Specialist Social Work (Working with Children and Young Adults) (Graduate Diploma)

Overview

NOTE - THIS COURSE IS NOW CLOSED

This course will provide qualified social workers working within children services the opportunity to consolidate and develop their knowledge and skills within their own specialist area of practice after qualification. This also leads to recognition by the GSCC as having achieved the post-qualifying award level in specialist social work under the revised post-qualifying framework. Experienced social workers, who have not achieved the post qualifying award in social work (prior to revision) may undertake a fast-track route. This can be achieved through developing and submitting a portfolio (with tutor support) in order to seek to gain accreditation of prior learning of up to 50% of this award. Those without a first degree can take a top-up degree (see BSc specialist social work) by undertaking a further two modules.

The main course themes are:

• the legal, policy and organisational frameworks underpinning this area of specialist practice within the context of interprofessional and interagency working
• the wide range of complex needs of children, young people, their families and carers
• evidence-based practice interventions to meet needs and manage risks
• contemporary theoretical and policy debates
• effective application of assessment models and frameworks to the assessment of needs, including additional and complex needs
• the skills and knowledge to contribute to the supervision/assessment of a social work student
• the application of user-focused values; concepts of rights; codes of practice and
  anti-oppressive practice; and responses to complex ethical dilemmas
• social work theories, methods and models regarding individual and social development.
  

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

A social work qualification is essential. You must be working as a social worker, be registered with GSCC and have a reference from your employer supporting your attendance.

Course contents

You take five core modules and one option:

• Consolidation of Practice (taken first)
• Critical Themes in Childcare Practice, Policy and Law
• Effective Practice with Children, Young People and Families
• Professional Practice Portfolio
• Enabling Others
  

• Work based project
• Family Support and Child Protection
• Youth, Resistance and Social Control
• Protecting Children - Developing Basic Skills (materials delivered on line)
• Management in Health and Social Services 

Assessment
Methods include seminar presentation, practice focused reports, essays, practice assessments.

Careers

This provides a GSCC recognised post qualification at specialist social work level^. It also enables social workers to fulfil postregistration and training requirements.

**Subject to validation, and GSCC accreditation
^Subject to accreditation