WEL418-Case Management

Abstract

The focus of this subject is on a contemporary paradigm of case management and its increasing application to diverse human service settings and organisations. Its origins are traced to the emergence of the social work profession, the 1970s deinstitutionalisation movement and community nursing. Community care case management is designed to provide advocacy, support and services to vulnerable people and communities. Through a case study approach students differentiate case management systems, their underlying ethos, theory, functions, structures and practices.

Learning Outcomes

• be able to define case management;

• be able to develop an understanding of the main models of case management with a specific focus on a generic model;

• be able to apply the generic model of case management to a simulated situation via a case study;

• be able to articulate the theoretical underpinnings of the functions of the case management model;

• be able to critique case management systems within agency and community contexts, including provider driven vs client driven case management practices;

• be able to identify the main skills and tensions in case management practice;

• be able to develop critical thinking and theory to practice application skills; and

• be able to apply appropriate academic writing, referencing and presentation skills.

Task A

Reflect on a personal experience you have had of using a human service organisation (GP service, Job Services, Immigration, Centrelink etc.) Briefly specify the situation and comment on the effect it had on you; positive, negative, or otherwise. What did or didn’t get done? What would have enhanced the experience and usefulness for you?

The reflective statement is to be written in first person. Please do not describe a third person's, friend's, relative's or client's experience. Please write your statement on a separate page from your essay. Part B 40%- 

Task B

Part B 40%- Essay (maximum 1750 words) Discuss case management using the topics studied so far specifically:

• Discuss and critique two theories that have contributed to the evolution of Case Management

• Discuss the difference between person-centred and service provider driven/directed models of practice

• Critically discuss the tensions and conflicts that can arise in practice between the person-centred and service provider driven/directed models.

Develop specific examples to illustrate your conceptual points and demonstrate that you understand their application in practice.