Relationships in Social Care

Integrating some of CORU's Standards of Proficiency, this module will relate to professional autonomy and accountability, communication and professional development, knowledge and skills. It will aim to develop the students’ ability to critically analyse professional service user / social care worker relationships and build skills to develop and maintain relationships within the social care context. It will present an introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal interactions within the professional relationship, and will focus on self-awareness, personal and interpersonal power, attitudes, values and perceptions in communication, verbal and non-verbal strategies, teamwork and dealing with difference as a means of being able to act in the best interest of service users at all times. This module will provide a solid foundation for establishing, maintaining and terminating relationships within the professional arena, together with skills for dynamic interpersonal relationships.

It builds on the communication and interpersonal management modules offered at Level 6 and on the Pedagogical Practice and Social Care module at Level 7.

1. Understand the need to build and sustain professional relationships as both an independent practitioner and collaboratively as a member of a team by critically analysing the nature of relationships and relationship boundaries and their application in social care. (Proficiencies 1.3, 1.21, 2.13) 

2. Demonstrate mastery of establishing and maintaining professional social care relationships by exercising appropriate analysis, application and judgement in respect of appropriate interpersonal skills including an ability to modify and adapt communication methods and styles to suit individual service users issues and needs. (Proficiencies 1.8, 1.10, 1.11, 2.2, 2.3, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15)

3. Critically evaluate their own interpersonal style and its manifestation in communication and behaviour. (Proficiencies 1.11, 1.12, 2.2)

4. Appraise the value and relevance of self-awareness to engage in and take responsibility for personal and professional development. (Proficiencies 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 5.13, 5.19)

5. Recognise the importance of practising in a non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive way and evaluate how personal and societal values, attitudes and perceptions influence the establishment and maintenance of professional relationships in social care. (Proficiencies 1.8, 1.11, 1.12)

6. Determine and respond to factors which contribute towards or affect adversely, the relationship within the social care context. (Proficiencies 2.2, 5.8, 5.9, 5.11)