Department of Clinical Health Sciences Social Work Program SCWK 2331 The Social Work Profession I

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 10 Course Dates, Time, and Location Department of Clinical Health Sciences Social Work Program SCWK 2331 The Social Work Profession I Spring Semester, 2014: January 13, 2014 to May 8, 2014 Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30 am - 10:45 am Manning Hall, Room 240 Instructor Contact Information Emily M. Ralph, J.D., LMSW Assistant Professor and Title IV-E Coordinator, Social Work Program Manning Hall, Suite 152, Office 154 Office Phone: (361) (preferred) Office Fax: (361) Emily.Ralph@tamuk.edu Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday Tuesday and Thursday Friday 11:00 pm - 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Course Description SCWK 2331 The Social Work Profession I 3(3-0). Survey of the social work profession, including history, philosophy, ethics and relevance to current social issues. Participation with service agencies to assess interest in pursuing social work as a career.

2 Page 2 of 10 Course Rational and Purpose This course is the first course in a two course sequence that is designed to install and reinforce students identity as a social worker, and introduces the notion of social work knowledge, values, and skills as the foundation of generalist social work practice. An examination of the social work profession and social work services with diverse populations across system levels and practice settings are explored. A comparison between social work and similar academic disciplines and professions are made. Students are exposed to the structure of social work education, state multilevel social work licensure, social work certifications, social work salary structures, social work values and ethics, and social work professional organizations. This course is required of all social work majors, social work minors, but may be taken by interested others. Furthermore, this course is linked closely with other social work courses serving as a general introduction to generalist social work as defined by the Council on Social Work Education. During students senior year, they will take The Social Work Profession II, which further builds on the core social work curriculum, and is a continuation to The Social Work Profession I, designed to further build students competency in the area of their identity as a professional social worker and associated professional conduct. Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies (EPs): Knowledge, Values, and Skills (PBs) EP Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. Social workers serve as representatives of the profession, its mission, and its core values. They know the profession s history. Social workers commit themselves to the profession s enhancement and to their own professional conduct and growth. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills: PB 1. advocate for client access to the services of social work; PB 2. practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development; PB 3. attend to professional roles and boundaries; PB 4. demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication; PB 5. engage in career-long learning; and PB 6. use supervision and consultation. EP Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of the profession, its ethical standards, and relevant law. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills: PB 7. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice;

3 Page 3 of 10 PB 8. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles; PB 9. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and PB 10. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions. EP Engage diversity and difference in practice. Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social work students will learn the following knowledge areas, values, and skills: PB 14. recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power; PB 15. gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups; PB 16. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences; and PB 17. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants. Course Materials Required Texts: Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2013). Introduction to social work and social welfare: Critical thinking perspectives (4 th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. ISBN: Price: $ Ritter, J. A., Vakalahi, H. F. O., & Kiernan-Stern, M. (2009). 101 careers in social work. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. ISBN: Price: $27.00 American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. ISBN: Price: $28.95

4 Page 4 of 10 Grading Information Grading Scale: = A = B = C = D 59 or Below = F Point Values, Description of Assignments and Examinations, and Associated Practice Behaviors: Professional Identity, Performance, and Demeanor 10% This is relevant to class attendance; engaging in class activities, including frequency and quality; professional demeanor; and so forth. Social/Human Service Experience 20% Students will engage in at least 20 hours of service in a social/human service agency approved by the Social Work Field Coordinator. Documentation of successful completion for this experience is required; this is done by your supervisor completing a timesheet (which will be provided to you by the course instructor on Blackboard) documenting your service; additionally, the student is required to write a short paper concerning their experience and how it informed their perception of social work conforming to the below outline. The paper must be at least four pages in length (the paper can be longer if necessary) including cover sheet and references (scholarly references are expected) conforming to the standards in the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. I. Description of the agency and its services including: A. Type of social/human service setting B. Mission statement C. Goal of agency D. Funding E. Staffing patterns F. Type of service delivery II. Description of the population it serves including: A. Types of issues in the fields of practice III. Statement of problems confronting this population including: A. Ethical concerns B. Social justice C. Diversity issues

5 Page 5 of 10 IV. Review of the role and function of the social worker and supervisor including: A. Roles B. Functions Resume and Personal Narrative 20% Each student will write a resume in this course. Additionally, each student will complete a personal narrative, at least six pages in length (the paper can be longer if necessary) including cover sheet and references (scholarly references are expected) conforming to the standards of the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Please note that an APA Style template is provided for you on Blackboard. The paper must contain the elements listed below. 1. Your understanding of the social work profession (including its historical development, mission, and values) and how the social work profession is similar to and differentiated from sociology, psychology, psychiatry, and counseling. 2. List and define all six core values of the social work profession; discuss the relationship of these core values to the NASW Code of Ethics and why social work values and ethics form the foundation of generalist social work practice with social work knowledge and skills. Additionally, choose at least two of the core values of the social work profession and discuss their importance to you and the social work profession. 3. Discuss why you desire to enter the social work profession; include a discussion of the following: your personal identification with the social work profession; the ecological paradigm (person-in environment perspective, biopsychosocial approach to clients), advocacy for diverse client access to social work services, your conceptualization and appreciation of human diversity, social and economic justice, and generalist social work practice. 4. Discuss three of your personal strengths and three of your personal weaknesses or challenges covering the following points: a. how your personal strengths will help you become a professional social worker; and b. how you plan to overcome any personal weaknesses or challenges to become a professional social worker. 5. Discuss your future goals as a professional (e.g., graduate work in social work, social work employment, social work career path, career-long learning plan, and so forth). The resume/personal narrative assignment is designed to measure the below practice behaviors (PBs-knowledge, values, and skills); consequently, the paper must reflect each practice behavior in the body of the paper.

6 Page 6 of 10 EP Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. PB 1. advocate for client access to the services of social work; PB 2. practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development; PB 3. attend to professional roles and boundaries; PB 4. demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication; PB 5. engage in career-long learning; and PB 6. use supervision and consultation. EP Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. PB 7. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice; PB 8. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles; PB 9. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and PB 10. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions. EP Engage diversity and difference in practice. PB 14. recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power; PB 15. gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups; PB 16. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences; and PB 17. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants. Group Presentations 10% Students will be placed in small groups to present on a substantive practice area in social work during the semester. The substantive practice areas include Aging; Youth/Families; Forensics; Health Care; and Mental Health/Substance Abuse. Each group will prepare a PowerPoint presentation and deliver the presentation to the class dressed in professional attire at a scheduled time (see the course schedule) The group presentation should cover the following: 1. The nature of the particular substantive area of social work practice.

7 Page 7 of The role and function of social workers in that particular substantive area of social work practice across the ecosystem. 3. Related professional organizations; degree level, licensure, and/or certification required for practice in the particular substantive area; and salary estimates. Guest speakers are not permitted. Each student group will have a single class to present their work. PowerPoint slides are required. Students will be awarded a group grade based on the quality of presentation and PowerPoint Slides. Students will be required to be dressed professionally during the presentation, and class exam items may be created from the presented material. Examinations 40% There will be four (4) online, open book (Kirst-Ashman, 2013), multiple attempt (no more than three attempts), timed (exactly 75 minutes), examinations in this course. Each of these examinations is worth 10% of your total course grade. You will take each of these examinations via Blackboard. Specific Course Policies Please do ask questions, and feel free to utilize my office hours. I am here for you, and I want you to succeed. Classroom attendance and participation is necessary and expected. Students are responsible for understanding the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Class Attendance policy. Students must notify the course instructor of any anticipated absence, or the absence will be considered unexcused and make-up work may not be allowed. All students are expected to follow the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics located at: additionally, adherence to expected to the Javelina Honor Code and the Student Code of Conduct found in the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: Make-up examinations will be considered on a case by case basis, and will only be allowed for emergencies, university approved absences, or course instructor approved absences. Late assignment submission will be considered on a case by case basis, and will only be allowed for emergencies, university approved absences, or course instructor approved absences. Electronic devices of any kind, including cell phones, Blackberries, audio or video recorders, laptops, and so forth, are not to be turned on or used in class unless such use is preapproved by the university or course instructor.

8 Page 8 of 10 Academic Misconduct Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning academic misconduct. A copy of this document is also available for you in the Social Work Program office. Harassment and Discrimination Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning harassment and discrimination. A copy of the Student Handbook is also available for your review in the Social Work Program office. Students with Disabilities Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university policies concerning students with disabilities. A copy of the Student Handbook is also available for your review in the Social Work Program office. State Six-Drop Policy Please refer to the most recent version of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Student Handbook located at: for the university regulations concerning the state six-drop policy. A copy of the Student Handbook is also available for your review in the Social Work Program office. Course Schedule* Week/Dates Week 1 1/13-1/17 Readings**/Lecture Topics/Assignments/Examinations Course Introduction Reading: Chapter 1 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: What is Social Work? What is Licensure and Certification? What is Social Work Education? Do You Want to be a Social Worker? Week 2 1/20-1/24 Assignment: Sign-up for Group Presentations Reading: Chapter 2 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Social Work Values and Ethics, An Introduction to APA Writing Style Course Schedule Continued on the Next Page

9 Page 9 of 10 Week 3 1/27-1/31 Week 4 2/3-2/7 Week 5 2/10-2/14 Week 6 2/17-2/21 Week 7 2/24-2/28 Week 8 3/3-3/7 (3/10-3/16 is Spring Break Holiday) Week 9 3/17-3/21 Reading: Chapter 3 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Empowerment and Human Diversity Reading: Chapter 4 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Introduction to Generalist Social Work Practice Reading: Chapter 5 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Social Work Practice Settings Exam 1: Chapters 1-4, Due: 2/12/2014 Reading: Chapter 6 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: History and Philosophy of Social Work and Social Welfare Reading: Chapter 7 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Social Welfare and Policy Practice Reading: Chapter 8 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Poverty and Services for the Impoverished Reading: Chapters 9 and 15 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Youth and Family Social Work Presentation #1: Youth and Family Social Work Week 10 3/24-3/28 (3/27 - Last day to drop a course with an automatic Q) Week 11 3/1-4/4 Exam 2: Chapters 5-8, Due: 3/19/2014 Reading: Chapter 10 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Geriatric Social Work Presentation #2: Geriatric Social Work Reading: Chapter 11 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Social Work and People with Disabilities Presentation #3: Rehabilitation Social Work Course Schedule Continued on the Next Page

10 Page 10 of 10 Week 12 4/7-4/11 Reading: Chapter 12 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Health Social Work Exam 3: Chapters 9-11 and 15, Due: 4/9/2014 Week 13 4/14-4/17 (4/18 is Good Friday Holiday) Week 14 4/21-4/25 Presentation #4: Health Care and Social Work Reading: Chapters 13 and 14 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Substance Use and Mental Health Social Work Presentation #5: Substance Use and Mental Health Social Work Resume and Personal Narrative, Due: 4/16/2014 Reading: Chapter 16 (Kirst-Ashman) Lecture Topic: Forensic Social Work Week 15 4/28-5/1 Week 16 5/2-5/8 Presentation #6: Forensic Social Work 20 Hours of Human Service Experience, Due: 4/23/2014 Dead Week: Class Discussion, Questions, and Answers Exam 4 (Final Exam): Chapters 12-14, and 16, Due: TBA * Subject to modification depending on the class rate of material coverage. ** All readings should be read before class.