Outline

Overview

In this unit, student will be introduced to key theoretical and practice concepts and approached in social work. Students will develop foundational interpersonal and practice oriented written communication skills including case notes and report writing. Micro skills in social work practice will be explored to support the development of listening, interviewing techniques, professional boundaries, confidentiality, rapport building and empathy. Students will connect the role of social work skills, values and ethics within a broader social justice framework.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Social Work
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	36 credit points including (SCWK1001 and SCWK1002) and (SCLG1001 and SCLG1002)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Margaret Spencer, margaret.spencer@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Margaret Spencer, margaret.spencer@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Sacha Jamieson, sacha.jamieson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Early Feedback Task Body mapping while watching a movie #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 19 Aug 2025 at 13:00	500wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Why Social Work You will video a personal reflection why you have chosen to study social work.	20%	Week 04 Due date: 29 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Simulation Interview Recorded role-play Interview with a service user	25%	Week 08	10 minutes (1000wd equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Reflection on simulation interview Reflection on the simulation interview	25%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Social Work Report Social work Report	30%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Case study Reflection (20% 1000 words). Choose two case studies from four options and write a reflective response for each.

1x10 minutes (25%). You will undertake a role-play interview that will be recorded. Post the role play, you will write a self-evaluation of your performance in the interview (1,000 words)

1x20 minute group presentation (25% (equivalent of 500 words). You will present on how to make communication accessible to particular client groups.

1x2000 word (30%) - social work report.

More detials about each assessmetn can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction	100-85	Your work is of an exceptional standard. It demonstrates a complex and nuanced understanding of key concepts that can be applied to a professional context.
Distinction	84-75	Your work is of a very high standard. It demonstrates an in-depth understanding of key concepts, with links between theory and practical application.
Credit	74-65	Your work meets a high standard, demonstrating an understanding of the key concepts of the assignment task and learning outcomes.
Pass	64-50	Your work meets a satisfactory standard, demonstrating a basic understanding of assignment tasks and learning outcomes.
Fail	49-0	Your work does not meet the unit's learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: •Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. •After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Professional Practice	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 02	Social Work Values and Ethics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Social Work Code of Ethics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	The Casework Relationship: Entering into the lives of others	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Interpersonal Communication Skills	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Micro skills of Interviewing	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Reflective Practice Techniques	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	A Simulation Interview	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Adapting communication for particular populations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Documenting Practice	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Writing reports and support letters	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Reflection on Learning	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the coordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required Textbooks for this Unit.

Healy, K. & Mulholland, J. (2019) Writing Skills for Social Workers (3rd Edition) Sage

McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., and Chenoweth, L. (2024) The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice (7th Edition) Cengage Press

To purchase the e-book go to: https://au.cengage.com/c/the-road-to-social-work-and-human-service-practice-7e-mcauliffe-boddy-chenoweth/9780170470940/

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate foundation micro skills in social work practice
LO2. Understand key ethical frameworks and scenarios in direct social work practice
LO3. Understand the role of the social work profession in a range of practice contexts
LO4. Apply key social work skills and knowledge
LO5. Reflect on the importance of professional practice skills in social work

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new Unit of Study and has not been subject to USS feedback.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

As per University policies and procedures.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCWK2011: Professional Practice A

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links