Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner

Student Name: Click here to enter text. Field Educator Name: Click here to enter text.Agency Name: Click here to enter text. Social Work Field Educator

(External) (if applicable)Click here to enter text.

Semester: Click here to enter text. Date: Click here to enter a date.Unit Code: Click here to enter text. Placement hrs. to complete: Click here to enter text.Professional Learning The My Professional Learning Tool forms the ‘road map’ towards developing your professional identity as a Social Worker. In simple terms, it should guide you in developing a strong understanding of yourself, because “before you can understand others, you need to have a strong sense and understanding of yourself”. In getting to know yourself you are encouraged to consider:

What do I already contribute to social work practice? (i.e. Self-assessment of experiences/knowledge/skills) What areas of practice/skills/knowledge do I want to further develop? (i.e. Learning goals) How can I develop these areas of practice/skills/knowledge? (i.e. Learning activities and actions) Who can support me in these activities, and when do I expect them to be completed by? (i.e. Resources and

People supporting you and Timeframes) How will I know I am ‘safe’ to practice, as an ethical and quality Social Worker? (i.e. Evidence of your Learning

and Understanding of the AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics)

My Professional Learning Tool is designed to not only guide all your learning on placement, but also to capture the evidence of your development towards becoming a professional Social Worker. This is your personal document, so it needs to be unique to you and your context:

Use language that is simple, practical and most importantly, makes sense to you; Identify learning goals that are meaningful to you; Identify learning goals that are relevant to your placement context; and Identify what you have learnt to date in your degree that you would like to apply or build on in a ‘real life work

context’.Placement is a transformational learning experience where you will discover new aspects of yourself. Many students experience significant personal growth and find they are different people by the end of the placement. My Professional Learning Tool is designed to capture and document this amazing journey of self-discovery and growth.

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My Professional

Identity

What experiences, knowledge

and skills do I already

have?

What areas of practice do I need to

develop further?

How can I develop

these areas of practice?

Who will support my learning?

How will I know I am

'safe to practice'?

QUT SWHS Field Education Bachelor/Masters of Social WorkProfessional Learning Tool

Placement Details

The following process is suggested as a guide around how you may document your Professional Learning throughout Placement:

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First 2 WeeksBecome familiar with your Placement

Context (E.g. Complete Induction activities; meet people; learn about the client group and services; staff

roles; and so on)

Week 2Combine what you know about

yourself and the placement context, and identify areas of practice you want

to develop further. Discuss this with your Field Educator in terms of

activities and opportunities available in the placement context.

Week 3-4Identify your 3-5 Overall Learning

Goals and enter into your PLT. Complete the Activities sections of the

PLT under each practice standard. Review and discuss with your Field

educator. Send a draft of your PLT to your Liaison Visitor prior to meeting

with them.

Week 4Discuss your draft of your PLT with your Liaison Visitor at your meeting with them. (This is around Week 3-4)

WeeklyEvery week, update your PLT,

particularly your evidence of learning and understanding around the 8

Practice Standards and linking theory to practice.

OngoingRegularly review and discuss your

Professional Learning goals, evidence, challenges and

opportunities with your Field educator (e.g. Make this a standard agenda item

in your Supervision sessions)

Mid PlacementComplete the Mid Placement

Assessment of Learning Report with your field educator referring to your PLT to support how you are tracking against your learning goals. Update

your PLT to address the gaps, achievements, etc. identified.

Ongoing and End of PlacementContinue with Regular Reviews.

Complete the Final Assessment of Learning Report with your field

educator, using the PLT to guide your evidence applicable to each Practice

Standard.

Next Placement/Beyond Graduation

Use your PLT to inform ongoing professional development

NB. Evidence of Learning will be critical in completing future job

applications.

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4

5

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3

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3-5 Overall Learning Goals for Placement

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Practice Standard 1: Values and EthicsI aim to demonstrate that the values of social work are integral to my practice and that I uphold the ethical responsibilities and act appropriately when faced with ethical problems, issues and dilemmas.

YOUR LEARNING ACTIVITIES1.1 Practice in Accordance with the Code of Ethics What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this

area?To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate understanding of a social justice and human rights framework to be able to practice from a social justice and human rights framework?

o Demonstrate understanding of empowerment in practice and demonstrate ability to facilitate people’s empowerment?

o Identify social systems and structures that preserve inequalities and injustices within my practice context?

o Critically reflect on policies and practices that are oppressive and demonstrate understanding of potential strategies that would address these oppressive policies and practices?

o Demonstrate good knowledge and uphold ethical responsibilities relevant to others, the social work profession and in the workplace?

1.2 Managing ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

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o Identify and critically reflect on ethical dilemmas, drawing on the AASW and organisation’s code of ethics?

o Raise ethical issues/dilemmas with relevant parties and actively participate in achieving a solution?

o Consult my field educator and/or relevant manager when faced with an ethical dilemma or issue?

o Report to my field educator or an appropriate person if I have identified being in a position which contravenes ethical principles outlined in the AASW and Organisation’s code of ethics?

o Demonstrate critical reflection when examining personal and professional ethics and values that influence my and others’ practice?

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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Practice Standard 2: ProfessionalismI aim to demonstrate active promotion and support of the social work profession, act with integrity and ensure accountability.

YOUR LEARNING ACTIVITIES2.1 Represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate and articulate understanding of the role and value of social work in the community?

o Articulate the values, processes and outcomes of social work and how they are applied to different practice contexts?

o Demonstrate language and behaviour consistent with social work values, responsibilities and objectives in my role as a student practitioner?

2.2 Behave in a professional manner and be accountable for all actions and decisions

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Advise clients of feedback/complaint processes/mechanisms?o Demonstrate ability to maintain appropriate professional/personal

boundaries, which includes discussing these with my field educators?o Identify and declare conflict of interest when they arise or are likely to

arise?o Maintain confidentiality and understand the legal limits to confidentiality

within the context of my placement agency and more broadly?o Recognise when personal factors or issues impact on my professional

practice and seek support in relation to this?o Justify all decisions, recommendations and actions?o Recognise the limits to knowledge, skills and practice competence as

they arise?o Seek support and information or refer to field educator or other workers

when my professional capabilities are exceeded?Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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Practice Standard 3: Culturally Responsive and Inclusive PracticeI aim to demonstrate adequate understanding and knowledge of cultural diversity in order to work in a culturally responsive and inclusive way.

YOUR LEARNING ACTIVITIES3.1 Work respectfully and inclusively with cultural difference and diversity

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate knowledge and openness to knowledge and understanding of diversity between and within different cultures including ethnicity, disability, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faiths and beliefs?

o Demonstrate language and behaviour that is respectful to all culturally diverse groups?

o Demonstrate understanding of the complexity of cultural identities and how this impacts on practice?

o Creatively adapt my practice to work effectively and inclusively with people who have different and diverse cultural identities, values, affiliations, beliefs and customs?

o Engage in continuing professional development, supervision/cultural supervision and critical reflection; consult with relevant community members and professionals; and engage in collaborative learning and research to enhance knowledge and practice in working with culturally diverse groups?

o Critically reflect on own personal values, cultures and beliefs and how these impact on interactions with people, community members and colleagues and in working with organisational policies and practices; and seek supervision or consultation as appropriate?

o Identify discriminatory and oppressive practice and policies with respect to culturally diverse people, and/or develop strategies to respond to these practices/policies where appropriate and where possible, including reflection and discussions with my field educator?

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3.2 Respect, strive to understand and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate knowledge and/or behaviour that acknowledge the strengths, capacities and contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to society?

o Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity among, and differences between, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout Australia?

o Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and practices in a local context?

o Engage in continuing professional development around my understanding to work safely and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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Practice Standard 4: Knowledge for PracticeI aim to demonstrate that I have and will obtain the required knowledge for effective practice.

YOUR LEARNING ACTIVITIES4.1 Understands higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate understanding of social work practice on the broader systemic level in relation to my practice context?

o Demonstrate knowledge of referral pathways within the agency – both internal and external?

o Critically analyse the structure of society with respect to power and disadvantage including the influence of gender, age, ability, sexuality, ethnicity and economic disadvantage and demonstrating this through my discussions and actions?

o Demonstrate awareness of social, political, legal, cultural and organisational contexts and systems and how they impact on people?

o Demonstrate understanding and awareness of policy, including organisational policy, relevant to the practice context and how this impacts on people?

o Demonstrate understanding and awareness of changes in society, demography and culture and how this impacts on the social work profession and people within my placement context and more broadly?

o Demonstrate understanding of relevant legislation governing practice and the legal frameworks which inform and mandate the practice context I am working in?

o Critically analyse policies, systems and structures that contravene social work values and do not prioritise the interests of people, groups, communities and wider society, and discuss these with my field educator to identify the challenges and mechanisms of influencing policy change?

o Identify policies that will promote and prioritise the values of social justice and human rights within the agency context?

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4.2 Understand and articulates social work and other relevant theories and concepts

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate a critical understanding of social work specific theories relevant to the placement context?

o Draw on and articulate relevant knowledge from other relevant disciplines to be able to best meet the needs of the placement ‘client’ group (e.g. psychological theory, anthropology, law etc.)?

o Demonstrate understanding of theories of systems, human behaviour and development, personality development and life cycle stages?

4.3 Understands the roles of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Proactively seek out new knowledge relevant to my placement context?o Seek the feedback of service users in relation to my involvement?o Demonstrate understanding of research methodologies that may apply to

the placement context?o Identify, critically analyse and discuss limitations to research and findings

being applied in the practice context?o Distinguish and evaluate various sources of knowledge, including practice

evidence; practice experience; personal and community knowledge and experience; research evidence; organisational and policy knowledge; and legal and ethical knowledge to help inform practice and decision making?

o If relevant to placement context, demonstrate ability in presenting research in a professional manner? (e.g. seminars, placement workshops, group supervision, journal club etc.)

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4.4 Understand and articulate how and when theories, knowledge bases and knowledge sources inform practice.

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Develop my emerging practice framework that articulates my core personal and professional values, key theories, sources of knowledge, skills and methods of practice I draw on?

o Appropriately and critically identify and discuss my practice approach and the theoretical/ conceptual underpinnings that inform my practice approach?

o Identify, describe, analyse and apply current research evidence, methodology and approaches to my placement context?

o Demonstrate understanding of the principles, framework and relevant legislation of the placement context’s area of practice? (organisational context framework)

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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Practice Standard 5: Applying Knowledge to PracticeI aim to demonstrate effective social work skills as required to implement knowledge into practice.

YOUR LEARNING GOALS5.1 Conduct an assessment and analysis of needs to inform the service being offered

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Undertake an effective and holistic assessment by gathering relevant information appropriate to the person/organisation and practice context? (note this can include assessments of clients/situations you are shadowing or observing)

o Assess the nature and level of risk to people, if any, and effectively identify these as part of the overall assessment?

o Identify relevant theories, research and knowledge that inform and support my assessment?

5.2 Work collaboratively with relevant people What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Facilitate people to identify their own needs in a respectful and safe way?o Demonstrate support around people’s decision-making regarding service/s

they want to assist in meeting their needs, taking into account any limitations to their capability, their voluntary/involuntary status and the choices available?

o Work with other agencies, teams and across jurisdictions at a practice/service level in relation to my practice context?

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5.3 Uses a range of specific social work methods and techniques appropriate to area of practice

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Select an appropriate method/s of practice relevant to my practice context to address and meet the needs, goals and preferences of individuals, families, groups and communities, taking into account best available research evidence for the field of practice?

o Demonstrate skill and understanding in the chosen method/s or techniques, including increasing level of skill and understanding?

o Identify systemic and policy injustices and potential actions to address these injustices in relation to my practice context? (i.e. social action, advocacy; research and evaluation)

o Demonstrate research skills for example undertaking relevant literature reviews; reviewing journal articles, data collection; analysis and dissemination; and evaluation as relevant to my practice context?

5.4 Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Critically reflect on and evaluate practice with a particular focus on principles of self-determination, empowerment, inclusion, equality, human rights and social justice?

o Critically reflect on the role of social work, paying particular attention to power imbalances, professional boundaries, use of authority in statutory positions and work with people who are using services involuntarily?

o Critically reflect on evaluation undertaken of practice at individual, program, organisational or policy level within my practice context?

o Critically reflect on the broader organisational, societal and political context as it applies to my area of practice?

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

Practice Standard 6: Communication and Interpersonal SkillsI aim to demonstrate the skills required to communicate and work effectively with others.

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YOUR LEARNING GOALS6.1 Effectively communicate with a diverse range of people What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this

area?To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication with individuals, community members, colleagues and relevant others?

o Adapt communication forms and styles to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people?

o Demonstrate conflict management, mediation and negotiation skills when appropriate to achieve the best outcomes?

6.2 Effectively communicate the details and nature of the service offered to people

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Engage and include people in decision making processes that affect them as far as possible, including those using services involuntarily?

o Effectively inform people of policies and procedures of the service being offered?

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6.3 Effectively work with others in a team environment What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Contribute discipline specific social work values, principles and practice to team activities, particularly in multidisciplinary environments?

o Relate to all colleagues with respect, integrity and courtesy?o Demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with other

professionals/disciplines when undertaking practice to improve service provision?

o Proactively and respectfully seek to resolve conflict with colleagues?6.4 Use information technology to communicate and provide services as appropriate

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate skill in the use of information technology relevant to practice area?

o Identify when it is appropriate to communicate with service users and colleagues in an online environment?

o Identify ethical considerations with respect to using online communication and social media for service provision including confidentiality, privacy and professional boundaries and addresses these appropriately?

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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Practice Standard 7: Information Recording and SharingI aim to demonstrate accountability and responsibility for the information I collect and keep in the course of my work.

YOUR LEARNING GOALS7.1 Record and manage information appropriately What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my

learning in this area?To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Inform people of social work records and the purpose for which a record is made and kept?

o Inform people who will/may have access to their record and why?o Advise people of how to access their records?o Write information in an accurate, objective and professional manner,

acknowledging the basis of any subjective opinions and providing rationale for any assessments or recommendations?

7.2 Keep and maintain information in accordance with ethical principles and relevant legislation

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour around confidentiality, informed consent and accountable information gathering and keeping?

o Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of appropriate and ethical storage of all records?

o Demonstrate understanding of the relevant legislation and policies regarding record keeping in relation to my practice context?

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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Practice Standard 8: Professional Development and SupervisionI aim to demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning through continuing professional development and supervision.

YOUR LEARNING GOALS8.1 Actively participate in professional supervision What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this

area?To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Articulate the role, purpose and function of supervision and the importance of seeking supervision?

o Actively engage in professional supervision, both informal and formal while on placement?

o Actively seek feedback, mentoring, support and constructive criticism to continuously improve my practice?

o Demonstrate the ability to engage in critical reflective practice in supervision and in practice, including the completion of two process recordings and three written reflections to be discussed in supervision throughout my placement?

8.2 Engage in continuing professional development as outlined in the AASW continuing professional development requirements

What tasks and opportunities will facilitate or support my learning in this area?

To assist with developing your learning goals in relation to becoming a lifelong learner think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:

o Critically review and reflect on learning plan, identifying gaps and needs for further attention?

o Identify and seek out opportunities for further training and development while on my placement including through supervision?

o Review relevant research in the placement agency’s field of practice?

Notes: Recording your daily learnings here and how they relate to this practice standard

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