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CYP7235 - Social Work with Adults at Risk: Interventions in Practice

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Critically reflect on key aspects of adults at risk in inter-disciplinary practice.
2 - Synthesise existing research evidence concerning interventions for adults at risk.
3 - Critically consider evidence from a range of different inter-professional perspectives to inform safe and effective social work practice and decision making and to apply this to practice where adults are at risk.

Content:

Adults at risk are persons aged over 18 who need community care services by virtue of mental ill health, mental capacity, disability, ageing or illness and are therefore unable to take adequate care and protect themselves from harm or possible exploitation. In contemporary social work practice, it is vital that professionals working with such adults can recognise the risks associated with instances and experiences of risk and vulnerability in adults in a range of settings. A range of theoretical perspectives and frameworks ranging across psychological and sociological disciplines will be explored to provide students with essential tools to address individual and systemic challenges in practice. Through advanced understanding of theoretical perspectives students will enhance their comprehension of human interactions with societal structures.

Integrating theory in practice will enable you to undertake critical analysis and develop tailored interventions to support vulnerable adults. As there are overlaps between concepts of incapacity, vulnerability, risk, exploitation, and challenges with dealing with neglect and abuse, when working with those over 18, this module aims to inform and outline what the role of social worker is in assessing what constitutes vulnerability and risk when working with adults. It seeks to address best practice for social workers in advocating for human rights and social justice when supporting appropriate outcomes for adults at risk.

The module will explore issues related to but not limited to the legislative and policy framework that informs practice in working with adults, including decision making, personalisation and partnership working, concepts of risk and abuse, assessments, planning and intervention, quality assurance, cultural sensitivity, mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, long-term conditions and addiction, criminality and re-offending, safeguarding adults; and the challenge of austerity. It highlights theories and methods of intervention to respond and manage outcomes.

Assessments on the module will also allow students to apply the skills and techniques they have acquired in the module to create an appropriate intervention for adults in crisis where risk is an issue.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The teaching and learning methods for this module are underpinned by programme strategy that aligns with Leeds Trinity University Learning, Teaching and Academic Experience Strategy (LTAE 2022-2026) in that it aims to transform the way we work co-creatively with students, how we connect them and our learning and teaching with the outside world and societal issues and support all our learners on a personalised, values-based and career-led journey through their studies. You will be taught in a variety of methods including simulated practice, problem-based learning using case studies, reflective practice workshops, flipped classrooms; traditional lectures; including participatory workshops which utilise co-creative exercises that will also influence learning and teaching methods. Additional online material such as discussions and online activities will be supported by a variety of media and resources, ranging from videos and selected textbooks and articles and placed on Moodle- Leeds Trinity University’s online learning platform.

The module will use a combination of learning and teaching methods using lectures, small group seminars and individual and group tutorials to support your academic and professional development. You will be expected to attend all scheduled sessions and prepare for these in advance by undertaking relevant research and background reading. Guest speakers who will include practitioners and people with lived experiences will be used to develop an understanding of current Social Work practice. The practice of relational pedagogy and person-centred planning will be showcased by staff in their delivery style.

Formative assessment is employed in each module to support your learning, allowing you to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and understanding across the programme and to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and peers. Formative feedback takes a variety of forms such as reflective tasks and does not contribute to the final module mark. Further detail on the specific teaching and learning including how these have been developed in response to student feedback, can be found in the module handbook.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 30

Workshops/Seminars
Hours: 2
Intended Group Size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 128

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS1W