Courses & Units

Communication and Assessment Skills in Social Work HGW327

Introduction

Communication and Assessment Skills in Social Work provides a broad overview of human development theories and direct practice skills underpinning work with individuals. Additionally, you are taught communication skills to support assessment report and case note writing. Two key themes – deep listening and reflective self-awareness – are a focus throughout the learning experience to guide you on how to respond appropriately and purposefully to people's needs in a variety of contexts. Cultural diversity and the decolonization of social work practice are considered integral to all aspects of interpersonal helping skills, including how to conduct social work assessments and develop intervention plans. Techniques of strengths based, relational approaches and social justice principles are applied throughout the curriculum incorporating issues of child safety and mental health.

Summary

Unit name Communication and Assessment Skills in Social Work
Unit code HGW327
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Arts, Law and Education
School of Social Sciences
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Doctor Justin Canty
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic
Launceston Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic
Cradle Coast Semester 1 On-Campus International Domestic

Key

On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 26/2/2024 22/3/2024 15/4/2024 2/6/2024

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Choose communication strategies that are collaborative, creative and culturally relevant
  • Facilitate inclusive, ethical and detailed social work assessments through relationship building and highly effective interpersonal communication skills.
  • Conduct and report social work assessments that meld analysis with empathy for client contexts.
  • Evaluate whether social work assessments, strategies and interventions contribute to the decolonisation of social work in local, national and international contexts.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090501 $2,040.00 $957.00 $1,118.00 $2,324.00

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

100 credit points at Introductory level and 100 credit points at Intermediate level

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

One hour online learning activities, including lecture and other self-directed exercises (watching videos and reflections), weekly. 
120 minute workshop, weekly. 

80% minimum compulsory attendance requirement to meet accreditation standards. 

AssessmentWritten assignment (20%)|Written assignment (30%)|Video recorded interview 30 mins and written assignment (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All required readings are available on the unit Reading List. The Reading List has been structured into weekly sections for ease of use. 

You will need regular access to the following text:
Maidment, J., Egan, R., Tudor, R., and Nipperess, S. 2022. Practice skills in social work and welfare: More than just common sense (4th edition). Routledge.


The Library has copies of the ebook for you to access. You are able to download sections as PDF files for offline use. Links to all required reading sections appear in the Reading List.
You may choose to purchase the book if you wish, however this is optional. There are paperback and ebook versions available through Booktopia. 

Recommended

Recommended readings are available on the unit Reading List.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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