SW0514 - Preparing for Professional Practice

A combination of lectures, seminars and group guidance tutorials will be used to support your academic learning on this module. Lectures and seminars will be delivered by the module team and will focus on key concepts introduced within the main topics and subject areas of the module. Individual and group work will facilitate your academic learning and some of the module learning will be encouraged through delivery of key areas of professional practice by specialist practitioners. The module staff team will provide academic support throughout the course of the module. Your learning in practice will be supported and assessed by an allocated Practice Educator (PE). Your PE will provide you with practice learning support and will be responsible for assessment of your practice-based learning. Throughout the duration of your practice-based learning you will have regular supervision with your PE in relation to your development of practice competence in meeting the requirements of the PCF. Teaching and learning strategies provided by your PE will include supporting you in preparing for and undertaking a direct observation of practice and managing the practice experience. Supervision with your PE will support you in discussing professional issues and focus on encouraging your critical reflection on your learning experience. During the period of practice-based learning you will be supported by a Personal Tutor (PT) who will monitor your professional development and provide academic support during your placement.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk

Knowledge & Understanding:

• You will develop knowledge, understanding and an ability to work within the professional standards and meet the required level within the PCF for the end of the first year of professional practice in placement
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Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• You will be able to analyse the role of the professional social worker in a range of contexts and be able to work collaboratively with a range of key stakeholders
• You will develop the ability to articulate the important role of supervision and make an active contribution to learning and practice in this process

• You will have developed competence in taking responsibility for managing self as a professional social worker within a range of organisational contexts providing social work services

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• You will develop your value-base and an ethical approach to practice whilst being able to critically reflect on your own development as a professional social worker

Throughout the module you will be offered feedback in seminar groups and you will receive ongoing feedback in relation to your practice-based learning via the supervision process with you PE.

Within your practice placement your PE and PT will provide oral feedback at a mid-way point. A formative assessment will require you to present to your PE and PT a critical analysis of your practice at a mid-way meeting.

A two-part summative assessment will require you to first present a complete and well-presented Practice Placement Portfolio which will include a signed recommendation from your PE that you have met the full range of PCFs required at a qualifying level. Your portfolio will be marked pass or fail.

The second part of your summative assessment will require you to undertake a critical analysis and reflection on a piece of observed practice where you have collaborated with key stakeholders within your practice setting. The 2000-Word summative assessment makes up 100% of the module marks.

Feedback on your 2000-Word summative assessment will be provided by a member of the module team who will complete a feedback/feedforward marking sheet.

SW0515, SW0516, SW0517, SW0518

The module will allow you to explore the professional social work context and work within a social care setting with a range of stakeholders. On examining the role of the professional social worker you will develop your learning in context and through a practice-based opportunity build collaborative relationships with service users, carers and other professionals. The specific themes, concepts and topics covered within the module will include examining the nature and influence of power, hierarchy, culture and organisational policies and procedures in shaping the role of professional social workers. On developing your understanding of the professional role and context you will acquire knowledge of models of supervision and the importance of contributing to the supervision process as part of the development of your professional practice. Module benefits include an opportunity to explore professionalism within organisations and to work collaboratively within different contexts to enhance your professional knowledge, skills and values.