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SWK533 - Interpersonal Skills for Social Work Practice A

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Social Work

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

(SWK527)

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

SWK521

Unit Description

This unit introduces students to core social work practice skills such as engagement and interviewing. Students will participate in simulated practice by engaging in role plays and small group workshops informed by evidence-based practice and research. A range of non-verbal and verbal communication skills will be applied to the process of information gathering incorporating client perspectives. The principles of cultural safety will support students to communicate effectively with First Nations Peoples and culturally diverse contexts. Students will develop emerging knowledge and skills that underpin social work practice including use of self and critical reflection during assessment, planning and intervention with clients.

Important Information

All students must attend a compulsory 5 day internal intensive to meet accreditation requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The intensive includes video recording of social work skills and students are required to bring a mobile recording device. The intensive will be conducted at CDU Casuarina Campus. Students are required to cover the costs for any travel and accommodation.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Demonstrate core verbal and non-verbal communication knowledge and skills when engaging and interviewing clients based on evidence-based research.
2.	Critically analyse how the lived experience of clients informs systematic questioning during the information gathering process.
3.	Critically reflect upon the principles of cultural safety when communicating with First Nations Peoples and diverse cultural contexts.
4.	Critically reflect upon use of self as a social worker when assessing, planning and intervening with clients.
5.	Demonstrate appropriate engagement skills for working collaboratively with clients, stakeholders and in multidisciplinary contexts.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Quiz (20 mins)	10%	1,2
2.	Video Reflection (15 mins)	40%	1,2,3,4
3.	Written Reflection on the Role Play (1500 words)	50%	2,3,4,5
4.	Attendance (5 days on campus intensive) (Hurdle)	P/F	'1,2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	ITV,OLR	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	ITV,OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	ITV,OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	ITV,OLR	View

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ITV: This unit will be delivered/part-delivered intensively in this teaching period rather than over the full semester.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2025 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)