WEL2310

Human services: casework and groupwork

Ian Murray

8 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: WEL1310 and WEL1330

Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand and assess problem situations affecting individuals and small groups, using appropriate theoretical perspectives; be familiar with appropriate principles and techniques suitable for use in initial interviews with individuals; be aware of values and knowledge dilemmas and legal implications when assessing problems such as child protection issues; be able to write reports on individual cases based on a brief intake interview, as well as detailed reports based on a variety of sources of information; be able to use several forms of diagram to represent problem situations affecting individuals and groups; be able to plan, implement and evaluate groupwork sessions using appropriate theoretical perspectives.

Synopsis Techniques and knowledge applying to welfare work with individuals and small groups and the recording processes involved in this. Interviewing, verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, clarifying, establishing needs and resources. Referring, recording, case histories, case discussions. Group dynamics. Working with task-centred groups.

Assessment Intake report (500 words): 10%
* Case example (500 words): 10%
* Filmed case study (2000 words): 30%
* Groupwork process report (2500 words): 40%
* Literature review (500 words): 10%

Prescribed texts

Zastrow C The practice of social work 5th edn, Brooks Cole, 1995

Recommended texts

Fook J Radical casework: A theory of practice Allen and Unwin, 1993
Martin P Y and O'Connor G C The social environment: Open systems applications Longman, 1989
Minichiello V and others In-depth interviewing Longman Cheshire, 1990
Piccard B An introduction to social work: A primer Dorsey, 1988
Schulman L Interactional social work practice Peacock, 1991
Tyson T Working with groups Macmillan, 1989