DA5111 - Risk and Resilience

A variety of learning and teaching methods will be employed to facilitate apprentices’ learning, including:

In lectures and seminars, apprentices will build on the core concepts of risk assessment and resilience in social work introduced in year one. To help practitioners ensure a holistic approach to practice, they will explore frameworks such as the “Practice Flower model”, with its five petals representing the aspects of practice, with the service user at the centre. Apprentices will explore different risk assessment methodologies and tools used in various contexts (e.g., children, adults, and older persons) and discuss the ethical considerations and potential biases in risk assessment. They will also analyse the role of resilience in promoting positive outcomes and discuss strategies to build resilience in individuals and communities as well as within the practitioner. The module team will invite guest speakers from social work practice to share experiences with risk assessment and resilience interventions.



Workshops and the skills labs will provide opportunities for them to practice applying risk assessment tools through simulated scenarios. Engaging in role-playing exercises will help them to practice building rapport and intervening with service users facing complex risk factors, whilst learning and practicing strategies to promote resilience through individual and group activities.

Case studies and group discussions will help apprentices analyse real-world social work cases that involve risk assessment and resilience factors. These case studies will also facilitate discussions on ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in complex situations and encourage critical reflection on the strengths and limitations of different approaches to risk and resilience.



Technology-aided learning will offer access to online databases and learning resources on risk assessment and resilience. Technology-aided learning will also encourage apprentices to explore online communities and forums for social work professionals to learn from others' experiences.

This blended learning approach will cater to diverse learning styles and ensure apprentices gain a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment and resilience in social work practice.

The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure learning opportunities to support apprentices’ learning within the module and to assist apprentices in working towards the module assessment. The module guide, the electronic reading list, and information communicated throughout the module within sessions and on the e-learning portal will all signpost them to resources to support their academic development. 
 
The formative assessment is ongoing throughout the workshops, with staff and peer feedback to assist apprentices in evaluating their progress within the module and identify areas for development. Assessment preparation with the module teaching team will also be an integral part of the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):  

K&U –

K1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment methodologies and tools used in social work practice.

K2. Critically evaluate the role of resilience in promoting positive outcomes for service users by integrating knowledge of risk and resilience factors into the analysis of diverse social work contexts.

 

Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA): 

IPSA -  

S1. Employ advanced problem-solving skills to navigate complex social work scenarios, considering risk and resilience factors to develop effective interventions.

S2. Utilise advanced research skills to inform and critically evaluate social work practice related to risk assessment and resilience.

S3. Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders in integrated care settings, demonstrating risk management skills and the ability to improve service quality through a focus on resilience

 

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): 

PVA – B1

V1. Uphold cultural humility and inclusivity in practice, demonstrating sensitivity to diverse needs and experiences when conducting risk assessments.

V2. Engage in ongoing critical reflection and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that address risk and resilience.

Summative:

 Case Study Analysis (100%): Apprentices will complete a 3000 word case study analysis involving risk and resilience factors from their area of practice.

Formative:

Simulated Risk Assessment and Intervention: Apprentices will participate in a simulated social work scenario involving risk assessment, possibly involving experts by experience.

DA4088, DA4089, DA4091, DA4092, DA4093

DA5108, DA5109, DA5112

This module equips second-year apprentices with the knowledge and skills to navigate intricate situations where risk and resilience are paramount. Building upon prior learning, it fosters adept and ethical practitioners prepared for the nuanced challenges of the social work field. Apprentices delve into various risk assessment frameworks, exploring various methodologies and tools for identifying threats to individuals, families, and communities. This Practice Flower Framework is interwoven with a focus on resilience, equipping apprentices with a possible framework to promote individual and community strengths in the face of adversity. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, and independent learning, apprentices gain a deeper understanding of social work roles, legal frameworks, the role of research and theories to inform practice, and ethical considerations in risk assessment and intervention. Emphasis is placed on critical reflection, effective communication, cultural humility and collaboration to ensure service-user perspectives are integrated into service planning and delivery.