module specification

The Practice Learning 2 module provides the opportunity for students to: 

• Develop their knowledge, values and skills in relation to working with service users in more complex situations.
• Develop an understanding of, and an ability to apply ethical principles and relevant legislation whilst working alongside professionally qualified social workers in a setting, and with a service user group that contrasts with the first placement setting and service user group. 
• Consolidate the skills and knowledge developed in their first placement and in University based teaching modules. 
• Prepare for professional practice in social work under supervised conditions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) (BASW), Standards of Proficiency (HCPC) and the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) (DfE and DoH)

By the end of their final placement students are expected to be practising at the level that will be required of a newly qualified social worker.

Successful completion of module SW7049
(First Placement Module) 

Successful completion of module SW7047
(Law Module)

Successful completion of module SW7054
(Safeguarding Module)

The student will undertake a minimum of 100 days within the agency under the direct supervision of a practice educator (or practice supervisor) who will allocate work in relation to the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) qualifying level.  A planned induction should be provided to the student and learning activities should include:

 Opportunities to visit related agencies; attend team meetings: and undertake direct work with service users - with greater autonomy.

 Work alongside professionals from different disciplines and utilise opportunities to gain a critical understanding of the role of the agency within its organisational and legal context.

 Students will be provided with an appropriately qualified practice educator. The practice educator will provide the student with 1.5 hours of formal supervision per week.

 Students on placement are allowed an equivalent of 0.5 hours per placement day for reflective learning.

 Practice learning will be dependent on the individual circumstances and learning opportunities available in each placement. This will be related to specific service user groups, for example older people, children and families, people with mental ill health, people with disabilities.

 The placement will be governed by a learning agreement drawn up by the practice educator, practice supervisor, student and the placement tutor.  The placement tutor will also meet with the practice educator, practice supervisor and student at the midway stage.

 A practice placement handbook provided to both student and practice educator gives detailed information about placement requirements and processes.

Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 4

Evidence of practice capability will come from the practice educator and practice supervisor as well as from the student. Students will be provided with variety of different teaching and assessment models, including a minimum of three formal direct observations of their practice.

The 1.5 hours of formal supervision per week should include reflection on the student’s progress towards meeting the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), (and understanding of the KSS). Students are also expected to complete their professional development plan.

The placement will be governed by a learning agreement drawn up by the practice educator, practice supervisor, student and a placement tutor from the University.  The placement tutor will also meet with the practice educator, practice supervisor and student at the midway stage.  The final portfolio will be submitted at the date agreed by the student, the practice educator, practice supervisor and the placement tutor.

By the end of the module, students should be able to: 
Provide evidence of progress towards meeting the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency (SOP) at the appropriate level. This includes:
1. Critical demonstration of professionalism and the ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries, prioritise workloads, use supervision appropriately and reflect critically on the role of the social worker in a range of contexts and developmental processes. Demonstrate and critically evaluate social workers obligation to conduct themselves ethically, applying a professional value base in decision making, including through partnership with service users.

2. Apply critical understanding of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice, taking account of how an individual’s identity is informed by a range of circumstances and social contexts. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how social work theory and models of intervention, as well as knowledge of social sciences and law, apply to social work practice.

3. Critically evaluate and apply principals of human rights and equality, underpinned by national and international law whilst demonstrating understanding of the effects of oppression, discrimination and poverty. Critically analyse the context of partnership and demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional partnerships and settings in order to contribute to the development of services and organisations as well as to practice.

4. Apply a critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for decision making using critical thinking supported by creativity and professional curiosity.  Apply judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities using a range of practice and communication skills to identify needs and risks, provide support to promote independence, and to prevent harm, neglect and abuse.

There are two summative assessment strategies for this module, and this is made up of a practice study and a placement portfolio. The student must pass both assessments.

• The first component is a 3,000-word practice study which will be a critical evaluation based upon the student’s practice working with a service user. This is weighted at 100%.

• The second component will be the compilation of a placement practice portfolio that includes (but not limited to):

 A critical reflection diary completed by the student
 Evidence from the direct observations of the student’s practice
 Feedback from professionals and or colleagues within the agency
 Feedback from service users/carers
 The assessment of the student’s practice capability against the PCF at the level required at the end of the final placement made by the practice educator
 A written report from the practice educator outlining the student’s progress to demonstrate capability in relation to the PCF and KSS
 The practice educator will be required to conclude their report with the recommendation of either a Pass/Fail.

Core Textbooks:
Burton, J. (2016) Practice Learning in Social Work. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Fenge, L, et al (2014) The Social Work Portfolio: A Student's Guide to Evidencing Your Practice. Berkshire: Open University Press

Jones, S. (2015) Social Work Practice Placements. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Knott, C and Scragg, T. (2013) Reflective Practice in Social Work (Transforming Social Work Practice Series) 3rdEdition. London: Sage

Lomax, R, Jones, K, Leigh, S, Gay, C. (2010) Surviving Your Social Work Placement. London: Palgrave Macmillan

Maclean, S. (2015) Developing Quality in Practice Learning in Social Work 3rd Edition. Staffordshire: Kirwin Maclean Associates

Maclean, S and Harrison, R. (2015) Theory and Practice: A Straightforward Guide for Social Work Students 3rd Edition. Staffordshire: Kirwin Maclean Associates

Parker, J. (2004) Effective Practice Learning in Social Work. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Other Texts:
Scourfield, P (2017) Getting ready for Direct Practice in Social Work. Exeter: Learning Matters.

Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills and Knowledge 3rd Edition. A practice handbook. Berkshire: Open University Press.

Journals:
British Journal of Social Work                                                                                     
Child and Family Social Work
Websites:
British Association of Social Workers (BASW) - https://www.basw.co.uk/
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
Social Work England (SWE) - https://socialworkengland.org.uk/