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.
Private Study: 100 hours
Contact Hours: 50
Total: 150
This module is being taught as part of the BA (Hons) Social Work (Degree Apprenticeship) through part-time distance learning. This module can run in the Autumn, Spring or Summer terms depending on the start date of the student cohort
Main assessment methods
Coursework - essay (2,000 words) - 70%*
Coursework –legal problem question (1000 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
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
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 Critically understand different models of disability including individual/medical and social models; awareness of ageism and how 'old age' is socially constructed (including comparison with similar material in the Mental Health Module).
3 Critically understand 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 Define 'learning disability', 'physical disability' and forms of chronic illness with awareness of key diagnostic and descriptive categories/labels, their potentially problematic nature and their action in mobilising particular service responses.
5 Demonstrate awareness of personal attitudes to disability and recognition that these act as barriers as do environmental obstacles.
6 Demonstrate knowledge of the practical and emotional support needs of carers and the complexity of the social work role in relation to them, including understanding of the contested nature of the concepts of 'care' and ‘caring’.
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 in working with ‘vulnerable adults’.
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, including the key legislative systems and guidance they are expected to use, and awareness of the changing role of social work in adult services.
10 Understand 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.
he 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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