Bachelor of Social Work
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Programme
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme is designed to meet the core purposes of Social work which are embedded in the following internationally accepted definition of the discipline and profession: The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. It utilises theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work and intervenes at the point where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work [International Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work, 2000]. The BSW curriculum is in line with the programme goals and the purposes of the Qualification, which are to equip learners with the following:
- Skills to challenge structural sources of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and exclusion.
- Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social systems and the skills to intervene at the points where people interact with their environments in order to promote social well-being.
- Ability and competence to assist and empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to enhance their social functioning and their problem-solving capacities.
- Ability to promote, restore, maintain and enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities by enabling them to accomplish tasks, prevent and alleviate distress and use resources effectively.
- An understanding of and the ability to demonstrate Social Work values and the principles of human rights and social justice while interacting with and assisting the range of human diversity.
- Understanding and ability to provide social work services towards protecting people who are vulnerable, at-risk and unable to protect themselves.
- Knowledge and understanding of both the South African and the global welfare context and the ability to implement the social development approach in Social Work services.
- Understanding of the major social needs, issues, policies and legislation in the South African Social Welfare context and the Social Worker's role and contribution.
- Skills to work effectively within teams, including social work teams, multi-and inter-disciplinary teams as well as multi-sectoral teams.
The characteristics and needs of professional education are catered for in the design of the programme, in that students understand the profession for which they are being trained. The curriculum design is very explicit on the knowledge and skills/competences to be achieved by students, and the importance of the ethical conduct in the profession is adequately communicated to the students.
Rationale:
In 2007 the University of Venda, in line with a directive from the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), introduced the new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree, which is based on the 27 Exit Level Outcomes. The BSW programme was approved by the relevant university structures, such as the School Board, Senate and the University Council. The BSW is designed to meet the needs of the social welfare and social services sector. The BSW programme is accredited by the South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), a professional body that regulates the training and practice of social work in South Africa, in terms of the Social Services Professions Act 110 of 1978.
The candidates of the BSW will operate in various employment opportunities as a Social Worker, Programme Manager, Lecturer and etc. As stated, this is a professional qualification. The needs of South Africa and employers demand that Social Workers are well grounded in general practice with knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of settings. Social workers are equipped to deal with many of the consequences of social inequality, poverty and marginalisation. These include, amongst others, high levels of unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. Because, Social Work profession in South Africa was declared as a scarce skill by government, the University of Venda sees itself as playing a part in the alleviation of the shortage of Social Workers. The majority of students are on the National Department of Social Development (DSD) scholarship and upon completion they are required to work for DSD. However, some candidates take employment opportunities in Non-Government Opportunities (NGO's), Academia, National and Provincial Departments of Social Development, Health as well as Correctional Services.
Outcomes
- Develop and maintain professional social work relationships with client systems. Range: Includes individuals, families, groups, communities and organisations.
- Assess client systems' social functioning. Range: Social functioning includes roles, needs, interactions, strengths, challenges and aspirations.
- Plan and implement appropriate social work intervention strategies and techniques at micro, mezzo and macro levels. Range: Micro level refers to the individual, family and small, informal group. Mezzo level refers to formal organisations, groups and networks. Macro level includes broader levels of community and society as well as international and global spheres.
- Access and utilise resources appropriate to client systems' needs and strengths. Range: Resources may include physical, financial, technological, material and social, as well as relevant professionals and persons.
- Evaluate the outcomes of Social Work intervention strategies, techniques and processes.
- Terminate social work intervention.
- Negotiate and utilise contracts during Social Work intervention.
- Demonstrate social work values while interacting with human diversity. Range: Human diversity Includes race, culture, religion, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, political orientation, age, differential abilities, and socio- economic status.
- Appraise and implement the ethical principles and values of Social Work.
- Use, plan and execute Social Work Research. Range: Includes knowledge and appropriate application of the various research designs and methodologies used.
- Work effectively with Social Workers and members of inter-sectoral and multi- and/or inter- disciplinary teams in social service delivery.
- Identify, select and implement various techniques, methods and means of raising awareness, developing critical consciousness about the structural forces of oppression, exclusion and disempowerment, and use such awareness to engage people as change agents.
- Analyse human behaviour with regard to the intersections of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, differential abilities and sexual orientation.
- Critically appraise Social Welfare and Social Work from a global, regional (African) and national perspective.
- Critically appraise the current status and position of the Social Work profession within the South African Welfare context.
- Apply and uphold the basic values and principles enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution in relation to Social Work service delivery.
- Elucidate national, provincial and local governance structures, and the general laws and charters governing social welfare policy and social work services in South Africa. Range: Relevant sections include the Non-Profit Organisations' Act, the Social Services Professions Act, the National Advisory Council's Act, the Social Assistance Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Skills Development Act, the Labour Relations Act and Agreements such as the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
- Demonstrate understanding of how Social Policies and Legislation on Social Issues impact on these issues and how to use legislation ethically and accountably in order to protect and improve the quality of life of client systems from a social work perspective. Range: Pertinent social issues may include poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, child abuse and neglect, drug abuse, disabilities, domestic violence, prostitution, compulsive gambling, crime and housing.
- Demonstrate understanding of how Social Welfare Policy and Legislation are developed and influenced.
- Demonstrate understanding of the roles, functions, knowledge and skills for effective Social Work supervision and consultation.
- Demonstrate understanding of roles, functions, principles and characteristics of management and administration within social service delivery.
- Formulate a business plan for the funding of social services.
- Identify the influence of the relationship between socio-political and economic factors on social services.
- Demonstrate understanding of the roles and functions of the Social Worker within relevant statutory frameworks.
- Identify how social security is used optimally for the benefit of client systems.
- Identify the purpose, functions and principles of Social Work within the social development paradigm.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Professional relationships are purposefully founded on knowledge of and insight into the nature of client systems and their dynamics.
- Professional relationships are characterised by the purposeful implementation of social work principles at various levels.
- Professional relationships demonstrate an understanding of ethical parameters.
- Enabling environments are created for client systems to develop their full capacity.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Assessments reflect comprehensive analysis of client systems' needs and strengths.
- Analyses reflect the application of appropriate theoretical frameworks.
- Assessments demonstrate the use of Social Work tools and data.
- Assessments consider the influence of social circumstances and systems on client functioning.
- Holistic approach to client systems' social functioning.
- Mutually agreed upon goals.
- Clear, systematic, and accurate recording of assessment processes and conclusions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Intervention plans consider social systems impacting client functioning.
- Based on comprehensive assessment and appropriate strategies.
- Purposeful use of a range of skills in interventions.
- Implementation based on theoretical assumptions.
- Inclusion of appropriate Social Work tools and data.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identification and utilization of resources appropriate to client needs, strengths, and goals.
- Referrals made according to agreed-upon methods.
- Networking directly linked to client needs.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Clear description of outcomes of intervention strategies in relation to goals, strengths, and needs.
- Use of evaluations for planning and termination of services.
- Capacity for self-awareness and reflection.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Mutually agreed termination of services.
- Timely and realistic preparation for termination.
- Termination based on achieving goals and client independence.
- Completion of administrative aspects according to professional requirements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Contracts containing mutually agreed principles, expectations, goals, and procedures.
- Use of contracts to guide practice.
- Exposition of consequences of breaching agreed-upon principles for both practitioner and client.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Sensitivity to diversity in assessments, plans, and interventions.
- Awareness and acceptance of different viewpoints and values.
- Inclusion of diversity analyses in assessments.
- Understanding and acceptance of diversity in interaction and teamwork.
- Appropriate referrals based on unique client needs.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Awareness and implementation of social work values and ethical principles.
- Critical appraisal of ethical principles and values in practice.
- Critique of the Code of Ethics.
- Recognition of personal values' impact on practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Knowledge and skills in Social Work Research.
- Critical appreciation of research's link to practice.
- Well-formulated research proposals.
- Consideration of research ethics.
- Knowledge of research paradigms, designs, sampling procedures, data collection, and analysis methods.
- Consistent interpretations and recommendations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Purpose and value of the team approach in Social Work services.
- Differentiation of roles in social service delivery.
- Understanding of Social Auxiliary Work and its role.
- Recognition of volunteers' valuable role.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
- Appropriate awareness-raising techniques for specific social issues.
- Engagement in critical discussions regarding oppressive forces.
- Exploration of alternative identities for enhanced self-esteem.
- Efforts to engage people as change agents and advocates.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
- Understanding of how identities form in relation to socio-structural forces.
- Explanation of social differentiation and stratification's impact on prejudice and discrimination.
- Relationship between differentiation, stratification, and access to power and resources.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
- Understanding of social welfare and social work.
- Distinction between social welfare and social work.
- Critique of Social Welfare models.
- Knowledge of historical and current trends in Social Welfare and social work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
- Characteristics and qualities of the social work profession.
- Evaluation of social work's relationship with other professions.
- Critical appraisal of policy documents' impact on Social Work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16:
- Description of the Bill of Rights.
- Extrapolation of values and principles.
- Evaluation of the relationship between Bill of Rights and Social Work.
- Identification of social worker's role in protecting human rights.
- Recognition of available resources for human rights protection.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17:
- Outline of government structures and inter-relationships.
- Identification of government roles in Social Welfare services.
- Impact of legislation on Social Welfare Policy and practice.
- Description of the South African judicial system and Social Worker roles.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18:
- Description of social issues and their impact.
- Evaluation of social policies in relation to social work values.
- Identification of limitations in social policies.
- Ethical and accountable use of welfare legislation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19:
- Steps in Social Policy and Legislation development.
- Role players in policy formulation.
- Strategies to influence social policy.
- Plan to influence social policy on a social issue.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20:
- Identification of differences between supervision and consultation.
- Description of consultant's role and responsibilities.
- Articulation of ethical implications.
- Effective utilization of supervision.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21:
- Articulation of management and administration principles.
- Description of Social Work Manager and Administrator roles.
- Understanding of modern management systems.
- Basic understanding of management functions and tasks.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 22:
- Plans with explicit aims, objectives, and outcomes.
- Measures for programme/project sustainability.
- Realistic budget considerations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23:
- Identification of socio-political ideology impact on organisations.
- Description of challenges facing social service agencies.
- Impact of technological advances and social service expenditure.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 24:
- Description of policies and legislation in criminal justice, mental health, child and family care.
- Social Worker roles in different courts and procedures.
- Adherence to statutory and legal requirements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 25:
- Knowledge of social security benefits in South Africa.
- Understanding of accessing social security benefits.
- Relationship between benefits and poverty alleviation.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 26:
- Relationship between Social Work, social development, and economic development.
- Importance of local economic development.
- Strategies for human and social capital formation.
- Understanding of micro and macro development issues.
Integrated Assessment:
- Guidance by the university's assessment policy.
- Development of department's assessment policy.
- Use of formative and summative assessment methods.
- Various assessment strategies for achieving exit level outcomes.
These criteria serve as a comprehensive guide for evaluating the proficiency and competence of learners in Social Work at the exit level.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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