Course coordinator
Dr Paddy O'Regan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
Social work practice is understood in relation to a number of methods. Students will be taught, and are expected to demonstrate, competence in basic communication skills and two methods of social work practice with individuals.
The Master of Social Work (Q) program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The AASW Accreditation Standards (2020) stipulate that accredited social work programs are required to include content that addresses the five core curriculum areas listed below. SWSP7177 contains content in all five curriculum areas.
1. Constructions of social work purpose, place, and practice
2. Power, oppression, and exploitation
3. The history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
4. Culture, identity, and discrimination
5. Psychosocial health and wellbeing across the lifecycle
Welcome to Direct Practice 1 (SWSP7177). This course, in conjunction with SWSP7188 Direct Practice 2 (Semester 2), is designed to introduce students to basic skills, methods, and theories of social work practice in context. Over two semesters, Direct Practice 1 and 2 will introduce you to the micro, mezzo and macro methods of social work practice. This course (SWSP7177) focuses on practice with individuals in statutory and voluntary practice contexts. Next semester, SWSP7188 focuses on community as the context of practice.
In Semester 1, SWSP7177 Direct Practice 1 is taught in parallel with SWSP7111, Introduction to Key Elements of Social Work. ﾠThe major focus of SWSP7177ﾠis on developing your interpersonal communication skills for working with individuals who may be voluntary and involuntary users of social work services. Direct Practice 1ﾠcomplements SWSP7111ﾠ by assisting you to integrate social work skills development in communication, assessment and intervention in micro and mezzo level practice with an understanding of social work's purpose, practice principles, its theoretical and ethical bases and its contributions to social welfare and contemporary society.
Direct Practice 1 and 2 aim to facilitate the development of basic practice capacities, use of reflective processes, and theoretical understanding sufficient to undertake Field Placement. SWSP7177 is a hurdle course for Field Placement 1 (SWSP7155) and it is intended to develop and assess your capacity to use interpersonal skills to achieve your professional purpose including your obligations to sound practice with service users, many of whom may be in situations of considerable vulnerability. For this reason, it is expected that you fully participate in learning opportunities and that you develop your capacity to critically reflect on, and address, your strengths and limitations as an emerging practitioner. Because of the development of core professional skills entailed in this course, your full participation in all learning activities is expected.
This course starts with a focus on social work practice as purposeful activity. You will be required to consider how we negotiate our practice purpose through our context, our professional base, as well as the values, experience, skills, and views we bring to social work practice. The course challenges you to think about and engage with social work as a purposeful and contextually variable activity. The teaching team hope that as students and teachers we will expand our knowledge and skills of social work within diverse contexts of practice together throughout the semester.
SWSP7177 is co-taught with SWSP2077. These courses have sharedﾠaims and objectives,ﾠand learning activities.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a foundational course in professional communication for social work and human service professionals. No prior knowledge is expected. However it will be useful to have completed, or be currently completing, Introduction to Key Elements ofﾠSocial Work.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SWSP2077
Restrictions
Restricted to MSocWkSt students
Course contact
Course staff
Tutor
Ms Julie Anne Votan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is conducted in internal mode and it is double-badged with SWSP2077.
1. Core Teaching and Learning activities in which all students are expected to engage are:
* weekly "lecture" (3 - 4.20pm Monday). These lectures include a discussion of the practical activities for the tutorials over the coming week.
* weekly tutorials which focus on practice development. Students are expected to attend these two hour skills development classes (tutorials) delivered in person. The size of these classes will be approximately 16-18 students (located in the Chamberlain building, Level 1).
2. Missed tutorials and catch-up work
All UQ social work programs are accredited by the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) and the education accreditation standards require student participation in face to face learning, preferably in skills courses.
The AASW can ask for proof that students have participated fully in face to face learning in specified courses.
Accordingly the UQ social work program includes Direct Practice 1 as one of the courses in which student participation in face to face learning is compulsory. Students are required to participate in all classes for this course which includes having completed the required reading prior to class.
To ensure compliance with this, aﾠparticipation listﾠwill be taken in all skills development classes (tutorials) each week for theﾠfull duration of the tutorial.ﾠStudents who do not fully participate in a tutorial will be required to successfully complete catch-up work.
Catch-up work will be released to students on Blackboard at 2pm Thursdays. It is to be submitted by 5pm on the Friday of the following week. For example, catch-up work released on 28 February will be due on 8 March. The work is Pass-Fail: no marks are attached. Extensions are not available for catch-up work.
It is your responsibility to email your catch-up work to your tutor by the due date and time. Catch up work not emailed by 5pm on the due date will not be accepted.
If students miss more than two skills development classes (tutorials), they will be considered not to have met the participation requirements.
They will need to contact the course coordinator to arrange an appointment to discuss their options.
3. Conversation Cafes (location/format & times to be announced).
Conversation cafes are an opportunity to meet informally with course staff to discuss any aspect of the course. Often students want a little more discussion of the assessment requirements. Please note the cafes are optional.
Cafe 1:
Week 4: location/format and times to be announced
Cafe 2:
Week 10: location/format and times to be announced
Aims and outcomes
This course objective is to develop your competencies in social work practice with individuals who may be voluntary or involuntary service users. There are 7 course aims:
- Develop your capacity to use coreﾠcommunication skills to effectively engage individuals in social casework in both voluntary and statutory practice contexts;
- Understand the family and social context of service users' concerns and experiences and to use this understanding to assess and intervene effectively;
- Introduce you to key contemporary theories of direct practice as they relate to direct practice;
- Build your capacity to critically reflect on, and develop, your practice;
- Develop your capacity to use theory to reflect upon and develop your practice skills;
- Develop your sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural diversity in direct practice and, in particular, to develop your capacity for culturally appropriate practice with First Nationsﾠservice users;
- Develop your capacity to evaluate your effectiveness in direct practice with individuals and families in both voluntary and involuntary service settings.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Display competency in basic communication skills for engaging voluntary and involuntary service users in social casework.
LO2.
Display a capacity to understand and analyse your purpose as a social worker relevant to specific practice contexts, your professional base, and service user interests and to demonstrate an understanding of the service user in their family and social context.
LO3.
Demonstrate an understanding of the content and application of theories of professional practice in work with individuals.
LO4.
Display a capacity to use theory to constructively reflect upon, and develop, your practice skills.
LO5.
Display awareness of cultural diversity especially in relation to culturally appropriate practice with service users from First Nations communities.
LO6.
Display a capacity to evaluate your effectiveness in direct practice with individuals who are voluntary or involuntary service users.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Tutorial Participation | Pass/Fail (Must Pass) |
5/03/2025 - 28/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Portfolio | Communication portfolio | 40% simulation (20%) & written exercises (20%) |
3/04/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Role play/ Simulation |
Simulation, analysis of performance and case note
|
60% simulation (30%) & written component (30%) |
14/05/2025 - 9/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Tutorial Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Pass/Fail (Must Pass)
- Due date
5/03/2025 - 28/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
All UQ social work programs are accredited by the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) and the education accreditation standards require student participation in face to face learning, preferably in skills courses. Please see the blackboard assessment site for detailed information.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions are not available for catch-up work.
Communication portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Portfolio
- Weight
- 40% simulation (20%) & written exercises (20%)
- Due date
3/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
The portfolio has two parts each of which is marked out of a 100 and represents a total of 40% of the final result for the course. The two parts are a) a recorded simulation of the first ten minutes of a professional casework interview and b) a written component comprising one exercise on the topic of respectful communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users. This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site
Submission guidelines
Submission:
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extentions:
This first assessment is purposefully designed to provide students with feedback on their interpersonal skills, so that they can take feedback on board for the final simulation which is a hurdle piece for this course. As such, a maximum of a 2-week extension is available for this assessment piece. A 4 week, rather than a 2-week extension would reduce the period available to students to incorporate the feedback into their practice sessions.
Simulation, analysis of performance and case note
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 60% simulation (30%) & written component (30%)
- Due date
14/05/2025 - 9/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
Type: Simulation
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Due Date: 14 May 25 8:00 - 09 Jun 25 13:00
Weight: 60%
simulation (30%) & written component (30%)
Task Description:
This assessment is composed of a recorded simulation (Part A), and written work (Part B). Each Part is marked out of 100. Please see the course blackboard site for more details.
Part A: Recorded simulation of the beginning of a social work interview with an actor performing as an involuntary client (Marked out of 100 and worth 30% of your final result for the course). This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle requirement for this piece: PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS MUST PASS THE RECORDED PART OF THIS ASSESSMENT (at least 50/100) AND THE WRITTEN COMPONENT OF THIS ASSESSMENT - case-note and review (at least 50/100) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PASS GRADE FOR THIS COURSE. For students who fail to meet the hurdle requirements, only those with a final grade of 3 for the course are eligible for a supplementary resit. For those eligible for a simulation resit: resits will be undertaken on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 - please ensure that you are available on that date as other options will not be available. Please be aware that a passing grade in this course is required to proceed to Field Placement (SWSP7155 or SWSP7266). Please see "other assessment information" information on penalties for late submissions and for information eligibility to resit this assessment piece. Please note that pieces submitted more than 7 days late without an approved extension will not be assessed.Submission guidelines
Submission:
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions
This final assessment is a hurdle to participation in field placement. A maximum of a 2-week extension (rather than 4-week extension) is required to ensure results for those attending placement in Semester 2 and will apply to all students in this course.
Late submission
Late submission
- Students must upload the recording of their interview as soon as possible after the recording and no later than the due date for this piece 9/6/2025. Students are responsible for following the instructions on upload and for checking and ensuring that the recording can be played. Failure to do so can result in late penalties being applied.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course.ﾠ |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.9 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideasﾠ with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to theﾠ conventions of the discipline.ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline.ﾠ |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline.ﾠ |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for a grade of 5 and with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for a grade of 6 and with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
All assessment pieces must be attempted and submitted for students to be eligible to be considered for a pass grade for the course. Students must achieve a pass grade in the participation requirements for this course and for both the written and recorded elements of the final assessment piece in order to be eligible to be considered for a pass grade.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Requirement to pass the final assessment piece.
Students must also achieveﾠa pass mark for the final video recording (simulation) and an overall pass for the final written component (the review and the casenote).The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work permits the resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. Students who fail to pass the recorded simulation and/ orﾠfail to pass the piece overall will be eligible to apply for a resit of this piece. This resitﾠis likely to result in a delay of placement commencement.ﾠ ﾠStudents who submit a resit will be eligible for a maximum of 50/100 of this piece.
Students who are granted a resitﾠfor an assessment item and do not attend the scheduled time for the resit and/ or do notﾠresubmit the item on the scheduled dates will not be permitted to reschedule the assessment.
Completion of all assessment:ﾠStudents must complete and submit all elements of the assessment pieces to be eligible to be considered for a passing grade for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
See blackboard for a link to the reading list
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction to course: purposeful communication (Week 1) This week's lecture is focused on introducing the course and the concept of purposeful communication. We will also provide an overview of the structure of a social work interview and the theoretical foundations of social work practice that inform this course. These include a trauma informed and human rights approach to practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No tutorials (Week 1) We do not hold tutorials in week one of the course. |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Building the working alliance & process recording (Week 2) In this lecture we will consider the key communication skills needed to build a shared understanding with people with whom we work. We will also discuss how we prepare ourselves to communicate purposefully in practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Introduction & listening skills (Week 2) In the practical sessions you will get acquainted with others in your group. The skill focus for today will be on practising listening skills. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Foundation communication skills (Week 3) In the lecture, we will continue to consider core communication skills and their application to social work practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Practising foundational skills (Week 3) In the practice sessions, we will continue to practice the skills of reflective listening, non-verbal communication and consider further the use of tracking skills, the use of open and closed questions and the demonstration of empathy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Supportive communication practices (Week 4) Today we will focus on supportive communication practices. This refers to ways of communicating that demonstrate your intention to support the person you communicating with and helping them to share their experience with you. Supportive communication is important to developing the working alliance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
Tutorial |
Practising supportive communication (Week 4) In the practice sessions, we will practice demonstrating supportive communication and apply this set of skills to the case scenarios for the first assessment piece. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
SW - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Week 5) In this lecture we will discuss communication with culturally diverse communities. We will focus on the importance of recognising the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' experience of the social welfare system and the approaches to working in a respectful and culturally sensitive way with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The class will include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guest speaker. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Respectful communication - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Week 5) In this practice session, we will consider themes from the lecture and consider how can be applied in demonstrating culturally respectful communication in working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Communication & cultural diversity (Week 6) In this lecture we will discuss the concept of culturally respectful practice and the knowledge and skills associated with these practices. Some discussion of involving interpreters in communication will occur. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Respectful communication & cultural diversity (Week 6) In this practice session, we consider how we as social workers can demonstrate respectful communication with people from cultures other than our own. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Working with mandated clients (Week 7) In this lecture we will consider the opportunities and challenges of working with mandated clients. We will discuss how to manage the heightened emotions that often accompany this form of practice. We will also consider the structure of the introductory interview particularly within involuntary casework practice. I will introduce the case studies for the final assessment this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Communication with mandated clients (Week 7) In this practice session, we will practice skills associated with building a purposeful and compassionate working relationship with clients who are mandated to use our services. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Problem solving & motivating change (Week 8) In this lecture we will consider the principles of problem solving and motivational interviewing approaches to support engagement and to motivate change with people who are involuntary service users. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Problem solving & motivational approaches (Week 8) In this week's tutorial, you will practice skills associated with problem solving and motivating change with involuntary and semi-voluntary service users. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Lecture this week as it is mid semester break Easter Friday is on 18/4/2023 and is a public holiday. The week of 21 - 25 April is mid semester break |
Tutorial |
No tutorials this week as it is mid-semester break Mid semester break: no classes this week |
|
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Writing case-notes (Week 9) In this week's lecture we will discuss writing case-notes. The information in the lecture is important for your final assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Preparation for interview (Week 9) In this week's tutorial, you will have the opportunity to practise your role play for the final assessment taking into account how you will integrate the need for information to complete your case-note into the interview. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Labour day A recorded lecture will be made available. (Week 10) The lecture today will focus on the final assessment piece. We will consider how to respond to challenging situations, especially those involving heightened emotions. We will discuss an exemplar involving the knowledge and skills being assessed in the final assessment simulation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Tutorial |
Preparation for Interview (Week 10) In this tutorial, you will have the opportunity to practise your role play for the final assessment taking into account how you would manage situations of heightened emotions and how you will integrate the need to gather information for your case-notes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Summary of final assessment (Week 11) For this lecture, I will provide you with a summary of the final written assessment piece. You will have the opportunity to ask further questions in your final lecture in Week 13. |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
No lecture this week (Week 12) There will be no lecture this week. Please ensure you have watched the pre-recorded lecture provided last week and prepared any questions you may have to discuss in next week's lecture (Week 13). |
Tutorial |
Simulation Debrief and Reflection (Week 12) In this tutorial, you will have the opportunity to debrief and reflect on your simulation undertaken last week. |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Review of assessment: Conceptualising practice (Week 13) In this lecture will discuss the structure of the final assessment piece including the importance of being able to conceptualise and reflect on one's practice. We will review the key learning objectives of the course. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
Tutorial |
Preparation for final writing task & celebration! (Week 13) Today we will focus on the final written assessment task and on reviewing the course. You may take this time to celebrate your tutorial group! Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.