This document provides an overview of the fields of practice in HCS103, a core subject in social work and social welfare degrees. It introduces key terminology related to human services and social work. Social work draws from various disciplines and aims to facilitate social change, empowerment, and social justice. Social welfare practice requires understanding human development, social systems, and how individual and societal factors interact. Practice occurs at micro, meso, and macro levels.

1. Acknowledgment- slides draw on resources provided by Karen Bell and Bernadette Moorhead
HCS103:
Fields of
Practice
Topic 1

2. Overview of HCS103…
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• This is a core, foundation subject in the social work
and social welfare degrees
• Provides a broad introduction to practice
• Foundational to later subjects in the BSW &
BSocSci– e.g. policy; theory and practice; practicum

3. Prescribed textbook
Connolly, M., Harms, L. &
Maidment, J. (2017) Social work
contexts and practice (4th ed.)
Melbourne: Oxford University
Press.
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4. Terminology…
• Human services is the broader term for the range
of professionals aiming to enhance quality of life
(e.g. health, housing, aged care, disability services,
family support)
• Social services (ACOSS): http://www.acoss.org.au/
• Welfare workers = range of qualifications; some
TAFE, and some uni
• Social workers = uni degree, accredited by AASW:
http://www.aasw.asn.au/
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REFLECTION: What
Government
Departments have
responsibility for
human services in
your state/territory?

5. Defining social welfare work…
The social work profession facilitates social change and development,
social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles
of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for
diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social
work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work
engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance
wellbeing.
Australian Association of Social Workers -
https://www.aasw.asn.au/information-for-the-community/what-is-social-
work
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6. Social welfare/social work practice requires knowledge of:
• Human development and behaviour
• Social, economic and cultural institutions
• How individual, social, cultural, economic, political factors interact and
impact on a situation (Zastrow, 1999, pp.5-6)
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Key point: Our profession draws from a range of
disciplines in order to work towards the Social Work
vision, including: philosophy; psychology; sociology;
political; legal; historical; international studies;
anthropology, etc.

7. Social welfare workers can…
• Help people increase their problem solving
and coping
• Help obtain resources, facilitate interactions
between individuals and people and their
environments
• Make organisations responsible to people
• Influence social policy
• Social action
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8. • Social welfare workers try to enhance
opportunities for people in an increasingly
complex world.
• SW professionals have a responsibility to
promote human functioning in a responsive
and just society.
• To do this – need a clear understanding of the
way things are and the way things could be.
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9. Multidimensional nature of SW…
• Micro-level - individuals, families, small groups e.g.
clinical practice
• Mid-level (Meso)- organisations and formal groups e.g.
agency policy, service delivery
• Macro-level- communities, large government e.g. social
change/action, policy, research
• Professional level- system of SW profession e.g. with
AASW re Code of Ethics, committees, etc
(Krogsrud Miley et al. 2001, pp. 11-13)
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10. References
AASW. (2015) Definition of social work - https://www.aasw.asn.au/information-for-the-community/what-is-social-work
Alston, M. & McKinnon, J. (Eds.). (2005). Social work fields of practice. (2nd.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Connolly, M. & Harms, L. (Eds.). (2013). Social work contexts and practice (2nd.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Ife, J. (1999). Rethinking social work. Frenchs Forest: Longman.
Krogsrud Miley, K., O’Melia, M., & Du Bois, B. (2001). Generalist social work practice. Sydney: Allyn & Unwin.
O’Connor, I., Wilson, J., & Setterlund, D. (1999). Social work and social welfare practice. Sydney: Longman.
Zastrow, C. (1999). The practice of social work. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole.
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