Reference no: EM134033860 , Length: Word Count:1500

Assessment - Student Guide

Assessment Details

The purpose of this assessment is to show that you understand how social work theories, models, perspectives, policies and ethics are applied to one field of social work practice.

This is not simply a description of a client group-you need to critically analyse the field using the theories you have learned throughout the unit.

Step 1: Choose ONE Field of Practice

Select one area that interests you.

Examples include:

· Mental Health
· Domestic and Family Violence
· Children and Families
· Refugees and Asylum Seekers
· Disability
· Housing/Homelessness
· Older People
· First Nations Peoples
· Income Support
· Disaster Recovery

Everything in your paper should focus on this one field.

Step 2: Explain the Knowledge Base (Theory)- Check rubric, your theory application contains 25%

This is the biggest section of the paper.

Explain:

· Which social work theories would guide practice?
· Which models or approaches would you use?
· Which critical perspectives are relevant?

Examples include:

· Strengths-Based Practice
· Person-Centred Practice
· Ecological Systems Theory
· Trauma-Informed Practice
· Anti-Oppressive Practice
· Feminist Theory
· Critical Social Work
· Structural Social Work

Remember

Don't just define the theory. Explain how it would be used with your chosen client group.

Step 3: Use Research

Show that you have read current academic literature.

Discuss:

· What does research say about this client group?
· What are the main challenges?
· What interventions work?
· What are current issues?

Support your discussion with academic journal articles. Please check the unit outline for prescribed textbooks and resources. You may also refer to guidance on marketing research to understand broader research processes and evidence evaluation.

Step 4: Government Policy and Funding

Discuss:

· Current Australian policies
· Relevant legislation
· Government programs
· Funding available
· National strategies

For example:

· Mental Health → National Mental Health Strategy
· Domestic Violence → National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children
· Disability → NDIS
· Children → Child Protection legislation

Explain how these policies affect social work practice.

Step 5: History and Current Ideology

Briefly explain:

· How has this field changed over time?
· How was the client group treated in the past?
· What is today's approach?

Example:

Mental health moved from institutional care to recovery-oriented, community-based practice.

Step 6: Power, Oppression and Exploitation

This section links directly to the unit.

Ask questions such as:

· Who has power?
· Who experiences oppression?
· Who experiences privilege?
· How are people disadvantaged?
· What structural barriers exist?

Apply concepts such as:

· Power
· Oppression
· Privilege
· Exploitation
· Critical Social Work
· Anti-Oppressive Practice
· Structural Social Work
· Feminist perspectives (if relevant)

Step 7: Ethical Considerations

Discuss ethical issues social workers may face.

Use the AASW Code of Ethics.

Examples:

· Confidentiality
· Self-determination
· Human rights
· Professional boundaries
· Cultural safety
· Social justice

Explain how you would respond ethically. For additional reading on ethical decision-making concepts, see Business Ethics.

Step 8: Reflection (First Person)

The final section is your own reflection.

Consider questions such as:

· Would I like to work in this field?
· Why or why not?
· What strengths would I bring?
· What challenges might I face?
· What would I need to learn?

This is the only section where first person ("I") should normally be used.

What the Marker is Looking For

1. Completion of Task
Answer every question in the assessment brief.

2. Application of Theory
Explain relevant theories accurately.
Apply them to your chosen client group.
Don't just define theories.

3. Commentary
Analyse the topic.
Use evidence from research.
Show critical thinking rather than simply describing information.

4. Logic
Organise your paper logically.
Each section should connect naturally to the next.
Use clear headings.

5. Writing and Referencing
Academic writing.
Clear paragraphs.
APA 7 referencing.

6. References
Minimum 10 academic references: journals, prescribed textbooks, AASW resources etc.
Avoid relying heavily on websites. If you need additional guidance on analysing evidence, reviewing operation research methodologies may also help strengthen your understanding of systematic research approaches.

Word Count: 1,500 words
References: Minimum 10 academic references
Referencing Style: APA 7th Edition