This course is the equivalent of two individual courses and attracts 24 credit points. It builds the foundations for ethical, relational and critically informed social work practice, with a strong focus on developing core professional skills. The course introduces students to a broad range of social work practice skills through a critical, decolonising and trauma-informed lens.

Students are introduced to key areas of social work practice, including:

• Decolonial social work practice, including working with First Nations peoples and communities
• Culture, diversity, positionality and reflexivity
• Interpersonal and professional communication skills
• Methods of practice, including engagement, assessment, intervention and endings, with critical examination of power in everyday practices
• Introduction to group work theory and practice
• Ethical, legal and organisational contexts of practice
• Boundaries and professional use of self
• Developing a professional social work identity
• Trauma-informed principles and practice
• Family violence, sexual violence and other forms of gendered and interpersonal violence
• Wellbeing, mental health and mental distress
• Lived experience perspectives, including service users, families, carers and supporters
• Working with individuals and groups
• Lifelong learning, supervision and reflective practice
• Understanding the broader social, political and organisational context of social work practice
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As a first semester, first year course, this subject prepares students for their first experience of practice education in Semester 2, Year 1. It supports the development of critical, reflective and interpersonal capabilities essential for safe, accountable and socially just practice. Grounded in feminist, anti-oppressive, decolonising and trauma-informed theories, the course emphasises ethical decision-making, reflective supervision and professional use of self. Learning is experiential and relational, with students engaging in intensives, practice studios, simulations and reflective learning circles.

The course is delivered through an intensive learning model that mirrors the rhythms of social work practice. It begins with a three-day intensive focused on orientation, engagement and foundational skills, followed by six three-hour workshops across the semester. Students then return for a final intensive focused on integration, evaluation and professional readiness.

This course is followed by Critical Professional Practice Skills B in Semester 1, Year 2, which builds on these foundations with a focus on advanced practice, leadership and systemic advocacy. Together, the two courses form a cohesive professional practice stream across the MSW(Q) and are aligned with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Practice and Education Standards. They are designed to cultivate critically reflexive, trauma-informed and justice-oriented practitioners capable of navigating complex practice settings.

The course prepares students for direct practice with individuals and groups across a range of organisational settings and introduces group and community-focused processes that support emerging meso-level practice capabilities.

In line with AASW accreditation requirements, this course has mandatory attendance requirements. Students must attend at least 80% of workshop sessions to be eligible to pass the course.