Basics of Social Services (4 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

The aim of the course is to outline the purpose of work in the social services field, the working environments and work orientations, as well as the laws, values and ethical principles that guide the work.

Competences:

Ethical competences in the social field
Competence in social client work
Social service system competences

Learning outcomes:

You can identify the regulations of human and basic rights, the values of social and educational work and the principles of professional ethics as the starting point of social work.

You are able to identify different client groups in the social sector and their specific characteristics, and to recognise the impact of your own values when working with different client groups. You will identify the most typical fields of work and work orientation in the social and educational field.

You know the key legislation governing the social services system.

Content

The main focus of the course is on ethical principles and values in social work. The course also introduces you to the Social Welfare Act, the tasks and work orientations of the Bachelor of Social Services and positions the social sector as a part of society through a key knowledge base and concepts. You will also learn about the individual needs of social service clients.

Materials

Mäkinen, P. (2007, 2019) Ammattina sosionomi. Helsinki: Sanoma Pro.
Arki, Arvot ja Etiikka. Sosiaalialan ammattihenkilön eettiset ohjeet. 2022. Talentia.
Sosiaalihuoltolaki 1301/2014.

Teaching methods

You learn by attending online classes and one face-to-face class on campus. You will come prepared for the class according to the instructions given. You will also study independently and in small groups. You will learn about social work environments by undertaking and reporting on a field trip. You will demonstrate your competence in the moodle learning environment through exams and assignments.

Webinars are interactive learning situations and you will be prepared for them according to the instructions given in advance. To participate in webinars, you will need a working camera, headphones and microphone.
If you are using AI in your assignments, please include a verbal description of how, to what extent and where you have used it

Employer connections

Expert visitors from different social sector contexts.
A study visit to one of the social policy environments.

Exam schedules

Online exams (two) in Moodle.
Reporting on the study visit.
Detailed timetables can be found in the module.

Student workload

Moodle exam preparation and exams (2), total 50 hours
Introduction to the social work environment 27 hours
Preparation for webinars and face-to-face teaching 15hours and 16 hours of on-campus face-to-face attendance

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

You can describe the key ethical principles and values of the social field. You can identify the main aspects of the key legislation governing the work, the tasks and work orientations of the Bachelor of Social Services You identify key concepts in the social field and can relate them to the social context. You identify the needs and specificities of different client groups.

Further information

The course will be assessed by a report on the visit to the unit (Pass-Fail) and by module exams (Pass-Fail).