Social Work gives you the chance to make a real difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers aim to enhance individual and community wellbeing by addressing structural challenges that are harmful to people, such as discrimination, inequality, violence and other forms of oppression. This means that at its core, social work focuses on social justice and human rights issues. The career opportunities for social workers in Australia are diverse. Our graduates work as counsellors, youth workers, community workers, advocates, researchers or one of the many roles requiring a deep understanding of the relationship between people and their physical, cultural, social, economic and political environments. The Bachelor of Social Work is designed for students who want to study social work whilst undertaking their first university degree. This two year end-on degree program, follows the successful completion (or equivalent) of two years study, in a relevant degree from a recognised tertiary institution. Our Bachelor of Social Work is a professionally accredited degree with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), with students undertaking fieldwork placements in a variety of organisations and institutions. Course objectives The course is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). It provides the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of social functioning, social problems and social services. It emphasises the application of professional social work methods in the workplace and aims to produce graduates who have achieved the level of competency expected of those who are beginning a career in social work. As a student you will be expected to develop: the ability to reflect critically on all aspects of practice; the necessary analytical and interactional skills for a wide range of situations involving individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities; personal insight and awareness in order to develop the potential for continued professional growth; the ability to contribute to the improvement and development of social welfare policy and services; and the ability to conduct research for the development of social work knowledge. Work placement Students will be expected to provide written consent for the collection and disclosure of personal information relevant to course (or unit) requirements and in accordance with the University's Privacy Policy. Students will be expected to complete and sign a Safe to Practice Agreement prior to taking up each placement. A range of information is collected on this form including contact phone numbers and addresses, emergency contact details, any health conditions or other factors which may impact on placement, work/volunteer experience in the human service industry, employment history and previous placement reports if applicable. Students will be required to sign a student declaration to give consent to the transfer of relevant information from the planning agreement to their placement supervisor. This form also includes a client confidentiality and anonymity agreements for students to sign before undertaking placement. Students will be asked to undergo a national police record check by the Tasmania Police and a Working with Children Check and to present these to their placement agency supervisor before placement is undertaken.