Indigenous Australian Practice for Human Service Workers

Abstract

Understanding processes of colonisation and decolonisation, particularly in relation to policy and practice within Human Services, are central features of this subject, and will enable students to work effectively with Indigenous Australians. This focus on Human Services practice will be guided by the worldviews and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including their experiences of racism and discrimination in accessing services. The subject includes an overview of national Australian Indigenous issues pertinent to Human Services, and will equip students to respond effectively, using protocols of the community/ies in which they will undertake Human Services work.

Syllabus

Historical frameworks of Human Services practice within Indigenous Australian communitiesRacism and Discrimination towards Indigenous Australians within Australian Human ServicesColonisation and its impact on Indigenous AustraliansAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' perceptions of wellbeingDecolonisation and emerging frameworks of Australian Human Services practiceAustralian Human Services Policy and Practice related to Aboriginal and … For more content click the Read More button below.

Historical frameworks of Human Services practice within Indigenous Australian communities
Racism and Discrimination towards Indigenous Australians within Australian Human Services
Colonisation and its impact on Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' perceptions of wellbeing
Decolonisation and emerging frameworks of Australian Human Services practice
Australian Human Services Policy and Practice related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Cross cultural issues/worldviews in Australian Human Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Protocols that are necessary for Human Services work
Working with Indigenous Australian groups and organisations in the execution of effective Human Services work

Assessment items

1. Developing a Community Portfolio

2. Essay/Case Study

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to apply decolonising frameworks of practice, including `thinking, doing and being', from an Indigenous Australian perspective;

be able to articulate Indigenous Australian worldviews for use in Human Services practice;

be able to demonstrate knowledge and respect for Indigenous Australian cultures while undertaking Human Services work;

be able to demonstrate an understanding of colonisation and its impact on Indigenous Australian peoples, families and communities, when undertaking Human Services work;

be able to articulate, within Human Services practice, the significance of Australian Aboriginal heritage and culture in contributing to the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians; and

be able to effectively apply proficiency in the use of Indigenous Australian protocols, when undertaking Human Services work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Assumed knowledge

IKC101 Indigenous Australian Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities, or equivalent.