This assessment requires you to critically examine a theory or model of human development or psychosocial health as outlined in the unit and apply it to a specific population or context. It develops your ability to: (1) explain a theory of psychosocial health / human development, (2) connect that theory to at least one topic covered in Weeks 1-5, and (3) evaluate its usefulness for culturally safe, ethically sound social-work practice with a nominated population.

You will:
1. Select one theory / model introduced in Week 1 (e.g., trauma theory, bio-psycho-social-spiritual, life-course, systems). 
2. Link the theory to practice by focussing on ONE Week 2-5 content area:
   • Social-work roles in health services (Week 2) 
   • Childhood development & wellbeing (Week 3) 
   • Gender & sexual identity across the lifespan (Week 4) 
   • Physical health & disability (Week 5) 
3. Analyse a client group/context (e.g., First Nations younger adults, older adults with disability, LGBTQIA+ young people in health settings). 
4. Critically appraise how well the theory accounts for culture, power, inequality, and social justice in that context. 
5. Support your argument with a minimum of eight (8) scholarly sources published within the last five years (seminal works may also be used).

The essay must consider culture, power, inequality, ethics, and social justice, and be supported by at least 8 scholarly sources.

Further Information:
Complete guidance, resources, marking rubrics and further details are available on Moodle and will be discussed in tutorials. 

Generative AI Use – Level 2 and 3 Permitted:

Level 2: AI may be used for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission must reflect your original analysis and thinking.
Level 3: AI tools may assist with drafting, refining, and evaluating text, but all AI-generated content must be critically evaluated and appropriately modified.
You must ensure your work upholds the principles outlined in the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. Collaboration or sharing of responses is not permitted.

Minimum Pass Criteria:

You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
To be eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted.

• Explanation of Theory - Clearly and accurately explains a relevant theory or model related to psychosocial health and human development, demonstrating depth of understanding
• Application to Context and Content Area - Effectively applies the theory to a specific group or setting connected to one of the weekly topics from Weeks 2–5 (e.g., health services, childhood development, gender and sexual identity, or disability), demonstrating insight into social work roles and contexts.
• Critical Reflection on Culture, Power, Ethics, and Social Justice -Critically evaluates the usefulness and limitations of the theory in light of cultural identity, power dynamics, inequality, ethics, and social justice concerns.
• Use of Scholarly Evidence - Supports analysis and reflections with a minimum of 8 high-quality, scholarly sources (published within the last five years), demonstrating integration of literature and correct use of APA 7th referencing.
• Academic Communication - Presents ideas in a well-structured, coherent, and scholarly manner with appropriate grammar, tone, spelling, and within the 1500-word limit (+/- 10%).

A detailed marking rubric for this assessment task is available on Moodle and should be consulted carefully when preparing your submission.

A powerful motive for pursuing social work is personal or lived experience. A common theme in social work is that people are drawn to the profession either because they were supported during a difficult time or, conversely, because they experienced a lack of support when it was most needed (McAuliffe et al., 2023). 

All stories start somewhere. Your story as a student in social work may have started recently or quite a while ago. At some point in time, you decided to take this particular path. This assessment task asks you to reflect on your life story and consider your own human development influences, including those that have ultimately led you to choose social work as your profession. You will write an autobiographical multidimensional case study which applies relevant developmental theories and concepts to your current or a significant earlier stage of your development, if you prefer. In the autobiography, you should address the following:

1. Relevant multidimensional (bio-psycho-social-spiritual/cultural) developmental theories that apply to your current/chosen life stage (refer to the unit readings).
2. Relevant critical contexts of development – relational, social, structural and cultural (refer to the unit readings). If relevant, also discuss any significant historical cohort events (chronosystem) which have influenced your development.
3. Risk and/or resilience factors associated with life stress from e.g., exclusion, racism, bias and prejudice, trauma, grief and loss, migration, gender and sexuality issues (refer to the unit readings).
4. The implications of (1), (2), and (3) for understanding your decision to study social work.

You are expected to explore the topic in depth, researching the literature available on the topic and applying some critical analysis of the issues noted. The assessment criteria place an emphasis on your demonstrated critical analysis. In particular you should consider the multidimensional approach which considers a person's inner and outer worlds.

Using Your Lived Experience in this Assessment
This autobiographical assessment invites you to critically reflect on your own lived experience through a developmental and theoretical lens. You are encouraged to draw connections between your personal story and relevant bio-psycho-social-spiritual theories, recognising how your experiences have shaped your pathway into social work.

Please note:

• You are not required to disclose distressing or traumatic experiences in detail. Focus on analytical insight, not personal disclosure.
• If you choose to share sensitive content, ensure it is framed professionally, maintains personal boundaries, and contributes meaningfully to your learning.
• Use a third-person or analytical voice when helpful to maintain distance and uphold ethical and reflective practice.
• Support is available through the teaching team and university services if this task raises difficult emotions.

Generative-AI & Academic Integrity
Level 2 (Planning & Idea Development) and Level 3 (Drafting & Refining) use is permitted.
All AI-assisted content must be critically reviewed, substantially revised, and cited according to APA 7.
Work must comply with the Student Academic Integrity Policy. No collaboration or sharing of answers is allowed.

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of human development theories relevant to the life stage discussed, including integration of bio-psycho-social-spiritual (BPSS) dimensions (6 marks).
• Critically analyse and integrate relevant human development concepts (e.g., attachment, risk, and resilience), and evaluate how these interact with social, structural, and environmental contexts in shaping your development and motivation to study social work (8 marks).
• Apply the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and a culturally responsive lens to critically reflect on ethical, cultural, and power-related factors that have influenced your development and worldview (6 marks).
• Demonstrate effective academic research by locating, evaluating, and integrating relevant literature, with correct APA 7 referencing conventions (5 marks).
• Communicate your reflections in a well-structured, coherent, and scholarly format, demonstrating clarity, logic, and academic writing skills (5 marks).
  
  

In this assessment, you will complete a psychosocial assessment and intervention plan based on one of the provided case studies. Your response must be holistic, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded, demonstrating application of social work knowledge, values, and interprofessional practice skills. You will draw on the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), social determinants of health, and trauma-informed approaches. 
 
Task Instructions 
1. Choose one case study from the options provided (provided in Moodle). 
2. Read the scenario carefully, identifying key concerns, strengths, and contextual information. 
3. Complete a psychosocial assessment of the client(s). 
4. Develop a culturally appropriate and ethical intervention plan. 
5. Use at least 8 academic sources to support your analysis and planning. 
6. Reflect on your own role, assumptions, and ethical considerations. 
 
Suggested Structure  
• Introduction (200 words): Briefly introduce the case and your approach. 
• Psychosocial Assessment (700 words): Present a structured assessment including identity, issues, strengths, risks, and context. 
• Intervention Plan (400 words): Describe your proposed support strategies, including ethical and interprofessional approaches. 
• Conclusion and Reflection (200 words): Summarise your response and reflect on ethical, cultural, and positional considerations. 
 

Academic Integrity

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.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.

Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.

• Psychosocial Assessment and Case Analysis – Demonstrates insight into the client’s identity, presenting issues, strengths, risks, and broader social context. Integrates trauma, socio-environmental, and structural factors into the analysis (12 marks)
• Intervention Plan - Outlines a holistic, ethical, and culturally appropriate action plan. Incorporates interprofessional collaboration and addresses identified needs and goals (10 marks).
• Integration of Theory, Policy, and Social Work Literature - Uses relevant theory and research to inform assessment and intervention. Demonstrates understanding of social work frameworks and trauma-informed approaches (8 marks).
• Critical Reflection on Positionality and Ethics - Reflects on personal values, biases, and ethical responsibilities in engaging with the case (6 marks).
• Academic Writing and Referencing – Clear structure, coherence, grammar, and correct APA 7th referencing (4 marks).