2017-18 (Term 1 Start) SK6204 Social Work with Adults

This is a third year optional module that will help students to acquire the knowledge, skills and thinking that are necessary for working with adults in a range of social care settings. Legislative updates will be integrated into the course materials where relevant.
The module begins by exploring policy developments and the shift in values, ethics and language regarding adults requiring social care services. Throughout the course we will discuss the topics in the context of a range of lived experiences, which include factors around race, sexuality, culture, gender, age, class, poverty and disability; as well as the intersectionality of these.
To assist students on placement, early on in the course there is a specific focus on safeguarding, mental capacity and assessments across a range of social care settings. Communication is a powerful social work tool and throughout this module there is an emphasis on understanding and overcoming barriers of communication in adult social care practice.
The module draws on valuable contributions from the real life experiences of adults, who themselves have had cause to use adult services. Students are encouraged to reflect on the approaches to the provision of support services. The material used throughout the module is designed to elicit reflective, critical and anti-discriminatory thinking when working with adults, both on an individual and a wider organisational level. As the course proceeds, there will be a specific focus on main areas of social care settings including but not limited to: those diagnosed with a learning disability, physical disability, those diagnosed with a mental health problem, older persons, and those who use substances. We will also consider transitions between children and adult services.
The sessions will be in the style of a workshop, which will combine a lecture with a seminar. Sessions will incorporate interactive exercises designed to stimulate reflection, challenge thinking and enhance understanding of practice situations and experiences. Students will be provided with reading tasks a week ahead in preparation for the sessions.
It is hoped that students enjoy the module. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Primary Instructor: Jacqueline Harry, Simon Lynn