| Unit name | Multi-Agency Working |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ACHSD0009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | D/8 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Dan O'Hare |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit is concerned with developing awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals who work with children within education, health, social services and medicine. It will examine, in the context of the government policy, developing partnerships and effective collaboration with the interacting systems of families, schools and other agencies in order to maximise effective outcomes for clients. It includes aspects of networking, communication, advocacy and decision-making, taking account of the organisational frameworks in which professional agencies operate. Principles of consultation, advisory work and problem-solving are considered, but in relation to the complex field settings in which professional roles often overlap. Issues within organizational development will be examined. For applied psychologists, effective practice hinges on early intervention, evidence informed decision-making, effective negotiation with key agencies, and an awareness of the dynamics and micro-politics of judgement making. The body of evidence on issues relevant to decision-making in social contexts drawn from research in child psychology and psychiatry will underpin the unit.
Aims:
To develop the skills of communication, negotiation and consultation within multi-disciplinary teams. To develop knowledge, awareness, skills and values that enable effective work with diverse client populations through a clear understanding of the demographic characteristics of communities including the influence of culture, gender, ethnicity and factors influencing social exclusion. To enable trainees to take the role of advocate for children and families in contexts where the psychological interests of individuals are at risk of being compromised. To familiarise students with the literature drawn from social sciences which underpins decision-making on critical issues for children and families. To be aware of the roles, responsibilities and respective expertise of other professional groups including the limits of professional competence.
By the end of this unit students will have developed knowledge and understanding encompassing the historic and current legislative context of the profession; ethical practice; knowledge and understanding of structures and systems within educative settings in addition to local authorities, health, CAMHS, and voluntary bodies. They will be equipped to work under supervision in public sector agencies (such as LAs) effectively engaging children and families, where psychological advice is required in order to support decision-making and intervention. Students will have acquired appropriate techniques for working across a variety of different contexts through the development of creative approaches that draw on a wide range of theoretical models, frameworks and psychological paradigms. They will be able to promote the psychological well-being of clients with particular regard to their emotional and social needs. They will be able to present psychological advice in applied contexts in conjunction with and alongside other professional agencies.
Guided reading, lectures, seminars, supported by supervised practice in the field. Placements will be organised so that trainees are directly involved in the work of EP services and LEA organizations, including attending meetings, liaising with LEA officers and other professional colleagues (teachers, doctors, clinical psychologists, speech therapists, social workers). Course inputs will include range of professionals, updates on legislation, required reading on professional issues.
Completion of an equivalent 4000 word assignment, satisfactory reports from fieldwork supervisors, and a range of professional activities reflected within the submission of the Professional Practice Protfolio. The range of professional activities will need to demonstrate theoretical understanding and knowledge of different models of psychology, and how they apply to a given situation or context.
