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Housing Practice

Unit Code: HAS487

Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
1 Semester	3 Hours per week or equivalent	Off-Campus	Nil	Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A core unit of study in the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy), Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy) and Master of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy).

Aims & Objectives:

Aims:
This unit provides an overview of the role of social housing and considers the specific tasks of housing management, with particular emphasis on current policy directions and management dilemmas that impact on providers of housing for low income households.

Learning Objectives:
After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an ability to use conceptual tools for problem-solving housing management issues

2. Examine and describe the basic elements of housing assistance in Australia and internationally

3. Demonstrate an ability to engage in meaningful analysis and discussion of contemporary social housing practice

4. Identify and describe contemporary housing policies and programs in Australia and New Zealand

5. Given a problem, demonstrate an ability to collectively analyse it and evolve a consensus decision

Teaching Methods:

The unit will be taught using a distance education approach, with modules available to students via the Blackboard system. Learning materials and resources are included in each of the modules. Regular face-to-face tutorials and learning opportunities are provided. Students also communicate regularly with tutors by email, Blackboard communication and by telephone.

Assessment:

Assessment for this unit will comprise

Two short essays (1,200 words each) designed to illustrate the student’s knowledge of the social housing system, develop analytical skills, and evaluate their and their organisation’s workplace performance (equally weighted, overall 50%); and
A workplace diary (5,000 words) documenting weekly the relevance of material in the teaching modules to the student’s work experience (50%).

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Graduates:

Are capable in their chosen professional areas
Operate effectively and ethically
Are adaptable and manage change
Are aware of environments
Are entrepreneurial

Content:

Week 1 Low Income Housing Provision
Week 2 Social Housing Provision

Week 3 Community Housing Management

Week 4 Client Service

Week 5 Allocations Policy and Practice

Week 6 Rent Setting in Social Housing

Week 7 Financing Social Housing

Week 8 Asset Management

Week 9 Housing and Support

Week 10 Arrears Management

Week 11 Problem Families, Problem Estates

Week 12 Tenant Participation in Housing Management

References:

Texts and References:
Swinburne Housing Management and Policy readings on CD

Current housing and social policy journal readings as directed