The overall aim of this module is to equip students with knowledge and understanding of social work with key adult service user groups and family carers. Specific knowledge and information about adult service users' needs and lives and the issues that bring them to the attention of social workers will be addressed alongside exploration of key concepts such as 'safeguarding' and 'personalisation'.
The policy and legal context of social work with adults will be explored and awareness of the changing responsibilities of social workers in adult services highlighted. The module will also facilitate appreciation of the impact of health problems, injustice, social inequalities, marginalisation and discrimination on the lives of adult service users. The Professional Capabilities and the 'Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social with Adults’ will be woven into the module.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Social Work BA Honours (compulsory module)
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (2000 words) - 70%*
Coursework- response to a legal problem (1250 words) – 30%*
*These components are 'Pass compulsory' – students must pass BOTH the individual assessments in order to pass the module overall
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
Adams, R., Dominelli, L and Payne, M. (Eds) (2009) Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates, Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke
Banks, S. (2014) Ethics, Critical and Radical Debates in Social Work, Policy Press: Bristol
Carr, H and Goosey, D. (2017) Law for Social Workers, OUP: Oxford
Davies, M. (2012) Social work with adults: Policy, law, theory, research and practice. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke
Fook, J. (2016) Social work: A critical approach to practice 3rd ed., Sage: Los Angeles
Koubel, G (2013) Social Work with Adults. Maidenhead: Open University Press
Oliver, M., Sapey, B and Thomas, P. (2012) Social Work with Disabled People, Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke
Ray, M. and Phillips, J. (2012) Social Work with Older People, Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke
Sheldon, B. and Macdonald, G. (2009) A Textbook of Social Work, Routledge: London
Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills and Knowledge, 3rd edition, Open University Press: Maidenhead
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of poverty, injustice, discrimination, social inequalities and oppressive social relations on the lives of adult service users
2. Demonstrate critical understanding of different models of disability including medical and social models and the role of social construction in defining 'need' and 'eligibility'
3. Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts of personalisation and person-centred practice and how these relate to processes of self-directed support and individual budgets as ways of delivering services
4. Understand key terminology including, 'learning disability', 'physical disability', 'old age' and ‘carer’
5. Demonstrate awareness of personal attitudes to disability, old age and other social categories and recognition of the role these play in influencing practice
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the practical and emotional support needs of carers and the complexity of the social work role in relation to carers
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the key procedures involved in safeguarding/adult protection and the role of the social worker in this context including awareness of the importance of balancing rights with risk in decision-making.
8. Describe the main risk indicators, types and patterns of incidence of abuse affecting adult service users and develop appropriate strategies for safeguarding those who may be vulnerable
9. Demonstrate knowledge of the main legal and professional responsibilities of a qualified social worker with adult service users and their families.
10. Demonstrate understanding of the purpose and contexts for the involvement of people who use services and carers in developing social work services, social work theory and social work training
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Organise information clearly and coherently in written form
2. Think critically and consider alternative perspectives in analysing and solving problems
3. Manage their own learning and deploy time management skills.
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