Organizing social services (3cr)

Objective

Students will learn to assess clients' needs for services and to support the social participation of various groups of clients in the organization of services. They will be able to name prerequisites for service provision and production and learn to apply laws and principles of administration. Students will know how to organise services while taking into account the settings and structures of the social field. They will use and apply international, national and local strategic guidelines in the provision of services.

Content

- Clientship and services
- Social service organizations
- Organisational goals, operational ideas and personnel
- Assessment of service needs, supporting social participation
- Financing services
- Recommendations, guidelines, policy programmes and legislation

Qualifications

Major part of the first and second year study courses. The practical training periods "Social services producing social security" and "Psychosocial social work methods".

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grade 1-2:
Students are aware of basic issues in the organization of social services from the perspectives of administration, economics and needs of various clients groups.
Grade 3-4:
Students are able to explain theories, essential concepts, methods and principles pertaining to the organization of social services. Students reflect on their values and attitudes and are aware of their responsibility as providers and developers of social services.
Grade 5:
Students are able to describe and analyse their organizational skills, process management skills and multi-professional approach to work in the provision of social services. They are able to evaluate, apply and develop new practices and solutions in the provision and organization of social services.

Materials

The lecturer will inform students of the use of literature and material at the beginning of the course. Students will select literature based on the course topic and personal objectives. Sources must include material both in Finnish and in a foreign language.

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises, individual and group assignments, individual and group discussions, online teaching, reflection based on literature, collaborative learning, visiting lecturers. Theoretical studies alternate with practice.