WEL2330

Human services: agency practice

Subject leader to be advised

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: WEL1310 and WEL1330

Objectives On completion of this subject students should be familiar with the organisational setting as a context for human services work practice; be familiar with general systems theory as a framework for practice in an organisation; be familiar with the roles of chairperson, case presenter, summary report writer and group process evaluator; be familar with team approaches to problem solving in an agency setting, as well as some aspects of case management; be aware of a range of issues that affect agency functioning; be able to critically appraise an agency policy; be familiar several fields of practice, one of these in depth.

Synopsis An introduction to human services work in an organisational setting. General systems theory as a framework for agency practice. Team approaches to intervention and decision-making, including case conferences and meetings. Some specialised fields of practice such as grief and bereavement and crisis intervention will involve guest lecturers.

Assessment Case conference presentation (1500 words): 25%
* Meeting summary (500 words): 10%
* Essay - theory (1500 words): 25%
* Major essay - survey, strategies and presentation (2500 words): 40%

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