Bachelor of Social Work
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Social Work
Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Work is to train learners to act as advocates and catalysts for social change within society. Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
- Improve socio-economic structures and enhance social functioning for all, including vulnerable groups.
- Address consequences of social inequality, exclusion, poverty, and marginalization.
- Interpret, implement, and apply South African social welfare policies to address developmental challenges.
- Serve as change agents to empower individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate within the social work landscape.
- Analyze the evolution of the social work profession and its impact on social welfare service delivery.
- Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
- Implement relevant policies and legislation to address social needs.
- Promote and restore social functioning in individuals and communities.
- Analyze human diversity to address social inequalities.
- Analyze roles and functions of supervision, management, and administration in social services.
- Conduct social work research and apply ethical principles in practice.
- Work effectively in teams and communicate effectively.
The ultimate goal of the qualification is to enable graduates to enhance the quality of life for all through social development and transformation.
Rationale
- There is a national need for more trained social workers in various South African settings.
- Social Worker is considered an occupation in high demand.
- Social work plays a crucial role in addressing social and economic disadvantages in under-served communities.
- The qualification aims to produce skilled social work professionals to address the needs of South Africans.
- Challenges such as social cohesion, poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence necessitate well-trained social workers.
- The qualification aligns with national skills development strategies and the National Development Plan 2030.
- It aims to develop a skilled workforce to address societal challenges and promote social change.
- Stakeholder consultations informed the development of the qualification to meet industry needs.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to analyse the evolution of the social work profession in South Africa as well as internationally, and its influence on social welfare service delivery.
- Demonstrate the ability to solve problems using critical and creative thinking within the context of the social work profession.
- Implement relevant national, regional, continental, and international policies, charters, conventions, treaties, declarations, and legislation to address major social needs and issues in the South African social welfare context.
- Promote, restore, and maintain the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities to enable them to prevent and alleviate distress, accomplish tasks, and use resources effectively.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyse behaviour regarding the intersections of human diversity to address structural and social inequalities.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the roles, functions, principles and characteristics of supervision, management, and administration within social service delivery social inequalities.
- Conduct and utilise social work research according to accepted research protocols. Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information.
- Critically reflect on and apply ethical principles in the social work context.
- Work effectively as a social worker with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community within the context of the social work profession.
- Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Describe and compare social welfare and social work in terms of historical development, socio-economic, and political influences.
- Analyse key elements, functions, principles, differences, and similarities of social welfare and social work.
- Examine various models of social welfare in terms of impact on social service delivery.
- Describe core characteristics, qualities, and values of the social work profession and individual social workers.
- Evaluate the relationship between social work and other social service professions in terms of roles, responsibilities, and functions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Solve familiar and unfamiliar problems through the critical application of advanced knowledge and skills in social work.
- Propose problem-solving approaches that demonstrate an understanding of interconnected systems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution.
- Evaluate the relationship between the values and principles of the Bill of Rights and the social work profession.
- Identify and critique the social worker's role in protecting and promoting human rights.
- Outline relevant resources available to social workers for human rights protection.
- Describe the structure, roles, and functions of each sphere of government in providing social welfare services.
- Analyse relevant legislation, charters, conventions, treaties, and declarations on social welfare policy and social work practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Establish and maintain professional relationships based on social work principles, values, and ethics.
- Conduct client assessments and develop intervention plans based on holistic assessments.
- Utilize technological tools to enhance social service delivery.
- Work within a team approach in social work services.
- Maintain client systems' files and evaluate intervention outcomes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Target specific social issues for intervention.
- Engage people as change agents, advocates, and lobbyists.
- Analyse social differentiation, stratification, and access to power and resources.
- Assess the impact of socio-political ideology and funding policies on organisational functioning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Articulate roles and responsibilities of supervisee and supervisor.
- Analyse transitions from supervisee to supervisor roles.
- Discuss different models of supervision and consultation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Apply knowledge and skills in social work research in developing research reports.
- Formulate research proposals and integrate social science theory in research projects.
- Implement quantitative and qualitative research paradigms, designs, and data analysis methods.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Work with diversity and promote social justice.
- Uphold personal ethical and professional behaviour.
- Manage information confidentially.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage personal activities efficiently and effectively.
- Develop data management systems for safekeeping of files.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Present research project results using appropriate language and technology.
- Communicate complex concepts clearly.
- Use standard referencing styles and academic writing norms.
- Present statistical results convincingly.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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University of Mpumalanga
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.