Diploma in Social Work and community development

Course Overview

The Diploma builds on Level 5 competencies and prepares learners for more advanced roles in social work and community development practice. It emphasises leadership, programme planning and management, resource mobilisation, social policy administration, research, disaster management, community project management, and service management within social work contexts. For example components include: home-based care, child welfare programmes, community empowerment, social work case management, psychosocial support, advocacy/lobbying, disaster management, resource mobilisation, social rehabilitation & reintegration, entrepreneurial skills, community project management, social work research and social policy administration.

Structure & Modules

The Diploma is organised into modules with units of learning. For example one curriculum specifies for Level 6:

• Module I: Communication Skills; Home Based Care; Child Welfare Programmes; Community Based Groups.

• Module II: Digital Literacy; Psychosocial Support; Community Empowerment; Social Work Case Management.

• Module III: Work Ethics & Practices; Advocacy & Lobbying; Disaster Management.

• Module IV: Social Work Service Management; Resource Mobilisation; Social Rehabilitation & Reintegration Programmes.

• Module V: Entrepreneurial Skills; Community Project Management; Social Work Research; Social Policy Administration.

• Industrial attachment of 480 hours (or equivalent) in a relevant social work environment.

Industrial Attachment / Practical Experience

Students are expected to attend industrial attachment/practicum in appropriate agencies (e.g. social work agencies, NGOs, government social services, community development organisations) for a minimum period (e.g., 480 hours) to allow for hands-on practice in real social work/community development settings.

Assessment & Certification

• Competency-based assessment: formative (60% weight) and summative (40% weight) for units. Theoretical vs practical weighting differs by module: e.g., Modules I-III may be assessed 30:70 theory:practical; Modules IV-V 40:60.

• Minimum performance: pass the theory component (≥ 40%) and practical component (≥ 50%), and at least 50% in the combined weighted score.

• Award: National Certificate (Level 6) by TVET CDACC upon competence in all units. Statement of Attainment may be awarded for partial competence.

Areas of Work / Career Pathways

Graduates of the Diploma may undertake or be employed in roles such as:

• Social worker in government social service departments

• Community development officer / programme coordinator

• Child protection specialist / case manager

• Disaster management & rehabilitation officer in NGOs or government agencies

• Resource mobilisation & fund-raising officer for community organisations

• Social work researcher or evaluator of community programmes

• Manager of community-based projects or social work programmes

• With further study, progression to Bachelor degree programmes in social work or related fields