THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: SW 383T Instructor: Susan Walsh, MSSW Semester: Spring 2010 [email protected] Unique Number: 63115 Office: 3.124H Office Phone: 471-7451 Website: TBD Meeting Place: 2.140 Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00-1:45 pm Thursdays 12:30p-1:00 pm and by appointment SW 383T: Social Work Practice II I. STANDARDIZED COURSE DESCRIPTION This course builds upon Practice I by deepening the students’ knowledge of the generalist social work perspective in the application of theory and practice methods for effective and ethical service delivery to diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in conjunction with field education. II. STANDARDIZED COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Critically analyze professional values, ethical dilemmas and ethical decision making and their impact on service delivery, policy and practice; PB 4, 9, 10 2. Identify, critique, apply and evaluate social work theories and methods from a strengths based generalist perspective for effective service delivery to diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; PB 31, 35, 37 3. Apply beginning practice skills in the development, leadership and evaluation of small groups in agency, organization and community settings; PB 29, 31, 35, 36, 40 4. Identify aspects of human diversity within and between groups and the implications for this diversity in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation; PB 1, 29, 35, 36, 39 5. Demonstrate knowledge of leadership and advocacy skills, conflict management and interprofessional collaboration at all levels of social work practice to promote social and economic justice; PB 29, 35, 36, 37, 396. Apply a beginning level of skill in utilizing empirical knowledge to evaluate theoretical frameworks, intervention plans and practice effectiveness; PB 35, 36, 37 7. Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, assessment, intervention and evaluation plans for diverse client systems that enhance client strengths, capacities, assets and resources. PB 1, 4 The School of Social Work has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1952. In order to maintain our accreditation status, we engage in ongoing curriculum assessment to demonstrate compliance with CSWE’s Education Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Several required courses in our curriculum are part of this ongoing assessment, including this course. Below is a list of the specific Educational Policies (EP) and Practice Behaviors (PB) that are assessed in this course. The complete EPAS can be obtained from your Student Handbook. EP2.1.1 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. PB1 Advocate for client access to the services of social work Objectives 4, 7 Assignments: Advocacy Assignment PB4 Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication Objectives 1, 7 Assignments: Video Role Play and Critique Social Work Theory Application EP2.1.2 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. PB9 Tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts Objective 1 Assignments: Ethics Application PB10 Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions Objective 1 Assignments: Advocacy Assignment Ethics Application EP2.1.10a EngagementPB29 Substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Objectives 3, 4, 5 Assignments: Advocacy Assignment Social Work Theory Application PB31 Develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes Objectives 2, 3 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application EP2.1.10b Assessment PB35 Select appropriate intervention strategies Objectives 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application Video Role Play and Critique EP2.1.10c Intervention PB36 Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals Objectives 3, 4, 5, 6 Assignments: Video Role Play and Critique PB37 Implement prevention intervention that enhances client capacities Objectives 2, 5, 6 Assignments: Video Role Play and Critique PB39 Negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients Objectives 4, 5 Assignments: Advocacy Assignment PB40 Facilitate transitions and endings Objective 3 Assignments: Video Role Play and Critique III. TEACHING METHODS This class will be taught using a variety of methods with an emphasis on experiential learning via an active learning centered model. Teaching methods might include role-plays and simulations, case examples, student presentations, videos, class discussions, small group interactions, collegial consultation, lectures and guest lectures. The assignments will provide the opportunity for "learning by doing" in role-play, small groups, and individual and group projects. To achieve success in learning in this course, you must be willing to participate, risk yourself, stretch your creativity, and attend class! You are encouraged to ask questions as well as provide the professor with information and feedback.IV. REQUIRED & RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND MATERIALS Required: Walsh, J. (2010). Direct Social Work Practice (2nd edition). California: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. All Required Readings listed on the class schedule, that are not found in the textbooks, will be available via Blackboard and/or e-reserves. If readings are added after the beginning of the class semester, you will be notified by the Professor. Recommended: Roberts, A.R. (Ed.) (2009). Social Worker’s Desk Reference. Oxford: University Press. Corey, M.S. & Corey, G. (Eds.) (2010)). Groups Process and Practice,