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Working with Communities

Module Synopsis

This module provides an introduction to the traditions of community work, community development and community capacity-building in Australia. Recent research in the social sciences and public policy has highlighted the importance of strong communities as sources of "social capital" and as core elements of a civil society understood as a necessary partner of, and complement to, the institutions of the State and the Market. The module provides a theoretically informed practical overview of community work and is aimed at professionals in the government (Federal, State and Local), business and third (or non-government) sectors with either a personal interest in the field or whose work involves different levels of contact with local communities, ranging from the contextual to the collaborative (the latter often in the form of cross-sectoral partnerships).

Learning outcomes
  • Compare and contrast different approaches to community work
  • Recognise the ethical and political dimensions of community interventions
  • Appraise the strengths-based approach to community work
  • Reflect critically on the complexity of the concept and reality of "community" in contemporary Australia
  • Enhance a range of skills relevant to community work: entering a community and relationship building; strength identification; problem analysis and definition; needs analysis; strategising; consensus-building; conflict resolution; group process facilitation; advocacy; networking
  • Undertake a careful analysis of a geographic or functional community
  • Plan a community intervention strategy

Content areas
  • History of and diversity of approaches to, community work in Australia
  • Ideology, values and community work: from charity to social enterprises and social change
  • A systems approach to community development
  • Strength-based approaches
  • Community capacity-building
  • Consultations and valuing local knowledge and competence
  • Disadvantage and empowerment: from whose perspective?
  • Entering a community: initial contact; data gathering; relationship building
  • Needs, goals and roles
  • Clarifying goals and priorities
  • Forming and building organisations
  • Evaluation in community work
  • Leadership for the future

Textbook and Readings
Your text for this module is Paul, H. & Thomas, N. (2003) Skills in Neighbourhood Work. (3rd edn.) London: Routledge. The readings are an integral part of your studies.

Module Duration and Workload:
This module involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery or self-directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 120 hours of self-study per module including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates as 13 hours per week for the module.

Study method:
On Campus, Distance Education and Online Education
The studies, combined with my previous work experience, have led me into a more satisfying role in an industry I know well. My studies have given me the confidence to manage a role where top notch "soft skills" are essential.
Pip Pearson
Graduate Diploma of Counselling