1. The assessment requires learners to engage in a role play with a ‘service user’ in a simulated environment and scenario (LOs 2 & 4).
2. They will subsequently reflect on their performance, their skills development and identify areas for improvement in the form of a video blog reflection (LOs 1 & 3).

This empowering module will equip you with key communication skills to enable you to work and practice effectively within criminal justice environments. This module enables learners to gain insight into basic counselling and mentoring skills and provides opportunity to explore how to work with victims of crime using a restorative and trauma informed approach.¿This interactive module will provide you with a framework within which you can reflect upon your own interpersonal skills and how these can be further developed and applied within a variety of different criminal justice sector settings. The core skills developed in this module (communication and reflective practice) are crucial for employability and will support students in gaining employment in a range of different organisations.

1. Identify and analyse your strengths and limitations in interpersonal and counselling skills.

University Learning Outcome: Learning, Analysis, Reflection

2. Critically analyse and apply policy and practices in situations with service users

University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Application, Learning

3. Critically appraise own performance and skills development in communicating with a service user

University Learning Outcome: Reflection

Communication

4. Apply interpersonal skills to assess a given situation and develop communication strategies for working with diverse individuals

University Learning Outcome: Application, Communication

Lectures and workshops introducing the information.
Practical workshops giving students the opportunity to apply knowledge in role play setting in preparation for assessment.
Non-contact time will involve extensive reading of the course material with a view to developing knowledge from recommended reading material and conducting independent research to prepare for the assessment.

VLE
Lecture and tutorial room equipped with means to fulfil the teaching strategies
Simulated environment

Cherry, L (2021) Conversations that Make a Difference for Children and Young People: Relationship-Focused Practice from the Frontline

Daniels, S, J. (2016) Working with the Trauma of Rape and Sexual Violence: A Guide for Professionals

Egan, G. and Reese, R.G. (2019) The Skilled Helper: a problem management and opportunity development approach to helping (11th Ed), India, Cengrage. Free Download at: https://collegelearners.com/ebooks/the-skilled-helper-11th-edition-pdf-free-download/

Hall, M. (2012) Victims of crime: policy and practice in criminal justice

Hough, M. (2014). Counselling Skills and Theory. (4th Ed) London. United Kingdom. Hodder Education.

McLeod, J. (2019) An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy: Theory, research and practice. (6th Ed) Buckingham, Open University Press.

Sanderson, C. (2013) Counselling Skills for Working with Trauma: Healing From Child Sexual Abuse, Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse (Essential Skills for Counselling)

This module provides you with relevant theory, policy and best practice information and the space to practice core communication skills pertinent to working with those engaged with criminal justice organisations.