Preparation for Social Care Practice

This module will build on and develop the themes introduced in the Introduction to Social Care (Level 6) and Social Care – Theory and Practice (Level 6) modules. It seeks to further introduce the student to the theory and practice of social care. The module will introduce students to specific contemporary and comparative applications and domains of social care. It will serve as a comprehensive introduction to contemporary social care practice in Ireland while alerting students to significant aspects of social care practice in a number of European States. The skills required in contemporary social care practice such as assessment, the use of evidence informed practice, developing care plans, conducting evaluations of interventions and writing reports will also be addressed, with contributions from professional practitioners. This module will also serve as an introduction to the more specialist treatment of these issues offered to students in the core electives at Level 8. 

1. demonstrate a comprehensive introduction to social care practice in a number of European states. Particular emphasis will be placed on the concept of the social pedagogue.

2. demonstrate a comprehensive introduction to contemporary social care practices in a number of social care domains.

3. manifest a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant issues and concerns in social care practice with particular emphasis on the elderly, childcare, youth work, mental health work, people with disabilities, ex-prisoners and on the area of addiction.

4. clearly demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and competency in conducting assessments, the use of evidence in making decisions, developing care plans, conducting evaluations of interventions and writing reports.