Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Social Work

A map of the BSW curriculum showing courses and their learning outcomes.

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Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Social Work by Mind Map: Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Social Work

1. Level 5

1.1. 77120 Te Ao Maori

1.1.1. 1. Discuss the context in which Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi was signed, including the pre and post colonial history of Aotearoa New Zealand and the process and impact of colonisation.

1.1.2. 2. Discuss the unique place of Māori as Tangata Whenua, the concept of biculturalism, Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, and subsequent Treaty principles.

1.1.3. 3. Use beginner level te reo Māori terms and pronunciation.

1.1.4. 4. Describe key protocols (ngā tikanga me ngākawa) to ensure respectful participation on marae and in Māori cultural spaces of significance.

1.1.5. 5. Discuss Māori perspectives on family and kinship, health and wellbeing and the implications for social work practice.

1.2. 77121 Psychology for Human Services

1.2.1. 1. Identify and explain key theories, concepts and ideas from individual and social psychology.

1.2.2. 2. Discuss how key theories, concepts and ideas from individual and social psychology can be applied in the context of the human services.

1.2.3. 3. Explain the significance of psychological theory for understanding positive mental health and interventions to promote wellbeing.

1.2.4. 4. Describe the significance of the concept of culture, and cultural diversity for human psychology.

1.3. 73198 Human Development

1.3.1. 1. Identify major theories and models of human development, including indigenous models.

1.3.2. 2. Apply major theories and models of development across a lifespan

1.3.3. 3. Discuss the relationship between culture and human development

1.3.4. 4. Identify a range of research methodologies and the appropriate context for their use.

1.4. 73130 Communication & Relationship Management

1.4.1. 1. Show an understanding of how their own interpersonal communication style reflects key principles of effective communication.

1.4.2. 2. Describe the impact of, and be responsive to, the effect of culture (e.g. gender, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, disability, social group) on relationships and communication.

1.4.3. 3. Identify and use communication methods that are appropriate for the context and intended outcomes of the interaction.

1.5. 74111 Aotearoa NZ Society

1.5.1. 1. Outline and explain core social scientific concepts.

1.5.2. 2. Critically apply social scientific concepts - class, gender, ethnicity, representation, power and identity - to the New Zealand context.

1.5.3. 3. Analyse issues of social, historical and cultural change in post-war New Zealand society.

1.6. 77122 Professional SW Practice

1.6.1. 1. Discuss the origins, development and the indigenous and bicultural context of social work and community development in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relationship with international social work practice.

1.6.2. 2. Discuss professionalism, professional regulation and accountability in the context of the “risk society”.

1.6.3. 3. Describe the types of knowledge, skills, values and ethical frameworks for professional social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1.6.4. 4. Describe the legislative framework underpinning social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand including obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

1.6.5. 5. Discuss the diverse organisational, social and cultural contexts for social work and community development practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1.6.6. 6. Explain the purposes of professional supervision and reflective, self-aware practice.

1.6.7. 7. Formulate information search questions, identify relevant sources and find needed information.

2. Level 6

2.1. 77221 Exploring Professional Practice

2.1.1. 1. Use skills in communication, interviewing and reflective practice in a helping context.

2.1.2. 2. Discuss the relationship between their personal values and the values and ethical frameworks of professional social work.

2.1.3. 3. Reflect on social work practice from the point of view of social and community work managers, practitioners and users of social and community work services.

2.1.4. 4. Consider their own suitability for a career in social work by undertaking a self-assessment using evidence ­– including feedback from others – to identify areas of strength and show awareness of self-limitations.

2.2. 77220 Social Work Theory, Models and Processes

2.2.1. 1. Assess and evaluate the application of particular social work practice theories and methods to particular practice situations including individual, group and community contexts.

2.2.2. 2. Select and apply the skills and processes associated with different phases of the helping relationship: engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

2.2.3. 3. Assess risk and propose approaches to managing risk in social work practice situations.

2.3. 77222 Fields of Practice

2.3.1. 1. Assess the opportunities and constraints associated with social work practice in different practice settings including whānau, iwi and hapu-based social service organisations.

2.3.2. 2. Compare and contrast the key practice issues and specialist practice models associated with social work with different communities and groups of service users.

2.3.3. 3. Propose ways of challenging stigma, discrimination and prejudice associated with diverse social identities, stages in the lifespan, or health and disability issues.

2.4. 73221 Child and Adolescent Issues

2.4.1. 1. Critically analyse a range of issues involving children, adolescents and their families/whānau.

2.4.2. 2. Discuss ethical and legal issues that impact on work with children and adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand.

2.4.3. 3. Describe key agencies/organisations and systems that have a role in addressing some of the issues experienced by children, adolescents and their families/whānau.

2.5. 73223 Understanding Mental Health

2.5.1. 1.Investigate and analyse the causes of a range of psychological disorders using recognised paradigms and have a critical understanding of issues in diagnosis and assessment of these disorders.

2.5.2. 2. Apply knowledge of current approaches for working with service users.

2.5.3. 3. Synthesise knowledge of the organisations and professional roles typically working with mental health service users and their legal and ethical responsibilities.

2.6. 77225 Becoming Professional: Practicum 1

2.6.1. 1. Use professional skills in communication, engagement and assessment to promote positive outcomes for individuals, groups or communities.

2.6.2. 2. Identify and explain the social work practice theory, models and approaches used to inform own social work practice with individuals, groups or communities.

2.6.3. 3. Manage practice safely and accountably working within relevant organisational protocols.

2.6.4. 4. Write professional reports and maintain accurate records assuring client confidentiality and privacy and making referrals to other agencies as appropriate.

2.6.5. 5. Make positive use of professional supervision to reflect on practice, discuss ethical issues and develop awareness of the use of self.

2.6.6. 6. Actively promote the kawa whakaruruhau (cultural safety) of clients and colleagues and apply principles of bicultural social work practice.

2.6.7. 7. Identify the legislative framework underpinning practice situations and discuss associated ethical issues.

2.6.8. 8. Adhere to the SWRB code of conduct and the code of ethics of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers.

2.6.9. 9. Make plans for continuing professional development.

2.6.10. 10. Analyse, organise and apply research findings.

3. Level 7

3.1. 77328 Working with Older People

3.1.1. 1. Analyse the implications of social and demographic changes for the health and wellbeing of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

3.1.2. 2. Critically review contemporary developments in social and health care policy for older people.

3.1.3. 3. Assess the physical, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs of an older person(s) and the impact of ageism and elder abuse on their health and wellbeing.

3.1.4. 4. Propose and evaluate social work practices that empower and promote the independence, health and wellbeing of older people while balancing autonomy and managing risk.

3.2. 77329 Working with Communities

3.2.1. 1. Identify and analyse practices to improve community engagement and the responsiveness of public agencies to community need.

3.2.2. 2. Plan and evaluate approaches to community capacity building and the activities, resources and supports required to strengthen the skills and confidence of community groups to take effective action for community development.

3.2.3. 3. Propose and assess methods and processes for undertaking community-led research and evaluation.

3.3. 77331 Family and Whanau Dynamics

3.3.1. 1. Analyse the dynamics of family and whānau taking into account community, social, economic, cultural and spiritual factors.

3.3.2. 2. Critically assess protective and risk factors for family and whānau including risks from child abuse, neglect and family violence.

3.3.3. 3. Propose positive strengths–based approaches to supporting, promoting and protecting family and whānau wellbeing.

3.4. 77332 Social Work, the Law and Ethical Decision Making

3.4.1. 1. Critically analyse ethical and cultural issues, dilemmas and conflicts in social work practice situations.

3.4.2. 2. Evaluate the practice implications of relevant legislation for particular practice situations.

3.4.3. 3. Demonstrate an awareness of different cultural perspectives, including Māori perspectives on legal and ethical decision-making in social work contexts.

3.4.4. 4. 1. Use evidence to construct arguments for legally and ethically defensible decisions in complex practice situations.

3.5. 77333 Organisation, Management and Interprofessional Practice

3.5.1. 1. Propose improvements to interprofessional and interagency practice to achieve positive outcomes for service users.

3.5.2. 2. Analyse the impact of governance, management and leadership on achieving positive outcomes for service users and managing change in human service organisations.

3.5.3. 3. Analyse the impact of governance, management and leadership on achieving positive outcomes for service users and managing change in human service organisations.

3.5.4. 4. Critically evaluate the impact of different organisational arrangements to promote Treaty of Waitangi/Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and tino rangatiratanga.

3.6. 77334 Social Justice, Social Policy and Social Problems

3.6.1. 1. Plan and propose tactics and strategies to empower service users, promote social justice and advocate social change.

3.6.2. 2. Analyse the relationship between private troubles and public issues, and the development of social policy responses to social problems over time.

3.6.3. 3. Critically evaluate contemporary social justice and human rights issues in Aotearoa New Zealand including the rights of Tangata Whenua as indigenous people.

3.7. 77330 Culturally Relevant Social Work Practice

3.7.1. 1. Respectfully demonstrate confident use of te reo, kawa, and tikanga ā-rohe (Māori language and customs local to you) in relationships with mana whenua.

3.7.2. 2. Critically apply approaches for working with tangata whenua to promote wellbeing for whānau, hapū and iwi.

3.7.3. 3. Critically apply approaches for working with tagata pasifika to promote wellbeing for Pasifika families and their communities.

3.7.4. 4. Critically evaluate personal and professional development towards relevant intra-culturally and inter-culturally competent social work practice.

3.8. 77335 Critical Practice: Practicum 2

3.8.1. 1. Use professional skills in communication, engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation to promote positive outcomes for individuals/groups/communities taking into account the individual, social and cultural differences of service users.

3.8.2. 2. Write professional reports and maintain accurate records assuring service user confidentiality and privacy and making referrals to other agencies as appropriate.

3.8.3. 3. Articulate evidence-based and ethically defensible plans to inform professional judgements and promote positive outcomes for individuals/groups/communities.

3.8.4. 4. Manage practice safely and accountably working within relevant organisational protocols and proposing ways to improve safe and accountable practice.

3.8.5. 5. Actively promote the kawa whakaruruhau (cultural safety) of service users and colleagues, apply principles of bicultural social work practice, and challenge prejudice and discrimination.

3.8.6. 6. Adhere to the SWRB code of conduct and the code of ethics of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers.

3.8.7. 7. Make positive use of professional supervision to reflect on practice, discuss ethical issues, and develop critical awareness of own abilities and level of professional competence.

3.8.8. 8. Make plans for continuing professional development.

3.8.9. 9. Critically evaluate the social work practice theory, models and approaches used to inform own social work practice with individuals, groups or communities.

3.8.10. 10. Critically assess the policy and legislative framework underpinning practice situations and identify ways to promote socially just outcomes.

3.8.11. 11. Critically appraise research including ethical and cultural considerations.