Human services: methods and values
Ian Murray
6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the way in which human services work and how method, values and knowledge interact to form the basis for practice; be aware of the interaction between the broad perspectives of the social and behavioural sciences, biological sciences, philosophy, religion and personal experience within the context of human services; be familiar with basic human services work values and ethical principles, and the application of these to practice; be familiar with some of the sources and uses of human services work knowledge and its application to practice; be aware of the historical origins of welfare work practice and the development of casework, groupwork and community organisation into generic welfare practice, and the role and status of the profession; be able to relate the processes involved in working with another person, and the processes which affect both parties as individuals, to appropriate theoretical ideas; be aware of their own needs, values, preconceptions and beliefs and be able to avoid confusing these with the needs of another; be able to understand the dynamics of a group of people and be able to facilitate the achievement of tasks by a group.
Synopsis The subject introduces human services work from the worker's perspective. The relationship between values, knowledge and method. Human nature and needs, the sources and variability of values, knowledge, feelings and behaviour. The values of self-determination, individual worth and dignity, and realisation of potential in human services work. An introduction to methods of intervention such as casework, groupwork and community work in historical and ideological contexts. The concept of social functioning.
Assessment Written reports and essays (4500 words): 100%
Prescribed texts
Zastrow C The practice of social work 5th edn, Brooks/Cole, 1995
O'Connor I, Wilson J and Setterlund D Social work and welfare practice 2nd edn, Longman Cheshire, 1995
Recommended texts
Batten R Weeks W and Wilson J Issues facing Australian families Longman Cheshire, 1991
England H Social work as art Allen and Unwin, 1986
Fook J Radical casework: A theory for practice Allen and Unwin, 1993
Loewenberg F M and Dolgoff R Ethical decisions for social work practice Peacock, 1992
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