Social Work Theory, Models and Processes

Learners will evaluate several key practice theories and approaches including: ecological, Māori and feminist perspectives and strengths-based practice. Learners will discuss and apply processes associated with different phases of the helping relationship: engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. The course will include social work perspectives on approaches to the assessment and management of risk.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to

• Assess and evaluate the application of particular social work practice theories and methods to particular practice situations including individual, group and community contexts.
• Select and apply the skills and processes associated with different phases of the helping relationship: engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. 
• Assess risk and propose approaches to managing risk in social work practice situations.

Course content includes

• theorising social work – defining theories, models and processes
• an integrated framework for social work practice – integrating theories, practice models, processes, and skills
• modern social work practice theories for working with individuals, group and families – including ecological perspectives, feminist perspectives, and strengths-based practice
• the phases of the helping relationship; engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation and the skills and processes used at each phase
• working in individual, group and community contexts
• social work perspectives on assessing and managing risk – including risks associated with key practice areas: family violence; mental health; and working with offenders
• Skills to analyse, organise and apply research findings

Assessment

This course is 100% internally assessed

Textbooks

No textbooks are required for this course.

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access the course and do your study online, which generally includes reading and doing activities, watching videos, downloading content, and writing and submitting assessments online.

For online learning you need:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer
• Reliable broadband internet and a data plan

Find out more about online learning

If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access will allow you to study online please contact us.