Communication and Assessment Skills in Social Work unit (HGW527)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

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	HGW527
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Doctor Justin Canty
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	24/02/2025	25/03/2025	14/04/2025	01/06/2025

* 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 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Choose ethical methods of communicating with clients, colleagues and managers that are respectful, collaborative and involve sharing information appropriately.
• Maximise opportunities for inclusive and detailed social work assessments through relationship building and highly effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Appraise how social work assessment practices, including report writing, meld analysis with empathy for client contexts.
• Suggest ways to improve social work assessments and practices that can contribute to decolonising 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	$2,124.00	$996.00	$1,164.00	$2,440.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

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 UniConnect 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.

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.
Assessment	Written assignment (20%)|Written assignment (30%)|Video recording and written assignment (50%)
Timetable	View 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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.