Learning and Social Work

Learning and Social Work

Social work is an extremely complex and challenging practice which cannot be learnt simply by following a given set of laws, rules and procedures. Because it is carried out to assist people at every stage of life who are encountering difficulties, there is no set way to approach it.

However, this unit does offer a competence-based approach to social work and social services education and training programmes which will assist in empowering the social worker and engaging service users.

Our course will help you to examine the problematic nature of social work and provide a framework for a professional approach to addressing the uncertainties and complexities of practice, while improving your knowledge about social work qualifications and its historical context.

Key Topics

• Getting to Grips with Social Work
• Applying Social Work Values
• Working Accountably to Your Agency
• Working Accountably to Service Users
• Engaging, Assessing and Planning
• Implementing, Monitoring and Evaluating

Assessments

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's included:

You will have access to a tutor, via email, who will mark your work and guide you through the course to help you be ready for your examinations. In addition you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process.

The course pack includes, guidance on relevant study skills and full tutor support comprising:

• the marking of a series of assignments
• written answers to specific study problems
• full tutor support via emails
• a copy of our study guide, will give you guidance on studying and submitting assignments

Study Time

Study Hours are an approximate figure and are dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the Learning & Social Care course is: 120 hrs

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Textbook

We recommend that you obtain a copy of Martin Thomas and John Pierson, 1995, Dictionary of Social Work, Collins Education, London.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Social Care Association (SCA)

On completion of your course you will be able to join the SCA as a Network Member. 
 
SCA believes that the application of good practice in any setting happens finally between the person using services and the social care worker.  Our purpose and business is supporting that person to practise well. 
 
Benefits of Membership 

1. Demonstrate to your employer and to your registering council that you are committed to the pursuit of best practice and ongoing learning.   
2. Protect your own ability to work should the worst ever happen and you have problems with either your employer or your registering body.  (SCA does not defend poor practice)   
3. Join in influencing thinking and practice in social care – share your experiences and learn from others   
4. Gain access to SCA training and education opportunities and other services with Member Discount. 
 
As a member of the SCA you will receive:

1. Access to good practice guidance 
2. Opportunities to share experiences and discuss practice developments
3. The chance to have a voice and influence policy 
4. Access to a network of good practitioners 
5. Discounts on SCA services, publications and seminars

Entry Requirements

Our Learning & Social work course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about Learning & Social Care and has a keen interest in the subject, plus an intention to progress a career.

• Learners will need sufficient numeracy and literacy
• Students should have access to a computer and the internet throughout your study period.
• Learners should have basic PC skills in order to navigate our Support Portal.
• You should be fully committed to your studies.