GWL347 - Integrative Field Work Seminar

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-05-29 00:05:10.987
Last review date 2023-07-31 00:15:00.907

Subject Title
Integrative Field Work Seminar

Subject Description
This subject continues to integrate the student's fieldwork experience and academic studies with a focus on mental health and wellness issues related to aging. This seminar is a progressive learning experience for students supporting their placement experience with weekly online debriefing activities, constructive peer feedback, course work, and aging related skills in the industry. Assessment, identification, interventions and contemporary treatment options for older adults with mental health issues will be explored and practiced in the field. In addition, risk assessment and interventions to lower risk will be identified and practiced. An overview of the DSM5 as it relates to older adults will be provided and applied to the GWL357 fieldwork experience. A particular focus on the impact of pandemics on this population, living and dying in isolation and the COVID-19 related trauma experienced by this population and their caregivers will be discussed.  Placement/adjustment trauma and isolation trauma will be covered in this course along with marginalization of specific populations. This course is designed to build on continued agency field skills in a variety of areas including but, not limited to; team building, networking, interviewing and assessment, service coordination, identifying needs and gaps in care for the elderly and their caregivers, effective leadership skills, self-reflection and awareness, the giving and receiving of feedback, self-care and time management skills. This program recognizes and practices from empowerment, anti-oppressive, inclusive, and harm reduction frameworks.

Credit Status
One credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Integrate contemporary theoretical perspectives on aging and mental health in their field placement experience using reflective professional journaling and a summative portfolio.
  2. Identify common mental health issues that affect older adults and apply them to their fieldwork.
  3. identify current evidence-based interventions and treatments with older adults with mental health issues through a variety of online activities.
  4. Develop advanced self-reflection skills through the use of self-analytical writing, reflective journaling, peer feedback, and group debriefing activities.
  5. Apply independent adult-learning skills including progressive levels of leadership and initiative-taking behaviours.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to work within the professional boundaries of the OCSWSSW scope of practice through debriefing group activities, learning contract goals, and progressive performance evaluations in the field.
  7. Develop problem-solving skills related to professional issues in a multidisciplinary or team setting and interpersonal communications evaluated in the classroom and field settings through reflective journaling and progressive field evaluations.
  8. Perform a variety of mental health and wellness assessments and referrals on older adults to identify (not diagnose) possible mood disorders and other mental health issues using standardized tools in the field i.e. Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Scale, Pain Scales, Aging Addiction and Substance dependency tools, the DSM5, Sexuality Assessment, and the MDS to identify mental health and wellness levels for individual care planning.
  9. Identify COVID19-related trauma issues resulting from isolation protocols and provide resources to support the client and family impacted by pandemics e.g. influenza and COVID-19.

Note:  At the beginning of each seminar class there will be a 60-minute period of debriefing from placement experiences in small group settings guided by the weekly topics, followed by 60 minutes to complete an online blog. The content portion of the seminar can be found in the weekly modules which will run asynchronously. The third hour of each seminar will be reserved for GPA certifications which will occur at least twice during this semester. This is an online full-day 8hr certification workshop and it is mandatory. Students may sign up for the course in the first and second seminar classes. Payment can be made during the sign-up opportunities ($60 includes book, training and certification). There will be two opportunities in the fall semester to attend GPA. If you have your GPA certification within this past year you may be exempt with proof. Students can also take this course online through AGEInc.com for approx. $99.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.