CQUniversity Unit Profile
SOWK11017 Scope of Social Work Practice in Australia
Scope of Social Work Practice in Australia
All details in this unit profile for SOWK11017 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

The aim of this unit is to introduce you, as a first year student, to the primary fields of social work practice where you will find yourself positioned as a practitioner on completion of Bachelor of Social Work. Each week, you will explore different fields of practice and examine the interface between the individuals and their environments fostering an understanding of the systemic factors that influence well-being and social justice. These fields of practice may include working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, social work in healthcare settings, child protection, domestic and family violence, and mental health. You will also gain understanding of ethical issues that may present in social work practice in the different fields and consider principles for working respectfully and inclusively with regard to culture and diversity.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 30%
2. Case Study
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student unit evaluation

Feedback

Clarity in unit expectations could enhance student experience

Recommendation

Ensure clear descriptions of required activities in both unit profile and in Moodle.

Feedback from Student unit evaluation

Feedback

The assessment tasks require greater connection to the unit learning outcomes and preparation for social work practice.

Recommendation

Review assessment tasks for strengthened connection to new learning for social work practice.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Examine social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
  2. Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
  3. Explore the issues that impact on social work practice
  4. Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS 2020) discuss the importance of students gaining an understanding of the experience of individuals, groups and communities within a range of different fields of practice settings (ASWEAS Appendix 2.1). This unit provides a beginning understanding of social work in general and within these practice settings. It will allow students to understand some of the complex issues that social workers are involved in within their practice. Also, it will commence the process for students to assess whether their value base aligns with that of the social work profession. 

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Case Study - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Social Work: Fields of Practice

Edition: 3rd (2018)
Authors: Alston, M., McCurdy, S., McKinnon, J.
Oxford University Press
Melbourne Melbourne , VIC , Australia
ISBN: 9780190309879

The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited. If you would prefer your own copy, purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

Binding: Paperback

The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited. If you would prefer your own copy, purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Agnieszka Sobolewska Unit Coordinator
a.sobolewska2@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Introduction to the Unit

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Social Work

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz due.

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Health and Hospital Social Work

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Aged Care

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz.

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Mental Health

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Domestic and Family Violence

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz due.

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Addictions

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Study (Recorded Audio Presentation and PowerPoint) Due: Week 7 Friday (2 May 2025) 6:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

Disabilities

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz due.

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

Justice Systems

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

Child Protection

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz due.

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

Educational Settings and Social Work

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exploring a field of practice Due: Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 6:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Social Work in 21st Century & Summing Up

Chapter

Please refer to Moodle for unit readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz due.

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz(zes)

Task Description

Type:            Six Online Fortnightly Quizzes 
Quiz opens:            10:00 a.m. (AEST) Thursday (week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12).
Quiz closes:            23:59 p.m. (AEST) Sunday (week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12).
Return to students:    Grading will be completed within a one-week period after each online quiz is closed.
Weighting:        30% 
Length:    A total of 6 marks are available for each quiz.  The format of the questions will vary and include multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions. 

Learning Outcomes Assessed 
•    Examine social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
•    Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
•    Explore the issues that impact on social work practice

Aim 
The aim of the quizzes is for you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of social work fields of practice, the role of the social work profession and the impact of broader issues on practice.  The fortnightly quizzes are designed to gauge your consistent engagement with the unit and assess your knowledge of the topics. 

Instructions 
•    You will be completing a total of six online quizzes.  Each quiz will be posted in Moodle in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
•    Each quiz will have a set of questions based on the unit material covered during the preceding fortnight.
•    Access the quiz via the Assessment tile portal on the Unit Moodle site. A total of 6 marks will be available for each quiz.  The format of the questions will vary and include multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions.
•    Each quiz is an open-book quiz. You can refer to your learning materials at any time during your attempt. 
•    You have a maximum of one (1) attempt for each quiz.
•    Once you have commenced your quiz, you cannot log out. Please do not refresh or reload your screen as this may close your quiz and record your result.
•    If you have an Accessibility Plan that requires adjustment to your assessment, please contact the Unit Coordinator at the start of the term. Adjustments cannot be made after the quiz opens.
•    If you have any technical issues let the unit coordinators know immediately. You are required to take a screenshot or photo of the issue and email it to the unit coordinators as soon as possible. We will assist you with resolving the issue or refer you to TaSAC for further assistance (toll-free phone number 1300 666 620.

Requirements 
You will need:
•    Computer access with a reliable internet connection.
•    Relevant unit learning materials available to access during the quiz.

Academic Integrity
•    Quiz questions are drawn from a bank and will be randomised.
•    You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
•    The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted within this assessment.

Submission 
•    You will complete this quiz online. 
•    Click save after each question. 
•    Click submit at the end of the quiz and your answers will be automatically submitted.

 

Minimum Pass Criteria
•    You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
•    In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.


Number of Quizzes

6


Frequency of Quizzes

Fortnightly


Assessment Due Date

Return Date to Students

Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

·       A total of 6 marks will be available for each quiz, with the students' best 5 out of 6 quiz scores contributing to the total assessment score. A maximum of 30 marks can be obtained for the overall assessment.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Examine social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
  • Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
  • Explore the issues that impact on social work practice

2 Case Study

Assessment Title
Case Study (Recorded Audio Presentation and PowerPoint)

Task Description

Type: Presentation
Length: 7-10-minute recorded audio presentation and a PowerPoint (7 slides plus additional slides with a title page, an outline of the case study and a reference list)

Aim
The aim of this assessment is to explore fields of social work practice. Using a case study as your guide, you will begin to develop an understanding of the various fields of practice, the presenting social issues and social work processes in these contexts. This is also an opportunity for you to develop your PowerPoint presentation skills.

Instructions
You are required to develop a Power Point presentation (7 content slides plus additional slides with a title page, and outline of the case study and the reference list) that allows you to showcase your understanding of one field of practice. Your recorded audio presentation is expected to be minimum 7 minutes, but no more than 10 minutes. You are not required to provide a video recording of yourself presenting.

Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task
1.    Select one of the two case studies for this assessment that you will find on Moodle. 
2.    Provide an overview of the presenting issues from your chosen case study.  Briefly explain why you have chosen this case study.
3.    Identify and explain the knowledge and skills that a social worker might need to work with the client.  
4.    Examine how the social worker would approach working with the client to begin assessment, planning and supporting the client. 
5.    Reflect on how your personal values may influence on your ability to work with the client.  Describe strategies you would use to address potential value conflicts.
6.    Identify and explain any additional supports the client (and their family) might require beyond your service.
7.    Conclude with your reflections on new insights that you gained about the scope of social work practice in this context.

Literature and references
In this assessment use at least four contemporary references to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Requirements
1.    The presentation should be 7-10 minutes long.  You will need to submit an audio recording of this presentation in the assessment submission portal. You do not need to submit a transcript of this audio presentation.
2.    Develop a PowerPoint presentation.  You are not required to include content in the presenter notes section of the PowerPoint.
3.    Information within slides should be referenced where appropriate.  
4.    Provide a slide at the end of the presentation with the reference list.  
5.    All references should be documented in accordance with APA 7th edition standards.
6.    Ensure the slides are succinct, engaging and demonstrates planning to address the case study and the questions.
7.    Check the marking rubric to be sure you are covering all assessment criteria.

Academic Integrity 
1.    You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. 
2.    The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted for the following purposes: 
•    Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures. 
•    Gen AI content editing.  
•    Checking spelling and grammar (for example, Grammarly). 
If you use Gen AI to generate ideas, you are required to reference the Gen AI agent as per APA 7th guidelines. If you are using a Gen AI agent for content editing, please complete the declaration on the title page of your assessment. If Gen AI is not used, please delete this declaration.  

Resources
You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.  We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: Social Work and Community Services Guide.  We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.  For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
•    Examine social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
•    Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
•    Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Friday (2 May 2025) 6:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (19 May 2025)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Key Criteria

HD 84.5-100%

D 74.5 84.49%

C 64.50-74.49%

P 49.50-64.49%

F <49.5%

MARKS

Organisation, presentation and content of the PowerPoint & referencing (10%)

PowerPoint shows evidence of clear planning.  PowerPoint is used in a highly effective and engaging manner; all questions have been answered in detail.

All references are relevant.  Referencing occurred where required.  APA 7th edition style is used flawlessly. 

PowerPoint shows evidence of clear planning.  PowerPoint is used in an effective and engaging manner;  all questions have been answered in some detail.

References are relevant.

Referencing occurred where required, with minor mistakes.

APA 7th edition style is used with minor errors.

PowerPoint shows some evidence of planning.  PowerPoint is used in a somewhat effective and engaging manner; almost all questions have been answered, however some concepts are unclear.

Most references used are appropriate.

Some noticeable omissions of in-text.

 APA 7th edition style is used with noticeable errors.

PowerPoint shows some planning. Some questions appear to be unanswered, or concepts are somewhat unclear. 

Some of literature used is appropriate.  Numerous omissions of in-text citations and many errors and/or inconsistences in those that were present.

 

PowerPoint shows a lack of planning and is ineffectively used to demonstrate understanding of questions and present finding/concepts.

 

Most references are inappropriate.

Extensive omissions of in-text citations and extensive errors and inconsistences present.

APA 7th edition style is not used.

............ /10

Skills in the audio presentation and communication (10%)

Excellent audio presentation. The presenter demonstrates high level understanding of the case study, and the presentation is well- paced, confident and compelling. The presenter consistently uses professional social work language appropriate to the context.  Audio presentation is within the time frame. 

A very good presentation. The presenter demonstrates very good understanding of the case study and mainly uses professional social work language.

The presentation is delivered confidently and is within the set time frame.

A good presentation. The presenter demonstrates a good understanding of the case study and uses appropriate social work terminology most of the time.

 

The presentation is delivered well and is within the set time frame. 

The presenter demonstrates an understanding of the topic, and the presentation conveys this.

This assignment could be improved through better pacing or other delivery style factors (e.g., pre-planning).  Generic terminology is mainly used.

 The presentation is marginally outside the set time frame. 

A poor presentation. The presentation style is not engaging or credible and the presenter does not demonstrate a grasp of the content.  Terminology used misaligns with social work professional language.

The time limit has not been followed.

............ /10

Analysis of the scope of social work practice in the case study (30%)

Content is highly relevant and insightful, addressing all required aspects comprehensively.  Strong, logical progression of ideas and clear integration of academic sources and social work concepts.

An insightful explanation of choice of case study.

Thoughtful reflections at the end that demonstrate deep insight and deep engagement with the material.

Content is relevant and well developed, addressing most required aspects with clear progression of ideas.  Academic sources and social work concepts are mainly integrated throughout the presentation. 

A detailed explanation of choice of case study. Ending reflections demonstrate clear personal insight and engagement with the material.

Content is appropriate to the case study, mostly addressing the questions and the presentation for the most part proceeds logically.  Integration of academic sources and social work concepts is evident.

A sound explanation of choice of case study which could be improved with more detail. Ending reflections demonstrate some personal insights and some engagement.

 

Content generally addresses the case study, but the presentation is at times repetitive and has limited depth or cohesion. Integration of academic sources and social work concepts is limited.

A basic level explanation of choice of case study.  Ending reflections are generic with limited personal insight.

Content is limited, lacks relevance, or does not address required aspects of the case study. Minimal or no integration of academic sources and social work concepts.

No explanation of choice of case study. Ending reflections are missing or are extremely limited or underdeveloped.

............ /30

Reflection on personal values and how they impact social work practice in the context of the case study. (25%)

Exceptional ability to reflect on personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are explored in great depth. Ethical considerations are critically analyzed with clear links to social work practice. 

Reflection is insightful and focused on personal values and how they relate to the case study context. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are well-developed

Reflection shows a good understanding on how personal values relate to the case study context, though further depth is needed in linking to practice. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are present but not fully developed

Personal values and how they relate to the case study context are identified and discussed but the writing lacks depth or clarity in linking to practice. Strategies for addressing any conflict in values are lacking.

 

Discussion is limited or superficial, with little or no consideration of values, ethics, or strategies for managing conflicts. 

............/25

Analysis of supports and considerations outside of the initial field of practice.  (25%)

Provides a highly detailed and insightful analysis of the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral, and support. 

Provides thoughtful analysis of the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral, and support. 

Provides analysis of the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral, and support.   Some part of the analysis are more developed than others. 

Provides a basic analysis of the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral, and support. 

Provides minimal or irrelevant analysis of the aspects of the case study that may need further consideration, referral, and support. 

............ /25

Total Marks

 

 

 

 

 

........... /100

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a PowerPoint presentation with the audio recording and a copy of the same PowerPoint presentation (*.pptx) without the audio.In the submission area on Moodle, upload your recorded PowerPoint presentation recording by choosing the Echo360 tab. The unit Moodle Assessment tile includes instructions on how to submit the assessment. Students are advised to upload their recording via Echo 360 to avoid problems associated with media file size and access.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Examine social work fields of practice within different contexts in Australia
  • Describe social work processes required for effective communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation
  • Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Exploring a field of practice

Task Description

Length:    1500 words +/-10%


Learning Outcomes Assessed
•    Explore the issues that impact on social work practice
•    Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

Aim
The aim of this assessment is to explore a chosen field of practice in more depth and consider how social work lens may contribute to this field.


Instructions

Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:
1.    Choose one Field of Practice in social work.
Fields of Practice:
a)    Addictions
b)    Disability
c)    Child Protection
d)    Education Settings

2.     Briefly outline why you chose to focus on the particular field of practice, and why it interests you.
3.    Drawing on the literature, identify and explore the challenges in the field that social workers encounter in supporting diverse clients. 
4.    Examine how social work values and principles can guide social workers in addressing client needs in your chosen field of practice. Provide examples of how these values and principles might shape professional decision-making.  
5.    Identify and reflect on a potential ethical dilemma that you think would be a challenging aspect of the work in your chosen field.  How might you address this? Support this exploration with relevant literature.

Literature and references
In this assessment use at least eight contemporary references to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers. Note, that websites such as Wikipedia or blogs are not suitable references. Lecture notes are not primary sources of evidence and should not be used in this assessment. 

Requirements 
•    Use a cover page for your assignment that includes in the following order:
•    Student name
•    Student number
•    Unit code and name
•    Assessment type
•    Due date
•    In-text word count
•    Use of Gen AI declaration
•    Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
•    Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
•    Write in the first-person perspective for your reflection, however, write in the third-person perspective when referring to the literature. 
•    Use formal academic, social work discipline specific, professional and inclusive language.
•    Use Microsoft Word English (Australia) spelling and grammar checker.
•    Paraphrase, summarise or quote information acknowledging the original source (referencing) to avoid plagiarism.
•    Use essay structure with an introduction and conclusion.
•    Follow academic writing conventions: spell out contractions in full; introduce abbreviations and acronyms.
•    All work submitted must be your own work.
•    Start your reference list on a separate page to the body of your assessment.
•    Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.
•    The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.

Resources
•    You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important. 
•    We recommend that you access your discipline specific Social Work and Human Services Guide.
•    You may like to manage your citations and reference list. Information on how to use academic referencing software (EndNote) is available at the CQUniversity Library website should you wish to learn how to use it.
•    For information on academic writing and referencing please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources, including information for students with English as a second language.
•    You may wish to submit a draft to Studiosity.
•    Submit at least one draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here. Please remember, the similarity score is only a matching tool, and the score alone does not necessarily indicate or eliminate the presence of plagiarism.

Academic Integrity  
1.    You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.  
2.    The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted for the following purposes:  
a.    Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.  
b.    Gen AI content editing.   
c.    Checking spelling and grammar (for example, Grammarly).  
If you use Gen AI to generate ideas, you are required to reference the Gen AI agent as per APA 7th guidelines. If you are using a Gen AI agent for content editing, please complete the declaration on the title page of your assessment. If Gen AI is not used, please delete this declaration.  
 

Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only. 
Late penalties of 5% per day of the available mark may be applied as per the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework). 
Contact TASAC if you experience technical issues submitting your assessment:
•    Phone toll-free 1300 666 620
•    Email tasac@cqu.edu.au 


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 6:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (16 June 2025)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

 

Key Criteria

HD 84.5-100%

D 74.5 84.49%

C 64.50-74.49%

P 49.50-64.49%

F <49.5%

MARKS

 

 

Presentation, structure & referencing (15%)

The writing demonstrates exceptional clarity, purpose and logical flow. Information is highly organised, and easy to follow.  All references are relevant and scholarly.  Referencing occurred where required.  APA 7th edition style is used flawlessly. 

The writing is clear, purposeful and mostly logical.  Information is well organised with minor inconsistencies.   References are mostly scholarly and relevant.

Referencing occurred where required, with minor mistakes.

APA 7th edition style is used with minor errors.

The writing is generally clear and easy to read, with some inconsistencies in flow and organisation.  Most references used are appropriate and scholarly.

Some noticeable omissions of in-text.

 APA 7th edition style is used with noticeable errors.

The writing demonstrates some clarity and purpose. Information is not presented in an organised, structured format, and can be difficult to read and interpret.

Some of literature used is appropriate and scholarly.

Numerous omissions of in-text citations and many errors and/or inconsistences in those that were present.

The writing is unclear, and lacks purpose.  Information is incomplete or does not make sense. Format lacks structure and is difficult to read and interpret.

Most references are inappropriate or non-scholarly.

Extensive omissions of in-text citations and extensive errors and inconsistences present.

APA 7th edition style is not used.

 

........... /15

 

 

Analysis of key challenges and their impact on social work practice.

 

Rationale for the choice of the field (30%)

Comprehensive and detailed analysis of the key challenges present in the field, and their impact on social work practice.

Clear integration of academic sources into the discussion. 

Insightful explanation of chosen field articulating personal interest and context.

Very good analysis of the key challenges and their impact on social work practice. 

Academic sources are mainly integrated with minor omissions.

Clear explanation of chosen field with some detail.

Generally clear discussion of the key challenges that need addressing in the field, and the impact on social work practice.  Some aspects are better covered than others.  Integration of academic sources is evident. Good general explanation of chosen field but lacks depth.

The key challenges and their impact on practice are adequately identified. The discussion can be difficult to read and interpret.   Integration of academic sources is limited.

 

Basic explanation of chosen field with limited detail.

The key challenges and their impact on practice are not adequately or appropriately identified.  Minimal or no integration of academic sources.

 

Rationale for the choice of the field not provided.

                       ................/30

 

 

Examination of social work practice as a value-based profession (30%)

 

Outstanding understanding of how social work values and principles guide practice in the chosen field which is supported by examples. Clear integration of academic sources into the discussion. 

 

Strong understanding of how social work values and principles guide practice in the chosen field and supported by relevant examples.

Academic sources are mainly integrated with minor omissions.

Generally well-developed understanding of how social work values and principles guide practice in the chosen field.  Some aspects are better covered than others.  Integration of academic sources is evident.

Sound understanding of how core social work values and principles guide practice in the chosen field.  Integration of academic sources is limited.

 

 

Inadequate understanding of how  social work values and principles guide practice in the chosen field.  Minimal or no integration of academic sources.

 

……………./30

 

 

Identification and reflection on ethical dilemmas/practice challenges (25%)

 

Excellent identification of ethical dilemmas and insightful reflection on strategies for resolution, with strong support from literature.

Strong identification and reflection, with good detail and literature integration.

Good identification and discussion but lacks depth in analysis or strategies.  Some aspects of the discussion are better covered than others.  Discussion is not consistently linked to the relevant literature.

Ethical dilemmas/practice challenges are adequately identified.  Limited reflection on the significance of the dilemmas. 

Adequate consideration for managing these dilemmas.  Minimal reference to literature.

Poor, limited or no identification of ethical dilemmas/practice challenges and poor reflection.

Irrelevant or no literature used.

........... /25

 

 

 

 

Total Marks

 

 

 

 

 

.........../100

 

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Please upload your submission as a Word Document into Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explore the issues that impact on social work practice
  • Reflect on the social work ethical issues that have emerged in exploring different social work fields of practice.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?