Social Work Direct Services

Focuses on the foundation of social work practice and processes from a generalist practice framework introducing both micro and macro practice. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of social work knowledge, ethics, and values, promotion of social and economic justice, eco-systems, cultural competence, the problem-solving process and development of the client/consumer-worker relationship. Explores the relevance of practice-informed research and research-informed practice in working with diverse consumer populations, organizations and communities.

(Elective) Provides students with an in-depth examination of the status and plight of women in society and within the social work profession. Enhances knowledge and understanding of women's issues in relation to changing roles, sexism, racism, and empowerment from a global perspective. Explores historical and contemporary issues that govern society's view of women and the concomitant adverse effect on the lives of women.

(Differential Foundation course, Practice Methods II) Deepens understanding of concepts and principles introduced in SWDS-100, with emphasis on the assessment phase of the problem-solving process in direct practice. Field education experiences and theoretical concepts are integrated with focus on understanding and application of interviewing skills, values and ethics, ecological and strength based approaches, and goal setting and termination. Interventional strategies dealing with individuals and families are introduced in addition to selected knowledge from small group practice.

(Advanced course, Practice Methods IV) Provides students with knowledge and skills in strategic planning for resource development, program planning, grant proposal writing, financial management, entrepreneurship, and community and institutional capacity building and multi-level fundraising. Emphasis is placed on the conceptualization process involved in planning for resource development, as well as creating an actual funding plan, identifying funding sources, critical analyzing of internal and external factors, designing comprehensive multi-level income streams, budget analyzing and utilizing different types of budgets for different purposes, proposal writing, and analyzing roles and role development of: staff, boards, alliances/coalitions, stakeholders, and others. Special attention is given to the unique experiences and challenges faced by organizations in African- American communities and other communities of color.

(Advanced course, Practice Methods III) Develops advanced knowledge of social work planning and intervention strategies based on social work treatment theories and models for practice at the individual, family and group level. Selected approaches for social work interventions are examined to determine the basic assumptions of the model, theoretical underpinnings, nature and depth of problem identification and assessment, procedures and processes appropriate for selected models, culturally competent application of the model, indications and contraindications for use, values and ethical considerations in intervention planning, and termination and evaluation.

(Differential Foundation course, Practice Methods II) Deepens the conceptual base introduced in SWDS-100. Examines multilevel needs and strengths of diverse peoples, organizations, and communities. Focuses on community, organizational and administrative practice theories, assessment and approaches. Uses conceptual and practice models and cases to understand use of relationship, power and influence in CAP (Macro) practice. Explores leadership styles and roles as social workers in CAP (Macro) practice.

Examines core mechanisms of changes which cut across or are common to the various group therapy approaches and are intrinsic to group processes and functioning as well as those elements, which differ among the approaches. Explores such factors as membership composition, purposes, group structure, interventive techniques and evaluation procedures. Examines various these approaches in relation to their relevance and applicability to the diverse populations currently receiving services in the myriad of agencies offering social work services. Particular attention is given to the relevance of the various group approaches for African-Americans and other oppressed groups: ethnic groups of color, women, gay and lesbian clients, handicapped persons, children, and the elderly.

(Advanced course, Practice Methods IV) Integrates and expands knowledge, values and skills taught in previous courses. Emphasis is place on increasing knowledge and skills in making differential diagnoses for select clinical syndromes and selecting empirically-base, culturally appropriate treatment interventions and strategies. Develops understanding of neurotransmitters related to select clinical syndromes and knowledge of psychopharmacological medications for the treatment of clinical syndromes. Emphasis is placed on the identification and treatment of loss and grief issues that are most prevalent in fields of practice in urban settings and their relevance for diverse consumer populations.

Prepares the social work student to enhance and extend knowledge of psychopharmacology. Students will further develop their basic understanding of the study of and use of medications to treat psychiatric disorders. This is an elective course in the area of direct practice. This course can be taken after the completion of the foundation courses and the psychopathology course. This course reviews the historical, political, and ethical context of psychotropic medications in social work practice and provides a basic overview of neuroscience, pharmacology and psychopharmacology. The contemporary social work roles in medication management are debated and necessary skills for effective collaboration with clients, families and other mental health practitioners on medication-related issues are provided. A complementary focus will include the impact on people of color in the Diaspora from the Black Perspective.