Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 510 – Social Work Practice I
Credits - 3
Description
Social Work Practice I introduces students to generalist social work practice defined as planned change, at every system level, implemented through collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners. The theoretical framework of this course is based on empowering and relational theories for practice and concentrates on the integration and application of health promoting knowledge, values and skills that support and sustain client resiliency informed by the core social work values of self-determination, diversity, human dignity and social justice. Students are encouraged to critically examine knowledge and to develop skills for culturally attuned practice. Students are exposed to tenets of evidence-guided practice. Students learn and apply skills for health-promoting practice with individuals, families, and groups including assessment, engagement, interpersonal relationship building and intervention planning.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- 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 Objectives:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Engage in ethical reflection and critical consciousness within the context of the values of the social work profession. Program Outcome 4 (Assessed in Assignment 1)
- Demonstrate self-reflective practice that includes awareness and integration of personal, professional, social, economic, political, and cultural forces that promote and/or impede social inclusion and compassionate client-centered practice. Program Outcome 1 (Assessed in Assignment 1 and 2)
- Facilitate change with individuals, families, and communities at all systems levels, using empowering and reflexive theories of practice to:
-
- foster health-promoting client-worker alliances,
- conduct client-centered and resiliency based assessments,
- integrate trauma-informed principles of care
- create collaborative community partnerships for client-driven service delivery, and
- apply principles of evidence-guided and client-centered practice evaluation.
Program Outcomes 3 and 7 (Assessed in Assignment 3)
Accreditation Standards Addressed:
Council on Social Work Education Educational and Practice Standards (EPAS) (Also See Program and Course Objectives Above)
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior (EPAS 1)
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice (EPAS 2)
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 6)
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities ( EPAS 7)
Assignments
Learning Activities
A variety of learning activities support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:
Readings and Multimedia
This course will use an array of readings, podcasts, and videos to present the important concepts in the various modules. The readings and media sources provide the foundation and background for student discussion threads, the portfolio assignment, and written assignments.
Discussions
Discussions are an important part of the learning process in this course. Students are expected to post an initial response to the weekly discussion questions by Saturday, adhering to the requirements outlined in the prompt and Discussion Rubric, and to return on at least two additional days of the class week to respond to a minimum of 2 classmates in meaningful and substantive ways. This equates to a minimum of 3 total posts spread over at least three different days. Students are welcome and encouraged to begin posting earlier than Saturday, but Saturday is the latest acceptable day for initial posts.
Video Posts: Social work involves interaction with clients in various settings. Initial posts for discussions in weeks 1 & 6 will be video posts. Video discussions facilitate engagement as well as provide practice with important social work skills such as attending behavior and active listening.
Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments
You will have three major assignments in this course:
In Week 2, you will submit your Critical Consciousness Paper. This assignment requires a critical reflection on how personal, professional, and cultural assumptions and knowledge influence social work practice. The majority of the paper must consist of your critical thinking, analysis, and self-reflection with relevant cited connections to the scholarly and course literature.
In Week 4, you will submit a Group Observation Checklist as a discussion post attachment and include your reflection to share with your classmates.
Your final paper is Engagement and Building Empowered Relationships for Change of the Multilevel Social Work Assessment and Change Paper and will be turned in during Week 7. This is the first part of a two-part assignment related to Assessment and Change. In this part, you describe how to build empowering relationships that are critical to any successful change process and in Practice II, you will complete the second part of this Assessment and Change process.
Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the Course Schedule.
Grading Policy
The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignments | Point Value | Percentage of the Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion Contributions | 350 points (25 points x 14 discussion forums) | 35% |
| Group Observation Checklist and Discussion | 200 points | 20% |
| Critical Consciousness Paper | 200 points | 20% |
| Engagement and Building Empowered Relationships for Change of the Multilevel Social Work Assessment and Change Paper | 250 points | 25% |
| Total | 1,000 points | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Dates: January 6, 2021 – February 28, 2021
Week 1: Wednesday, January 6 – Tuesday, January 12
Week 2: Wednesday, January 13 – Tuesday, January 19
Week 3: Wednesday, January 20 – Tuesday, January 26
Week 4: Wednesday, January 27 – Tuesday, February 2
Week 5: Wednesday, February 3 – Tuesday, February 9
Week 6: Wednesday, February 10 – Tuesday, February 16
Week 7: Wednesday, February 17 – Tuesday, February 23
Week 8: Wednesday, February 24 – Sunday, February 28
Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the last day of the module or unit week, as listed.
Discussions: Initial posts are due by 11:59 PM ET on Saturday, except in Week 8 – the initial post is due by 11:59 PM ET on Friday; responses are due by the end of the course week in every week.
ALL TIMES ARE IN THE EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Week 1: Becoming a Social Worker – Exploration of Social Work Values and Reflexive Practice
- Required and Optional Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Introductions; Reflexive practice; NASW Code of Ethics
- Assignments: Introduction to all major course assignments
Week 2: Clinical Relationship and Multicultural Social Work Practice
- Required and Recommended Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Cultural Humility and Relational Cultural Theory (RCT)
- Assignment Submission: Critical Consciousness Paper
Week 3: Ethics in Multi-Level Social Work Practice
- Required and Recommended Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Ethical Dilemmas; Social Work and Social Media
- Assignment Reminder: Group Observation Checklist due next week
Week 4: Social Work with Groups and Interprofessional Teams
- Required and Optional Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Case Study Update; Group Observation Discussion
- Assignment Submission and Discussion: Group Observation Checklist
Week 5: Preparing for the First Interview/Meeting with Client(s)
- Required and Optional Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Reflecting on Assumptions; Preparing for Client Meeting
- Assignment Reminder: Engagement and Building Empowered Relationships for Change Paper is due in Week 7
Week 6: Attending and Listening in Multicultural Social Work Practice
- Required and Optional Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Case Study – Attending and Listening; Case Study – Interacting in the first meeting
- Assignment Reminder: Engagement and Building Empowered Relationships for Change Paper due next week
Week 7: Support, Empathy, and Person-in-Environment
- Required and Optional Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Person-in-Environment
- Assignment Submission: Engagement and Building Empowered Relationships for Change Paper
Week 8: Social Work’s Commitment to Social Justice
- Required and Optional Readings and Multimedia: Text, websites, videos, and articles as assigned
- Discussions: Case Study – Reflecting on Case Study; Course Takeaways
Student Resources
Tips for Success
- The reading assignments present complex content that may be new to you. Please set aside time to have quiet, focused reading. It can also be helpful to outline the key concepts and definitions with the readings.
- The content within the course has been selected to provoke thoughtful, meaningful discussion. At times, this content may also raise personal issues for you – you may meet yourself in the readings or case presentations. This is not unusual in professional education; many chose to become social workers based on past personal experiences. As you become aware of issues, please remember you are a part of a learning community which is educationally focused. Be mindful of what you share with others. If you become overwhelmed personally with course content, please touch base with your instructor or student support if necessary.
- You will be asked in your discussion boards to reflect on particular readings and/or multimedia. Reflection requires that you synthesize the material and place it in the context of your understanding. Dialog with your fellow students will open new avenues or ideas that you may not have explored or thought about. Be open.
- Do not wait until the end of the week to post to the discussion board. By posting early in the week, we as a class or small group have more time to delve deeper into the discussion threads.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions. If you have a question or concern, contact the instructor. There is always the option of scheduling a phone meeting.
- Discussion postings are a reflection of the writer’s professionalism. Carefully proofread your writing before posting it.
- If your writing skills need polishing up, contact the Student Academic Success Center early in the term!
- To create a learning community, we need to be able to take risks within a respectful and safe environment. Please be mindful of how you respond to others. Think about how your words will be received. Always use respectful communication.
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
Essential Academic and Technical Standards
Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Confidentiality Statement
Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.