SWM5180 - Management of human resources in the social services - 2018

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Social Work

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Deborah Western

Coordinator(s)

Dr Deborah Western

Not offered in 2018

Synopsis

At the conclusion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary theory and practice in human resources management, including:
    • the nature and characteristics of the social and community services (health and welfare) workforce industrial relations in this workforce
    • the different types of organisations in this industrial sector and consequent differences in workforce patterns
    • theories of human resources management as they relate to the health and welfare workforce, and especially to social work staff
    • administrative control of staff
    • professional development of staff
    • support of staff
    • mediation within and between organisations
    • professional staff recruitment; and
    • supervising professional staff in general and through organisational transition.
  2. Consider, analyse, discuss and apply these concepts and theories in your practice as a manager.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Determine and critically analyse the nature and characteristics of the social and community services (health and welfare) workforce;
  2. Compare and contrast the different types of organisations in this industrial sector, and consequent differences in workforce patterns and expectations;
  3. Apply and appraise contemporary theories of human resources management as they relate to the health and welfare workforce, especially in relation to social work staff;
  4. Examine and critique the roles and responsibilities of managers in the social and community services;
  5. Illustrate and evaluate the impact of change within organisations, and the role of managers in effective change management;
  6. Utilise and critique evaluation strategies and processes in relation to program and/or organisational change;
  7. Determine and distinguish the styles and skills inherent in social work management compared with the management styles and skills of other professionals
  8. Propose and critique a program, project, policy or role change that, as managers, they could introduce in their organisations
  9. Review and analyse the styles, skills and knowledge employed in their own practice as a manager.
  10. Discuss and compare their managerial experiences and learnings with colleagues.

Assessment

  • Hurdle requirement of reflective exercises (equivalent to 1,000 words)
  • Essay 1 (2,000 words) (30%)
  • Essay or presentation 2 (6,000 words or equivalent) (70%)

Essay or presentation 2 must be passed in order for the unit to be passed.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at: