This module is a foundation module and aims to underpin the three subsequent modules of this Award. You will have an introduction to the key knowledge, skills, ethics and values needed for social work practice; you will cover topics exploring the impact of social inequalities and social justice. How theory informs practice and how evidence based interventions to enable the development of critical evaluation of interventions in relation to outcomes for service users. The theoretical framework for reflective practice and how professional supervision can be used as a tool for effective social work practice.

The organisational context of social work and the importance of collaborative working, in particular the role of the social worker in safeguarding vulnerable children and adults will be analysed.

The various aspects of communication including active listening and verbal and non verbal communications and the application of interview methods with service users.
The importance of emotional intelligence and its use to build resilience in practice will be discussed and applied through the use of case studies.

The legal and policy context of social work and how this framework is applied in the context of social work practice with vulnerable service users.

There are compulsory skills days which are attached to the learning in this module. You will be introduced to regulating body's Guidance on `Conduct and Ethics for Student Social Workers' (HCPC (2012) and the HCPC `Standards of Proficiency ` (HCPC 2012). You will be given an introduction to the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) (TCSW, 2012) You will be taught how the Standards of Proficiency (HCPC 2012) and the Professional Capabilities Framework (TCSW 2012) relate to your practice and your continuous professional development.

A 4500 word reflective account of the students learning over this module which will address learning outcomes 1 - 5 weighted at 75%

A reflective journal will be compiled on a weekly basis over the five weeks of the taught sessions by the learner writing a 500 word blog about the significant learning issues from the teaching during that week (500 x 5). This will address learning outcomes 1 - 5 and is weighted at 25%.

Submission of a Readiness For Direct Practice Portfolio, consisting of:
1. A completed Local Authority Introductory Observation Record
2. A completed Learning Matrix
3. A completed Skills Days Record
This will address competencies at the appropriate level within the Framework (PCF) stipulated by TCSW.

Formative assessment will be by a service user facilitated interview workshops enabling different interview techniques to be explored during interactive workshops.

All three summative assessments must be passed.

The Learning strategy for this module requires you to commit to 300 hours study including assessment. This will include:

Whole Group sessions (83) hours consisting of participatory lectures and presentations by visiting speakers in order to disseminate core knowledge and theoretical perspectives including Service User experience. These include 15 skills days.

Facilitated small groups in the sessions (84 hours) involving role plays, problem based learning exercises building on the mornings whole group sessions.

Independent learning (133 hours) This will be involve you being guided to key texts and research articles on the Virtual Learning Environment (Black Board). You will be expected to conduct independent enquiries and maintain a contemporaneous learning journal. There will be additional tutorial support available for you to address queries about module content or issues relating to the assessment.

Adams, R. Dominelli,L and Payne, M. (2009) (3rd ed.) Themes, Issues and Critical Debates. London, Palgrave Macmillan.

Teater, B, (2010) Applying Social Work Theories and Methods. Maidenhead; Open University Press.

Egan, J. ( 2010) The Skilled Helper, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

Braye S and Preston-Shoot, M ( 2010) Practicing Social Work Law (3rd ed), Hampshire Palgrave Macmillan.

Ruch, G., Turney, D., and Ward, A. (eds.) (2010) Relationship Based Social Work: Getting to the heart of practice, Jessica Kingsley.

Audio visual aids and equipment: laptop PC and data projector, OHP and flipchart, television monitor and DVD or video player.
Appropriate rooms for small group work
Peer group within action learning set
Module and personal tutor.
Blackboard/VLE on line video & voice communication.
Service Users
Practitioners
PC with internet access, access to Blackboard VLE

This module is open only to students enrolled on Pre Qualifying Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work