HUMS5003 Assessment 2 : Professional Self-Development Plan

Purpose

The purpose of this assessment is to help students develop a clear and intentional professional development plan that builds on the self-awareness gained in Assessment 1. Students will identify practical strategies to strengthen their self-awareness, self-care, reflective practice, and overall professional capability. They will also set short- and long-term goals that align with kaupapa Māori values and ethical social service practice. This assessment encourages students to plan for their growth as safe, capable, and reflective future social service workers.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

2. Identify personal values, beliefs and biases and their potential influence on professional identity and practice.
3. Strategise ways to enhance capability, self-awareness, self-care, and reflective practice as future social service workers.

Task

Write a 1,000–1,200 word Professional Self-Development Plan that outlines your ongoing growth as an emerging social service practitioner. Your plan should demonstrate how your self-understanding has developed since Assessment 1 and identify clear strategies and goals for your future practice.

Your Professional Self-Development Plan must include the following:

1. Identify Areas for Personal and Professional Development

Drawing on your insights from Assessment 1, clearly describe the key areas where you recognise a need for further growth. These may relate to:

• Social, cultural, or intersectional influences on your identity
• Emerging self-awareness
• Personal values, beliefs, and biases
• Professional capability or confidence

2. Identify Strategies That Will Strengthen Your Practice

For each identified area of development, outline specific and practical strategies you will use to enhance your:

• Self-awareness
• Self-care
• Reflective practice
• Professional capability

These strategies should be realistic, achievable, and relevant to social service practice. Briefly explain how each strategy will support your ongoing growth and safe, ethical practice.

3. Develop Three Professional Development Goals

Create three clear goals that reflect the areas and strategies you have identified. Consider:

• A short-term focus (achievable within the next 6–12 months)
• A long-term focus (achievable beyond 12 months)
• How the goal aligns with:

○ Kaupapa Māori values (e.g., manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kotahitanga)

○ Ethical social service practice

Goals should be specific, measurable, and realistic.

4. Demonstrate Alignment with Ethical and Culturally Responsive Practice

Throughout the plan, show your understanding of how culturally grounded and ethically informed development supports safe and effective practice. You should show an awareness of:

• The need for ongoing reflective practice
• The importance of cultural humility
• The relevance of kaupapa Māori values to professional growth in Aotearoa

Submission Requirements

• 1000-1200 words
• Due date: Sunday 26 April by 10pm
• Submitted via Moodle