420, SOWK 570, SOWX 320, SOWX 420
    Limited to
    BSW
    Contact

    socialwork@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinators: Susan Wason and Louie Claasen

    Paper Structure
    The paper will include topics related to practice skills. The paper will cover communication skills as well as skills required for placement and practice.
    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching. Remote classes are a minimum of 1.5 hours every fortnight over Zoom. For on-campus students this paper comprises three-hour weekly workshops that include teaching, role-plays, discussions, observations, readings, and individual and group work. The skill-based learning framework should enable students to cover the course content and assessment requirements and participate cooperatively and supportively with fellow students.

    Textbooks

    Required: Rogers, M., Whitaker, D., Edmondson, D., Peach, D. (2020). Developing Skills and Knowledge for Social Work Practice 2nd edition. London; Thousand Oaks, California; Sage.

    Course outline
    A course outline will be made available at the commencement of the paper.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Understand the integrated application of the ecological model to social work practice
    • Have developed competence in basic interpersonal skills
    • Have satisfactorily completed a 'readiness for practice' test

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 10:00-16:50 9
    AND
    B1 Friday 09:00-16:50 9, 18

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    L1 Friday 10:00-12:50 10-12, 15-17, 19-22

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 10:00-16:50 9
    AND
    B1 Friday 09:00-16:50 9, 18
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