Social Work

SWK7025A PRACTICE EDUCATION IN SOCIAL WORK-ESSEX AND THURROCK

The programme supports experienced social work practitioners in supervising, mentoring, and assessing social work students and newly qualified social workers. Candidates will evidence the requirements of the Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS 2) and successful completion will entitle you to register as a Practice Educator with the local authority.

Candidates will, as part of the programme, act as Practice Educator for a student on a qualifying programme or a supervisor of a newly qualified social worker on the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, with the support of a mentor.

This module can be taken as a stand-alone postgraduate certificate, as part of a postgraduate diploma, or as part of the MA Advanced Social Work.

Entry Requirements

Social workers who have been qualified and practising for at least two years and can work at Masters level academically.

Learning Outcomes.

The programme will equip participants to:

Manage social work placements and create learning environments in which students can achieve the aims of their practice-based learning periods.
Support learners to evidence their capability under the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), Social Work England Professional Standards (SWEPS)and Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS), and to understand how these standards inform the work of Practice Educators.
Understand adult learning theories and apply evidence-based approaches in order to support, challenge and empower students to achieve their professional goals and requirements.
Deliver high quality reflective supervision which enables students to think critically and learn by reflecting on their practice experience.
Assess student's practice in relation to the PCF, SWEPS and KSS, and to make professional judgments about learner's performance.
Give constructive feedback and be equipped to deal with concerns, supporting students to have the best learning experience possible.
Work with students of all abilities, including those who are struggling, where it is necessary to have challenging conversations and design and implement action plans to encourage progress.
Write clear, well-evidenced placement reports with justifiable recommendations.
Demonstrate the requirements of the Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) level 2.

Teaching and Assessment

Candidates are assessed via three discrete summative assessment events. A 'pass' grade must be attained for each element.

Assignment 1.

Adult learning theory and supervision. Participants will write a brief review of literature on adult learning theory and supervision. You will then plan a supervision session to address a specific learning goal for the student, share this plan with your mentor, and make a video recording of the session. The mentor will view the recording and give written feedback. You will also view the recording and reflect on the outcome, and how your goals were achieved. You will then write a structured critique of the session, indicating how the literature on adult learning and supervision informed your practice, and on the learning you have derived from the exercise.

Assignment 2

Self-assessment report. At the end of the programme each candidate will write a self-assessment report. This will show, with reference to relevant literature, how you have achieved the four domains and values of the Practice Educator Professional Standards for Social Work, and how your practice has been informed by other social work standards such as the PCF, KSS and SWEPS.

Practice Portfolio assessment

Candidates will compile a brief portfolio containing evidence of your practical ability as a Practice Educator, including feedback from the learner, written feedback from the mentor's direct observations of your practice and their final summative report.

Programme delivery.

The programme is delivered via a blend of face to face whole-group teaching, locally based workshops, mentor support and independent study. Whole-group teaching sessions will take place in Norwich. Workshops will be in venues in Norfolk and Suffolk.

In 2020-21, due to social distancing measures currently in place, some teaching may be delivered remotely via online teaching events and workshops. In this case, candidates will be advised of the preparatory reading and exercises that will be needed, and invited to join online teaching sessions to build on the independent learning. Full details will be given in due course.

Teaching programme.

Dates and venues to be confirmed

10th September 2020

Introductory day: Whole group - 9.30 -16.30

13th/14th October 2020

Foundational skills for Practice Educators: Whole group - 2 days - 9.30 -16.30

10th November 2020

Enriching learning and managing difficulties: Whole group - 9.30 -16.30

23rd November, 26th November 2020 or 9th March 2021

Making supervision count: online workshop -half day, 10.00 - 12.00

10th December 2020

Motivation and building resilience: Whole group - 9.30 -16.30

13th January 2021

Coaching skills for Practice Educators: Whole group - 9.30 -16.30

25th January, 28th January 2021 or 27th April 2021

Power, influence and fair assessment: online workshop - half day, 10.00 - 12.00

23rd February 2021

Contemporary issues and summative report writing: Whole group - 9.30 -16.30

19th April, 22nd April 2021 or 1st July 2021

Standing by our standards: online workshop - half day, 10.00 - 12.00

Please note that mentoring fees must be met by the employer (or by the candidate) and are not included in the programme fees.

How to Apply

For employment-based applications, please contact your staff development officer.

For independent applicants, please contact the Learning and Teaching Service, Postgraduate Learning and Teaching Hub (ZICER Building): 01603 592071 or swk.pgt.hub@uea.ac.uk

Please be aware that teaching, assessment dates and venues, are subject to change.

All up to date information will be available via your UEA Evision account once you are enrolled onto the module.