Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 565 Administration & Supervision (Fall A 2023)
Credits - 3
Description
This course explores the roles and functions of social workers in various administrative and supervisory capacities, and how the work of the human service program is done through the efforts of its staff. Students gain an understanding of the financial management process, human resource issues, board leadership development, and task group leadership.
WCHP Core Values: Collaboration, Leadership, Critical Thinking
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 successful completion of this course, students will:
- Understand and apply principles of social inclusion and other relevant professional standards in the leadership of sustainable, equitable and diverse human service organizations and other complex systems. Program Outcomes 1, 5
- Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of social work supervision in terms of history, working definition, purpose and its relevance to professional social work practice and apply appropriate theoretical supervision models in various social work practice settings. Program Outcome 3
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge to articulate the concept of transformative and other leadership styles in a multitude of non-profit settings. Program Outcome 7
- Analyze and evaluate the impact of policies and social contexts on the leadership and administration of human service organizations and other complex systems and the resulting impact on client populations. Program Outcome 6
- Possess an understanding of the basic functions of the management, leadership, supervisory and team roles in administrative practice, i.e., planning, monitoring, controlling and organizing, and utilize self-reflection to identify their social work identity. Program Outcome 4
Accreditation Standards Addressed: Council on Social Work Education Educational and Practice Standards (EPAS)
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior (EPAS 1)
- Advance Human Rights and Social, and Environmental Justice (EPAS 3)
- Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice (EPAS 4)
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 9)
Assignments
Learning Activities
A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:
Whole-Class Discussions
Every week, students will be required to participate in one or more discussions for which instructions will be provided. Some of these discussions will be done in small groups as a way for students to work as a designated task team to develop advanced practice skills in coordination, collaboration, facilitation, presentation, and leadership. Online instructor feedback will be conducted throughout the term to assess the student’s engagement and contributions to the discussions.
Hiring Committee: Small-Group Work and Discussions
The focus of the work in this area is to collaborate in a small group and produce a number of assignments and discussions. Through these activities, you will practice your own leadership skills. The due dates for the initial posts vary from week to week; please check individual weeks for the exact timeline.
Week 1 Assignment
For this assignment, you will identify an organization that you have worked (or interned) at and if desired or appropriate, narrow it down to one specific program that is part of a larger organization. To be submitted by Tuesday of Week 1.
Week 4 Assignment: Leadership and Supervision Interview with a Social Worker
For this paper, you will need to interview a social worker who has been in the field for at least two years and ideally is someone who has provided supervision for either an intern or professional social workers. To be submitted by Tuesday of Week 4.
Week 7 Case Study Student Reflection Assignment
Throughout this course, we have been following the Jane Addams Children and Family Center case study. Referring to the case materials, online discussion, course readings, and class activities, provide a 5-7 page reflection.
You will submit a detailed outline of your paper in Week 5. The outline should include all of the headings you plan to use (some are required) and a description of the content (two to three sentences).
A draft of your paper should be submitted to the discussion forum in Week 6. Students should provide a response and feedback on at least one (1) peer’s paper by the end of Week 6.
After you received feedback, please consider making changes to the paper as necessary. The final, revised paper should be submitted for grading no later than Tuesday at 11:59 pm at the end of Week 7.
Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the Course Schedule section.
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
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of total grade |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 | 1% |
| Discussions | 30 (5 pts each) | 30% |
| Hiring Committee (Groups) | 30 (5 pts each) | 30% |
| Week 1 Assignment | 5 | 5% |
| Week 4 Assignment (Interview) | 10 | 10% |
| Week 5 Assignment (Case Study Reflection Outline) | 3 | 3% |
| Week 7 Interagency Meeting Exercise | 2 | 2% |
| Week 7 Assignment (Case Study Reflection) | 19 | 19% |
| Total | 100 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 weeks run from 12:00 AM ET on Wednesday through 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, with the exception of Week 8, which ends on Sunday at 11:59 PM ET. Unless otherwise specified, all discussion comments and assignments are due on the last day of the week. Initial responses to discussion prompts are due by the end of Saturday unless otherwise noted.
ALL TIMES ARE IN THE EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Course Weeks
Week 1: Aug 30 – Sep 6
Week 2: Sep 6 – Sep 13
Week 3: Sep 13 – Sep 20
Week 4: Sep 20 – Sep 27
Week 5: Sep 27 – Oct 4
Week 6: Oct 4 – Oct 11
Week 7: Oct 11 – Oct 18
Week 8: Oct 18 – Oct 22
Week 1
The Context of Human Services Organizations
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussions: Introductions (Due Friday)
- Assignment Submission: Week 1 Assignment
- Assignments Introduced: Leadership and Supervision Interview with Social Worker (due in Week 4), Final Assignment – Case Study Student Reflection (outline due in Week 5, paper due in Week 7)
Week 2
Leadership: Roles, Theories, and Styles
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussions: Whole Class Discussion (Initial post due by Saturday, responses due by Tuesday 11:59 PM ET);
- Hiring Committee Assignment
- Assignments: Continue working on the Week 4 Assignment (Interview)
Week 3
Clinical Leadership: How to Lead in Clinical Settings
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussions: Whole Class Discussion (Initial post due by Saturday, responses due by Tuesday 11:59 PM ET)
- Hiring Committee Assignment
- Assignments: Continue working on the Week 4 Assignment (Interview)
Week 4
Social Work Supervision: What’s the difference?
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Hiring Committee Assignment
- Assignment Submission: Leadership and Supervision Interview with a Social Worker
Week 5
Organizational Culture
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussions: Whole Class Discussion (Initial post due by Saturday, responses due by Tuesday 11:59 PM ET)
- Hiring Committee Assignment
- Assignment Submission: Case Study Student Reflection Outline
- Assignment Reminder: Case Study Student Reflection (Due Week 7)
Week 6
Teamwork
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussion: Peer Paper Review (draft paper submission due by Tuesday 11:59 PM ET)
Week 7
Interagency Collaboration
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussion: Peer Paper Review (feedback due by Friday)
- Hiring Committee Assignment
- Assignment Submission: Final Assignment – Case Study Student Reflection (Due Tuesday 11:59 PM ET)
- Assignment Submission: Interagency Meeting Exercise (Due Tuesday 11:59 PM ET)
Week 8
Feedback
- Required Readings and Multimedia: as assigned
- Discussions: Final Reflection Discussion (Whole Class) (Initial post due by Friday, responses due by Sunday 11:59 PM ET, end of course)
- Hiring Committee Assignment
Student Resources
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.