Course Description
The second course in the practice sequence focuses on mezzo level social work practice with families and groups, emphasizing empowerment and social justice. The course focuses on practice approaches, problem solving, and intervention modalities using the systems perspective at the mezzo level of generalist practice. Students will understand their role with families and groups as leaders and change agents. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Code of Ethics will be reviewed. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- SWK 101: Introduction to Social Work
- SWK 110: History of Social Welfare
- SWK 225: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 1
- SWK 226: Human Behavior in the Social Environment 2
- SWK 305: Direct Practice with Individuals/Couples
- Acceptance into the Social Work Program
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Understand the context of social work services with families and groups.
- Define the role of systems and ecological concepts for understanding the interaction of families and groups in their environments.
- Analyze the impact of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion with families and groups.
- Define direct and clinical social work practice with families and groups.
- Delineate roles performed by direct practice social worker with families and groups.
- Identify steps in the helping process, from exploration through implementation and termination with families and groups.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Chapter Quizzes (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Weekly Assignments (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Group Facilitation Project (Week 3 & Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbook
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Dean H. Hepworth, Ronald Rooney, Glenda Dewberry Rooney, Kim Strom-Gottfried (2023). Empowerment Series: Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills – with MindTap Access. 10th ed.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 2,3,7 | 1-5 | Topics: How to Assess Family Functioning When Working with Families for Culturally Diverse Backgrounds
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2 | 1,3-8 | 1-5 | Topics: How to Successfully Form and Run a Social Work Group
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3 | 1,3,7,9 | 1-3,6 | Topics: Understanding the Purpose and Functioning of Client Goals
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4 | 1-9 | 1-6 | Topics: Utilizing Resources and Interventions to Implement Change
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5 | 3,6,8 | 1-5 | Topics: Intervention Skills Used When Working with Couples, Families, and Parents
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6 | 4,6,7,8 | 1-5 | Topics: How to Successfully Intervene in Social Work Groups
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7 | 1,3,6-9 | 1-6 | Topics: Utilizing Additive Empathy, Interpretation and Confrontation to Manage Barriers of Change
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8 | 1,3,4,8,9 | 3-6 | Topic: How to Terminate a Client
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.