SWK4830

Contexts of social work practice II

Mr M Liddell and Dr R Sheehan

4 points
* 4 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisite: A pass in SWK4570 and SWK4610

Objectives This subject is comprised of `Social policy and administration IV' and `Community health II'. On successful completion of this subject students should have an understanding of how knowledge informs practice and be able to reflect on practice from the perspectives of social administration and community health. On the successful completion of `Social policy and administration IV' students should have gained an understanding of how various key organisational processes operate in human service agencies such as effective meetings procedures, developing productive working relationships with co-workers, management and volunteer workers, and some of the issues which relate to women in management. The purpose of `Community health II' is to explore the knowledge of mental health necessary to understand issues of mental health and mental illness as they occur in the community; to present frameworks for practice in the area of mental health for social workers or welfare settings.

Synopsis `Social policy and administration IV' continues the theme which was introduced to students in `Social policy and administration III' in semester one, preparing students for working in organisations. As in `Social policy and administration III', the focus of this subject is on the administrative aspects of social work practice. `Community health II' is an examination of mental health and psychiatric disability; knowledge and skills for social work practice in the mental health area.

Assessment `Social policy and administration IV' - One written assignment (1500 words): 50%
* `Community health II' - One written assignment (1500 words): 50%
* Both parts must be passed to obtain an overall pass in this subject.

Prescribed texts

Jones A and May J Working in human service organisations: A critical introduction Longman Cheshire, 1992 (for `Social policy and administration IV')
McLaughlin Y Australian management: A practical guide for managers, supervisors and administrators 2nd edn, TAFE Publications Unit, 1991
Puckett A Community mental health Saunders, 1993
Reading lists available from the department (for `Community health II')