Social Work Coursework: Pre-Placement, Ethics, Supervision, Systems

This social work assignment comprehensively addresses several key areas within the field. It begins with an introductory pre-placement interview, exploring the student's expectations, motivations for choosing social work, and desired learning outcomes. The assignment then delves into practice standards and the code of ethics, examining their purpose, application, and the importance of respecting clients, including those who have perpetrated child sexual abuse. Furthermore, it investigates the core values of social work, such as respect for persons, social justice, and professional integrity. The assignment also covers the crucial role of supervision in social work practice, detailing its purpose and preparation strategies. Finally, it addresses systemic issues, defining them and providing examples to illustrate their impact on social work practice. The assignment integrates theory and practice, providing a well-rounded understanding of essential concepts in social work.

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTORY PRE-PLACEMENT INTERVIEW STYLE QUESTION
WHAT I BRING TO A SOCIAL WORK PLACEMENT?
In a social work placement, there are various things which I should bring. For
example, I need to carry a pen and a book because keeping records of
whatever I study is fundamental for my future reference (Vanhanen, 2017). It
is also good to ensure I have a watch. Working based on time is quite
fundamental because it enables one to complete all essential things on time.
WHAT I WANT TO LEARN FROM MY PLACEMENT?
One of the things I expect to learn from a social work placement is how to
integrate theory and practice in an organization or any other setting where
social workers roles are needed (Penelope, 2012). I also expect to learn a
variety of essential skills required by employers, establish work history, and
networking contacts. Implementing the theory I have learned into practice will
make me a better social worker in a number of ways. For example, it will
enable me to know where to apply which theory, how to relate with clients
and so on.
WHY I CHOSE TO STUDY SOCIAL WORK?
The reason I chose to study social work is because I want to assist other people
to improve their lives. One of my dreams is to assist as many people as
possible to overcome their problems and live fulfilling lives. Because social
work is a rich profession with meaning, action and the power to make a
difference, it will be a fundamental course for me because it shall equip me
with various skills that can assist me to attain my dream. For example, it will
play a vital role in making me to know how to listen to peoples’ needs, from
young children to individuals with addictions and assist them to cope and
enhance their happiness.
MY FAVOURITE COURSE TO DATE AND WHY?
Social work is my favourite course to date because it gives me the hope of
attaining my life goals. It also makes me feel that I chose the right course
because it entails what I want to be in future. Studying this course has been
beneficial in my life in different ways. For example, it has exposed me to the
career of my choice and also told me what I feel it’s better for me to know in
profession of my choice. Improving my knowledge on how to assist people to
overcome different circumstances which hinder them from living better lives
has always remained one of the primary reasons why this course is my
favourite because the activity in my live is that teaches me what entails
attaining my life dreams.

WEEK 2&3: PRACTICE STANDARDS AND CODE OF ETHICS
WHY ARE THERE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE STANDARDS AND HOW GENERALLY
THEY SHOULD BE USED TO GUIDE PRACTICE?
Social work standards provides the practice expectations of all social work
professionals (Ken, 2016). The aim of these standards and guidelines is to
guide social work professionals in fulfilling their professional practice
responsibilities. They also act as benchmarks that describes the nature of
services that social workers should offer. For the social work practice standards
to guide social workers in their practice, it is important for them to know what
they are meant for, and how to apply them on different situations. Working
without these guidelines can make social workers professionals not to deliver
their services in a professional manner, or not to attain the expected results.
For example if I was assisting a family to overcome a certain problem that
seem to be complicated without any practice standards to adhere to, this will
mean I will deliver the service without considering various factors that impact
the kind of results I want to attain.
GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF A PRACTICE STANDARD AND/OR DESCRIPTIVE
INDICATOR AND EXPLAIN WITH A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE HOW THIS GUIDES
PRACTICE?
One of the practice standards include cultural competence in social work
practice. This aspect is grounded in the ethics and values of the social work
profession, and builds upon the CASW code of ethics and guidelines for ethical
practice (Briskman, 2016). The purpose of these standards is to inform all
social work professionals and the general public on the best standards for
social work practice with diverse cultures. These practice standard guides are
meant to direct social workers in different aspects of their profession. For
example, they assist them to approach clients in a professional manner, assist
them to be ethical while carrying out their duties. Some examples of practice
standards comprise of standards for social work recording, standards for social
work practice supervision, standards for child custody and access assessment
among.
WHAT IS MEANT BY ‘RESPECT FOR PERSONS’?
In social work, respect for persons refers to the concept that all human beings
deserves the right to fully exercise their autonomy. Manifesting respect for
persons is a system for interaction in which one makes sure that the other

person has agency to be able to make a particular decision (MacDonald, 2016).
Respect for persons is one of the core values which social workers must adhere
to while undertaking their duties. Letting other people to express their decision
plays a significant role in making the social work services to be more effective.
For example, I let my client to give opinions concerning a particular aspect; I
will be able to know how to address a particular issue in a manner which can
deliver positive results.
DESCRIBE HOW YOU WOULD DEMONSTRATE ‘RESPECT’ FOR A CLIENT WHO
HAS PERPETRATED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE. ASSUME YOU ARE WORKING IN A
PRISON?
When working in a prison, one of the strategies that I could use to show
respect to a client who has perpetrated child sexual abuse is by using polite
language. In this case, it is important to use words which show the client that
irrespective of the crime committed, there is a room for a change and the
society needs that person. Examples of some of the polite words I would use
include, kindly, i‘m sorry, please and so forth. Dealing with a client who has
been perpetrated for child abuse can make him/her experience challenges in
expressing some of the information that may be vital in addressing his/her
problem and therefore using such words would make the person to
understand that you are not judging his/her action but trying to assist her.
EXPLAIN THE KEY POINTS OF THE SOCIAL WORK CODE OF ETHICS?
The social work code of ethics informs and guides the ethical practice of social
work professionals. The main purpose of this code is to expresses the values
and responsibilities which are essential and characterise this profession. The
main aim of this code is to help all social work professionals to behave and act
in ethically accountable manner in pursuit of the professional aims. In social
work, all professionals have an obligation to articulate their basic values,
ethical principles and standards. Articulating these factors enables a social
worker to realize various benefits while carrying out his duties. For example,
they can assist one to relate well with the client, access vital information, and
so forth
HOW MIGHT THE CODE OF ETHICS GUIDE YOU IF A CLIENT ASKS YOU TO
‘FRIEND’ THEM ON YOUR PERSONAL FACEBOOK PAGE?
When a client asks to “friend” them on my personal Facebook page, code of
ethics can assist me in deciding the kind of things to share with the clients. For

example, sharing some content like unethical pictures or videos can make me
to go against social work ethical standards and make my client to judge me
negatively. It will also assist me to handle problems shared by the clients
professionally. Because in Facebook a lot of things are shared, the code of
ethics will assist me to share things based on my professional core values in
order to make the clients to see the importance of being associated with me.
IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE THE 3 SOCIAL WORK CORE VALUES?
The three core values in social work are: respect for persons, social justice and
professional integrity (Morley, 2016). Social justice means that social workers
are supposed to pursue social change, especially with and on behalf of the
vulnerable and the oppressed people in the society. Being a social worker, one
must ensure services are given equally to the people irrespective of their social
class or any other factor that differentiate people in the society. Respect to
people means social workers must ensure all individuals are respected while
undertaking their duties. Finally, professional integrity means that social
workers behave in a trustworthy manner (Linda, 2012). Social workers should
be people who can demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality. They
also be aware of the mission, ethical principle, values and ethical standards
and practice them in a manner consistent with them. Considering this core
values can assist me in a number of ways while performing my duties. For
example, respect for person can make me to relate well with my client, social
justice can make me treat all people equally, and finally professional integrity
can assist me to behave in a manner which can make clients trust me with
information they provide
WEEK 4: SUPERVISION
WHAT IS MEANT BY SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISION AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?
Supervision is a fundamental part of reflective practice and an integral part of
social work. It provides social work professionals with the opportunity to
reflect on their practices and a chance to reflect, evaluate, discuss and come
up with innovative solutions (Weinberg, 2016). In social work, supervision
assists in developing the worker’s effectiveness and accountability. If for
example during my social work placement I get someone to supervise me, I will
learn from that person various things that I might not have known hence
improving the effectiveness of services I can deliver. Having someone to
supervise me can also make me to view their work at a different viewpoint, to
keep reflecting on my values and how they influence the work i do.

EXPLAIN HOW YOU WOULD PREPARE FOR SUPERVISION?
To prepare for supervision I would need to consider various things in order to
fully benefit from the exercise. For example, I need to first ensure I am aware
of what the supervision is meant for and what is expected of me during the
process. I also need to come up with strategies which I can use to fully benefit
from the exercise like for example identifying the areas I need to be assisted,
coming up with questions concerning the areas I need the supervisor to clarify
for me and so forth. Considering these factors will assist me to relate well with
my supervisor and also to get information which can assist me in areas that I
feel I do not understand.
WEEK 5: SYSTEMATIC ISSUE
WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE TALK ABOUT SYSTEMIC ISSUES? DISCUSS WITH
AN EXAMPLE?
Systematic issues are problems that arise as a result of issues that are intrinsic
in the overall system, rather than due to a specific person or any isolated
factor (To, 2011). Social workers who practice from a community development
should endeavour to address the systematic issues that create social problems.
Basically, systematic issues are problems that affect an entire population as a
group (Martire, 2016). One of the characteristics of these kinds of issues is that
it is not possible for a single entity to address the problem. For example, crime
is a systematic issue because it affects every person from individuals, families,
businesses, and tourism among others. Other examples of systematic
problems comprise of corruption, homelessness, poverty, violence, child
abuse, drugs and alcohol and racism among others. Others factors
that can lead to systematic issues comprise of cultural issues,
draught, religious radicalization, terrorism, tribalism especially in
societies that have different tribes and so on. Examples of systematic
issue comprise of a situation where a society live in fear due to
increased rate of rape, kidnapping, terror attacks and so forth.
WEEK 6: INTEGRATION OF THEORY WITH PRACTICE

YOU WILL BE ASKED HOW YOU WOULD APPLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TO
THE SCENARIO BELOW:
STRENGTH PERSPECTIVE
In this case, I would apply strengths perspective by analysing each person’s
ability to care for the children. Starting with Mia, she has been charged with
larceny and she was on probation for drug related offence which might lead
her to prison sentence. This means she will not be able to undertake family
responsibilities. This situation might impact James’ ability to take care for the
children solely in the fact that the situation might impact him psychologically.
Some of their children are showing significant behavioural problems and the
oldest is in trouble at school for fighting with other children.
Bearing in mind that these children have been left with MIA’s mother, there
will be problems in raising them in the required manner because she has to
keep close eye on their day to day activities to ensure they do what is right.
Mia’s mother ability to raise the children in absence of their parents is also a
problem because she must act as their mother and dad as well. Applying
strengths perspective will also assist me to identify how the depression and
anxiety condition in which Mia is at will impact her strengths to perform her
duties. In most cases, being in such situations makes one to concentrate much
on the issue that triggers the situation rather than other issues that are worth
to be given attention. If instance I was to address this issue, I would attain
positive results because strength perspective would help me to concentrate on
what triggers the problem so as to come up with perfect strategies of address
the issue.
WEEK 7 PROFESSIONAL WRITING
DISCUSS IMPORTANT FACTORS IN WRITING CASE NOTES AND EXPLAIN WHY
THEY ARE IMPORTANT?
Some of the important factors to consider in writing case notes comprise of
finding a useful format (McMahon, 2012). The format in which the case notes
are written determines various factors like how easy one can understand
them, how the user may judge them and so forth. The other factor to consider
is legal consideration. For example, every state and territory in Australia has
regulations and policies that create outline on how case notes should be
written. If for example I fail to consider writing case note based on legal
requirements of this country, I may find myself on the wrong side of the law.
The other factor to consider is ensuring good writing. In this case, various
things like proper grammar, style, and choice of words.

Some of the important factors to consider in writing a professional report
comprise of using proper grammar, format and the right choice of words
(Parrish, 2012). Sticking to the code of ethics which pertains professional
report writing is also fundamental. These factors like for example using proper
grammar and right choice of words makes the user to easily understand what
the report is meant for.
WEEK 8 CRITICALLY REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
CRITICAL REFLECTION IS AN IMPORTANT PROCESS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS.
HOW COULD YOU USE CRITICAL REFLECTION TO IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL WORK
PRACTICE ON PLACEMENT?
One of the ways in which I will use critical reflection to improve my social work
practice on placement is through reflecting on the experiences of working with
cares, identifying learning about good practice, and considering how I can use
what I have learnt to improve my practices. I will also use it to undertake
critical thinking, and analysis on things which seem to be challenging. When
dealing with difficult issues like for example in a situation where clients are not
willing to provide important information which can help me to address his
problem, I can use critical reflection to help me in identifying the best
strategies which can help me to make the client understand the importance of
giving that particular information to me. Utilizing critical reflection on
placement will assist me to make the right decisions and interventions.
CHOOSE ONE MODEL OF CRITICAL REFLECTION AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU
WOULD APPLY IT?
If was to choose one reflective model, I would choose model of critical
reflection with a practical purpose by Gibbs. To apply this model, I would start
by finding out what happened. In this case I would be able reflect on various
issues like for example the significance of the process and what I was able to
attain. The next step will be identifying my thoughts and feeling. In this case, I
will be able to reflect on how feelings and thoughts impacted the process and
how I might need to reason in future processes. I would also use critical
reflection to analyse what sense I could make from the situation, analyse what
else I could have done and finally come up with an action plan that would
assist me if similar situation arises in future.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Immigration Detention. Social Alternatives, 35(4), pp. 78-92.
Ken, M., 2016. Social Work Artfully, beyond Borders and Boundaries. Canadian
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Linda, K., 2012. Social Work in Africa: Exploring Culturally Relevant Education
and Practice in Ghana. Calgary, Alta: University of Calgary Press.
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