SW 539B Social Work Practice in Schools II
This three-credit course is the second of the two-course sequence on school social work practice. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in SW 539A, this course deepens students’ knowledge and skills regarding mezzo and micro practice interventions to support the mental health of students, staff, and community members. Interventions will address challenges related to students and adults—and the role of the school social worker for both populations. Topics covered include school avoidance and refusal, common challenges in working with anxiety and depression, self-harm, suicidality and crisis intervention, effective student discipline, healthy relationships, eating disorders, social media, substance use, and collaboration with outside providers and agencies. Attention to social work values, including ethical practice and an anti-racist, anti-oppressive approach, will be woven into course assignments. Students will leave the course with a portfolio of interventions on a variety of topics, and will possess the required knowledge and skills to meet the qualifications for licensure as a school social worker in the state of Massachusetts.