SW 421A Social Work Practice
This is the first semester of a year-long course that will focus on the action, reflection, and skills of generalist social work practice. We will consider the basic processes of social work practice: engagement, assessment, contracting, intervention, evaluation, and termination, and their application to a wide range of issues and problems. We will look at various levels of intervention (intrapsychically, interpersonally, and intersystemically), various practice settings, social work practice roles, and theoretical perspectives (3 credits per semester) In the first semester (
SW 421A), particular attention is given to the multidimensional approach to assessment and intervention, interviewing skills and the development of the professional identity of the social worker, and the professional relationship with client(s)/client systems. Generalist social work practice is rooted in the ecological/ecosystems framework. Theories of empowerment and strengths-based perspectives are emphasized. Social work practice as framed and contextualized by professional codes of ethics, legal precedence, agency and organizational dynamics, neighborhoods, and communities will be studied and analyzed. In the second semester (
SW 421B), we will continue to deepen knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention, the differential use of self, and specific approaches to practice with particular populations. Additional practice approaches will be introduced—psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, narrative and collaborative approaches with multi-stressed families—which incorporate a solution-focused modality and narrative perspective. We will explore the use of evidence-based (or informed) practice. Ways of evaluating practice and using the professional literature as an aid to practice choices will also be discussed.