Bachelor of Community Services

Evidence-based practice is an essential component of the exercise of clinical judgement in the delivery of quality healthcare. Students will also gain an understanding of how research evidence is translated into practice. This subject provides students with an introduction to health informatics, research and digital literacy, critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Students are guided through the skills necessary to locate, critique and interpret a research article for application to their practice. They will become familiar with quantitative and qualitative evidence, research methodology, basic descriptive and inferential statistics and the foundational skills to be able to evaluate and appraise evidence in healthcare research.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Journal

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

his subject provides students an introduction to the diversity of health theories and initiatives to improve health outcomes.  Students will engage with key concepts including human right to health, social determinants of health, equality, equity and vulnerability.  An introduction to Australia's health system and intersectoral action will also be provided.

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Long Answer Question 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, you will explore the impact from invasion to today of the three colonialist Ps - the policies, politics and polities - on the health, social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations communities in what is now known Australia. This includes the effects of the three Ps on the cultural identity of First Nations people and how they are represented as well as their access to healthcare.

You will have an opportunity to critically examine how political parties have funded and continue to fund activities in line with policies informed by colonialist ideas. You will also learn about how and by whom these policies were enacted.

With this understanding, you will be introduced to the importance of cultural responsiveness and a strengths-based approach with First Nations communities. You will be provided with practical strategies and ways working and communicating in a culturally responsive way. This will allow you to practice being person-centred, or treating someone as a person first, and continuously reflect on your own ways of being and working. It will also enable you to build your emotional intelligence and ability to become aware of and challenge your own beliefs so you can contribute positively to the experience of First Nations people you work with.

Pre-requisite:

Bachelor of Community Services BCOMM22 – HWEL2002A Understanding health,

Bachelor of Counselling BCOUN22 – HHSCSD102 Person-centred practice,

Bachelor of Psychological Science - HCCSSD104 Lifespan Development

Assessment Tasks: Test, Report, 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

This subject helps you to develop an understanding of diversity in Australia across a range of population groups in the community. You will develop the skills for working ethically and effectively with:

• LGBTIQA+Migrants First Nations people
• Young people Older people
• People with disabilities · Social Gradient (Class)
• Unemployment Multiculturalism

The various experiences of citizen, consumer, service user, client and consultant are examined to understand how different agencies define the rights and responsibilities of people accessing services. You will demonstrate skills working with people with different experiences of life. For example, listening with empathy and respecting lived experience. Drawing on case studies, research and current affairs, you will gain an understanding of Othering in contemporary Australian society.

Pre-requisite: HCCSSD104 Lifespan development 

Assessment Tasks: Poster, Test, Written Plan with Audio Annotations, Discussion Forums

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject will introduce you to concepts of social justice and human rights through the analysis of national and international issues, and the way we have structured our societies that inform how people experience their lives.

In particular, you will be asked to critically examine key debates in human rights and the relevance of social justice for people who experience inequity. You will examine the way our social and political structure responds to inequities and inequalities in our society.

Finally, you will also explore historical and contemporary challenges of specific groups facing social justice issues.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Case Study, Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject explores the philosophy and principles of health education and communication in a variety of settings. Students will gain practical skills in communicating in a culturally sensitive, ethical and professional manner using appropriate resources, technologies and techniques to translate scientific concepts and evidence-based information to a target audience. Students will apply health behavioural theories and health promotion strategies to advocate for improved health outcomes that are equitable and sustainable.

Pre-requisite: NUTR2006A Diet and Disease 

Assessment Tasks: Blog, Communication Plan, Demonstration Health Intervention, Report 

Delivery Mode: Online

This subject examines concepts of empowerment and advocacy in the context of individuals, communities and other cultural and structural institutions. Topics include: inequality and inequity, theories of power and oppression, the concept of empowerment, social movements, and anti-oppressive practice. In addition, you will examine the links between human rights and health and well-being, the protection of the rights of all citizens, workers, First Nations peoples and vulnerable and priority populations. You will develop an understanding of the concept of advocacy and its practice in promoting social change and the role of government, non-government, and the business sector in relation to community services work.

Assessment Tasks: Poster, Report, Audiovisual Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to the theory, principles and skills of community development practice as a way of building capacity in community groups. You will examine the philosophical basis of community development as a method of social change and social action through building consensus, participation, advocacy and democracy. You will explore examples of innovative community development programs in public housing, First Nations people, disadvantaged geographical areas and cultural communities, acknowledging the diversities within communities and the possibilities for collaboration, advocacy and strategic community planning in initiating change.

Pre-requisite:  HCCSSD201 Health Systems and Community Services in Action  

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Report, Assessment Plan 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject is about working with complex client presentations in the context of counselling and community services work. We will cover the following types of complex client presentations:

• Suicidal client
• Aggressive client (borderline/”negative transference”)
• People-pleasing and self-sabotaging client
• Narcissistic/sociopathic client
• Addicted client • Socially vulnerable client
• Psychosomatising client
• Client-provoking projective identification

Modalities to be drawn from include:

• Person-centred therapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Dialectical behaviour therapy
• Solution-focused therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Mindfulness and somatic awareness

The subject also familiarises students with the limitations of each of the approaches and how they can be integrated into a way of working that suits each student’s personality and worldview. In addition, we also cover client notes-keeping, termination, and referral as part of the client management process. In this advanced practice subject the facilitation of change is taught by using skills modelling and practice sessions. Practice feedback is provided by facilitators and peer students in a supportive learning environment.

Finally, students learn how to be aware of, and work with, boundaries and to apply self-care. 

Pre-requisite: HCCSSD103 - Mental Health 

Assessment Tasks:  Report, Video, Attendance 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

Practical Intensive Workshop requirement for online delivery:

When this subject is studied online, these Practical Intensive Workshops will be required attendance at our Surry Hills campus. They are designed to be interactive and deliver experiential practical skills training. All students will be expected to participate to get the most out of the workshops and support readiness for the final placement in the program that will entail 40hrs of individual face‐to face counselling with clients.

• There are two weekend sessions that students are required to attend.
• These are held over the weekend (Saturday & Sunday) at the end of Weeks 6 and Week 12 of each trimester.
• Each session will run from 9.00am to 6.00pm AEST on both days (with breaks).
• When these subjects are delivered as on campus, the subject will instead have a 3h weekly attendance requirement across the Trimester that will include this experiential practical skills training.

Critical Literature Review (CLR308) provides an opportunity to critically examine the current literature to answer a chosen research question to inform clinical decision-making. The literature review is a scholarly paper that appraises the current knowledge base highlighting strengths, weaknesses and omissions in the literature. The subject builds on established knowledge of literature search methods and critical appraisal skills to culminate in a review that conforms to publication standards.

Pre-requisite: EBP107 Evidence-based Practice

Assessment Tasks: Research Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Employability in the community services workforce, requires an ability to evaluate complex and multi-faceted scenarios that will challenge workers ability to determine appropriate course of action while supporting an ethical human rights decision-making framework.

This subject theoretically examines the practices and requirements of the community services workforce through an ethical, evidence-based and human rights integrated lens. It will enable the development of an advanced applied reasoning skillset through the examination of the ethics theory and legal frameworks that have been covered in previous subjects within contemporary scenarios of the sector.

Case studies will allow theoretical ethical examination of the core challenges experienced by community services workers in the workforce within a broad range of contemporary settings and within the context of authentic employment opportunities, community and key population groups. Topics include ethical theories, professional codes of ethics, ethics for research, public health, disability and vulnerable groups, restrictive practices, internal reporting and whistleblowing, and the ethics of self-care.

Assessment Tasks: Scenario Analysis, Portfolio, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject begins with exploring a range of approaches to working with people living with chronic illness and disability.

This subject introduces you to a variety of models of disability and chronic illness. People living with chronic illnesses and disabilities experience the world in different ways, and this will be explored through both sociological and psychological lenses.

You will learn and practice advocacy and support skills appropriate to working with people with disabilities and those with chronic illness in the community services and counselling fields and connecting them to support and services.

This subject provides students with the knowledge and understanding of health promotion concepts within various settings within Australia. Students are introduced to the key theories and concepts regarding behavioral changes as it relates to health status. This subject provides student with the opportunity to integrate their counselling and nutrition knowledge to devise and assess health promotion intervention’s.

Pre-requisite: HWEL2002A - Understanding Health 

Assessment Tasks: Quiz, Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Digital competence is an essential part of employability in the health and well-being sector in the 21st Century. Health informatics is the use of computer technologies and communication systems to store, transmit or analyse health information. E-Health and information and communication technologies (ICT) are all widely used by Australian health professionals. Students in this subject will develop their own digital fluency and learn about the role of ICT in health.

The subject introduces: the current and emerging range of health care technologies and data science, the role of telehealth, m-health (health applications for mobile phones), wearable technology, social media and the internet of things. The use of health informatics, such as telemedicine in rural communities and developing countries, and managing and monitoring information technology operations, is covered. Students will also discuss the legal and ethical issues of using of these technologies in their practice as health professionals. These developing techniques are considered in the context of inter-professional communication, and also within a global perspective. In addition, legal and ethical issues and strategies for managing privacy and security of consumer data are explored.

This subject allows students to create, and manage, an ethical and professionally appropriate online presence; and use basic multimedia elements to enhance the presentation of information.

Assessment Tasks: Blog, Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode:Online

This subject examines well-being, community participation, and meaningful life in post-retirement transition. Among other forms of literature and media, students investigate current government policies and collect data from national databases to examine the well-being of older people. This subject provides students an overview of positive ageing, focusing on ageing well and in optimal health. The focus is on enabling and re-enabling wellness models of care.

The subject will examine the positive social roles and activities that older persons assume in community life, and political life and challenge community pre-conceptions, myths and stereotypes that often limit elders. Contemporary aging concepts discriminate between 'younger older people' (65-85 years) and 'older people' (85 years plus).

Pre-requisite:

Bachelor of Nursing - CPC105 Care of persons with chronic conditions   

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Report, Consultation With Client

Delivery Mode: Online

This subject provides you with an overview of addiction theories and research. The subject covers different forms of addictive behaviours that present in the community, including substance dependency (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, prescription and illicit drugs), and process addictions (e.g. problem gambling, compulsive sexual and eating behaviours). The subject adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the biological, psychological and social factors that are associated with addictive behaviours. You will learn to critically appraise and reflect on the shift from the disease model to approaches that draw on behavioural and social scientific theories.

You will investigate and apply analytical skills for discussing the controversies and social stigma surrounding drug and alcohol use, and the contrasting ideologies underpinning harm minimisation, risk and abstinence. The subject also covers policy informing programs, and the dominant models for drug and alcohol counselling, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Entrepreneurship, Professionalism & Business Skills in Health will introduce students to the concepts of small business management, entrepreneurship and how to identify the professional requirements of their healthcare discipline. This subject will explore the topics necessary to establish and run a successful healthcare practice and maintain their professional status in the healthcare sector. Students will also explore their professional identity to support the understanding of the ethical conduct, liability, legal and regulatory requirements that are pertinent to their specific modality.

This subject will initiate the development of a business plan using entrepreneurial practices and innovative design thinking. This will include exploring business strategies such as operating policy and procedures, marketing and branding, networking strategies, leadership, administration and financial issues necessary for the operation and management of a contemporary healthcare practice.

Pre-requisite: BHS ( Clinical Myotherapy) CMY303A Clinical Practicum 1

Assessment Tasks: Business plan portfolio, report, presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, online

In this subject, you will explore child abuse and neglect and their life-long impact and effects. You will also examine child protection and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The subject will also include discussion and debate around ways of appropriate responses to child abuse and neglect.

You will explore the origins of the professional regulation of child welfare, as well as the moral imperative surrounding child protection issues. You will learn how to identify and report instances of child abuse and neglect, in your capacity as a counselling professional, community worker, or in other healthcare roles.

Finally, you will address challenges of the care and protection of children, as well as the professional challenges in developing a best practice approach. This subject will show the importance of child protection to building a healthy and just society.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Literature Review, Written Report And Audio Recording 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, you will learn about grief and loss with a particular emphasis on death and dying.

You will learn stages of grief models and relevant approaches to working with clients including crisis intervention (as it relates to sudden and unexpected death), bereavement counselling and the referral process in relation to complicated and disenfranchised grief.

You will be introduced to the idea of death and dying as a part of the life process including the spiritual elements of death, the concept of dying a good death and grieving the loss of self.

You will also explore cultural differences and diversity in attitudes toward death and dying. You will learn to engage in culturally sensitive communication and counselling approaches with dying and grieving clients and their significant others. You will critically reflect on processes for self-care and boundary management in the context of working with death and dying.

Assessment Tasks: Reflection, Report, Simulation 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online