Course overview
This course will introduce the human services as a context for social work practice and critically analyse the interplay of social and economic policy and organisational service delivery in an Australian and international human service contexts. Students will develop an advanced knowledge of historical themes in the evolution and delivery of social work, welfare and community services delivery, the underpinning values of human rights and social justice and the engagement of First Nations People with the human services. Students will critically analyse contemporary trends in social policy and the planning and evaluating of human services including the role of organisations as mediators of social policy delivery with an emphasis on service delivery models, professional social work in organisational contexts and social work leadership.
Course learning outcomes
- Examine the specialised contribution of social work practice and human service organisations to challenging and addressing disadvantage
- Critically analyse contemporary social policy, leadership and practice contexts in terms of social work ethics and values
- Evaluate the social and historical context of the human services
- Critically analyse the impact of historical and current social policy and human service delivery on First Nations People
- Critique the organisational structures and service delivery processes through which current human service policies are delivered
- Develop and articulate organisational or program goals to address a particular human need