HMS 3150 - SOCIAL CASEWORK

credits: 3.0
Will provide fundamental casework skills necessary to work with clients as individuals, families or groups. Topics include: rapport and the worker-client relationship, psychological assessment and client interviews, problem identification and problem solving, evaluation, and termination of the therapeutic relationship. Working with culturally diverse populations and avoiding burnout will also be addressed. Objectives: Understand various theoretical bases of social work practice and apply skills acquired. Differentiate between theoretical approaches and begin practice with individuals, families, and groups. Identify and analyze practice related system issues that impact clients in order to provide culturally sensitive services. Understand, critique, and apply the eight-step problem solving model. Develop and demonstrate competency in the following areas: A) Data collection through client interviews and other resources; B) Data assessment; C) Problem identification; D) Goal development. Utilize competency to write a comprehensive biopsychosocial history assessment. Understand the socialization of values and the relationship of personal and societal values to each other and impact on practice issues. Method of Instruction: Lecture-class discussion, assigned readings-postings, videotapes, and class exercises. Method of Evaluation: Class participation; case study; and social history, out-of-class and in class assignments.