Emphasis is placed on understanding beginning generalist practice, including practice with systems of all sizes. Emphasis is placed on the role of research in evaluating the effectiveness of one's own practice and of service delivery systems. Emphasis on the development of philosophy, policies, and implementation of community mental health, and on issues including deinstitutionalization and homelessness. Examines social work practice with individuals and families. The problem-solving process, social work purposes, values, and ethics are examined.
Emphasis is given to the helping relationship and the phases of the helping process.
Lab component emphasizes the development of interactional skills for entry-level practice. Emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills for practice with small groups, communities, and organizations. Also recommended for Human Service minors, for whom the prerequisites are SWK 250 and 275. The social work practicum provides an opportunity for students to have direct and continuing contact with the realities of social work practice for the purpose of developing professional social work capabilities. The student is assigned to a social service agency five days a week and is supervised by a qualified professional practitioner employed by the agency.