THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: SW 383T Instructor: Susan Walsh, MSSW [email protected] Semester: Spring 2012 Unique Number: 62635 Office: 3.124H Website: TBD Office Phone: 471-7451 Meeting Place: 2.118 Office Hours: Thursdays 8:00am-8:30am, 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, 39 6. 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, 4The 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 “Speak Out” Project PB4 Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication Objectives 1, 7 Assignments: Advocacy “Speak Out” Project Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan 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: Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan Advocacy “Speak Out” Project Analysis of a Group Process In Class Activities PB10 Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions Objective 1 Assignments: Advocacy “Speak Out” Project In Class Activities EP2.1.10a Engagement PB29 Substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Objectives 3, 4, 5 Assignments: Analysis of a Group Process Advocacy “Speak Out” Project Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan PB31 Develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomesObjectives 2, 3 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan Analysis of a Group Process EP2.1.10b Assessment PB35 Select appropriate intervention strategies Objectives 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan Analysis of a Group Process EP2.1.10c Intervention PB36 Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals Objectives 3, 4, 5, 6 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan Analysis of a Group Process PB37 Implement prevention intervention that enhances client capacities Objectives 2, 5, 6 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan Analysis of a Group Process PB39 Negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients Objectives 4, 5 Assignments: Advocacy “Speak Out” Project PB40 Facilitate transitions and endings Objective 3 Assignments: Social Work Theory Application and Intervention Plan 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: