This module builds upon the Foundation module to address the complex issues involved in assessment, planning, intervention and review processes with vulnerable service users. You will develop your understanding in relation to social work practice and the application of theory, law, policy and models of assessment linked to evidence based intervention. You will have the opportunity to develop a critical application of the social work research, theory and knowledge with families groups, individuals and communities, in the pursuit of research informed practice.

You will analyse the complexity of practicing within legal and ethical boundaries and the need to take these into account when making decisions. You will develop your understanding of the social worker¿s role in promoting the best interests of the service users and carers at all times together with the importance of supporting service users and carers to control their lives and make informed choices about services, if necessary through advocacy services.

You will address ethical dilemmas of promoting and protecting privacy whilst recognising the requirements of professional accountability and information sharing within a multi-agency context. The tensions involved in managing the differing roles of professionals and organisations and working collaboratively will be explored.

You will develop your understanding of the impact culture and diversity have on social work practice and the importance of working systemically to assess the individual within the context of their environment, taking into account aspects of social justice and inequality.

The method of assessment for this module will be:

A formative discussion forum will be facilitated to enable you to familiarise yourself with the technical aspects of the discussion forums on the VLE prior to participating in the summative forum.

1 An Asynchronous Discussion Forum: participants will be in pairs and will post one comment advocating for the use of a chosen ethical or theoretical perspective to be applied in practice. (500 words) Then write a response critiquing their partner's primary post (250 words) (Weighted at 25%).

2 A written analysis of a case study applying social work theory, law, policy and models of assessment to the chosen case 4000 words (weighted at 75%)

Both will assess all the learning outcomes and both need to be passed to successfully complete this module.

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

Whole Group sessions (42 hours) consisting of participatory lectures and presentations by visiting speakers in order to disseminate core knowledge and theoretical perspectives including Service user experience.

Facilitated small group in the sessions (4 hours) involving, problem based learning exercises based in the local authority communities of practice.

Directed study and independent learning (254 hours) using the key texts and research articles uploaded to Black Board.

Beckett, C. (2010) Assessment & Intervention in Social Work. London: Sage.
Horwarth, J. (2010) Child neglect: identification and assessment. London: Palgrave.
Ferguson, H. ( 2011) Child protection Practice Palgrave MacMillan.
Gardner, A. (2012) Personalisation in Social Work Transforming Social Work Practice Series, London: Sage.

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

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