Social Work Program

Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child, being diagnosed with an illness, or treating substance abuse. Some social workers get involved at a broad level to help community organizations and policymakers develop or improve social programs, services, and conditions. Advocacy is an important aspect of social work.

Social workers who are licensed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders are called clinical social workers (CSW), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or have a similar title; specific titles vary by state. They may refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers. Clinical social workers may develop treatment plans with the client, doctors, and other healthcare workers.

Identify people and communities in need.
Assess client situations, strengths, and support networks.
Help clients adjust to changes and challenges.
Refer, and advocate for community resources.
Respond to child abuse and mental health emergencies.
Maintain case files and records.

The social work program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a professional in social work. Core courses in a social work program often cover foundational topics such as social welfare policy, human behavior and the social environment, research methods, and various practice methods such as individual, group, and community interventions. Courses may also explore topics like cultural diversity, social justice, and ethics in social work practice.

Required Education

A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the most common requirement for entry-level nonclinical social worker positions. BSW programs teach students about diverse populations, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics in social work. All programs require students to complete supervised fieldwork or an internship. Clinical social workers typically need a master’s degree in social work (MSW). These programs prepare students for work in their chosen specialty by developing clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.

In the social welfare policy course, students analyze the impact of policies on vulnerable populations and explore strategies for advocacy and policy reform. Topics may include social insurance programs, income support, healthcare policy, and social justice movements. The research methods course provides students with the skills to critically evaluate research literature and apply research findings to inform evidence-based practice. Topics include research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis.

Advanced students may focus on the unique challenges and interventions involved in child welfare practice, including child protection, family preservation, and foster care. Topics may include trauma-informed care, attachment theory, legal and ethical issues in child welfare, and collaboration with the juvenile justice system. Further, candidates learn a range of intervention techniques used in social work practice, including assessment, case management, counseling, and advocacy.

Social Work Inernships

Hospital Internships: Interns work alongside experienced social workers in hospital settings, providing psychosocial support to patients and families facing medical crises or chronic illnesses. Responsibilities may include conducting psychosocial assessments, facilitating support groups, assisting with discharge planning, and connecting patients with community resources.

Child Welfare Agencies: Interns partner with social workers and child protective services to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families involved in the child welfare system. Responsibilities may include conducting home visits, writing court reports, facilitating family meetings, and advocating for necessary services and supports.

Nonprofit Organizations: Interns provide social services to underserved populations, such as homeless shelters, food banks, or advocacy organizations. Interns may assist with program development, outreach and education, client intake and assessment, and direct service provision under the supervision of experienced social workers.

Government Agencies: Interns gain insight into the policy development and service delivery within government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. Opportunities may include working in departments of social services, public health agencies, housing authorities, or criminal justice systems, engaging in policy analysis, program evaluation, and direct client services.

What is Social Work

Dr. Hilary Cobb introduces the textbook, An Introduction to the Profession of Social Work.

New Social Workers

There is so much to learn as a new school social worker, so this video offers social work advice that will help you succeed.

LSW & LCSW Exam

Licensed Social Work (LSW) Exam, Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) Exam, ASWB Master Exam, and ASWB Clinical Exam content

History of Social Work

This brief history covers the origins of social work, with a focus on its core principle of social justice.

Social Work Curriculum

Foundation

Introduction to Social Work: Overview of the social work profession and its history.
Ethics and Values: Understanding the core ethics and values of social work.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Examining how social environments affect behavior.
Diversity and Cultural Competence: Promoting diversity and cultural competence in practice.
Social Policy and Advocacy: Understanding and influencing social policies.

Clinical Programs

Assessment and Diagnosis: Techniques for assessing and diagnosing client needs.
Counseling Theories and Techniques: Approaches to counseling and therapeutic interventions.
Trauma-Informed Care: Providing care that acknowledges the impact of trauma.
Group Work: Facilitating and managing group therapy sessions.
Case Management: Coordinating services and resources for clients.

Community Outreach

Community Assessment: Evaluating community needs and resources.
Program Development: Designing and implementing community programs.
Advocacy and Social Justice: Promoting social justice through advocacy.
Community Organization: Strategies for organizing and mobilizing communities.
Policy Practice: Engaging in policy development and reform.

Research Methods

Research Design: Principles of designing effective research studies.
Data Collection and Analysis: Methods for collecting and analyzing data.
Evidence-Based Practice: Integrating research into clinical practice.
Program Evaluation: Techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of social programs.
Ethics in Research: Ethical considerations in social work research.

Areas of Practice

Child and Family Welfare: Supporting children and families in need.
Gerontology: Working with older adults and addressing their unique needs.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Approaches to treating substance abuse and addiction.
Mental Health Services: Providing mental health support and services.
Health Care Social Work: Integrating social work in health care settings.

Social Work Specialization

The social work program aims to prepare students to become competent, ethical, and compassionate social workers capable of addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals, families, and communities.

Social Work Specialties

Mental Health Practice provides in-depth training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and intervention within diverse populations and settings. Students learn about evidence-based practices for treating common mental health disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Substance Abuse Counseling: Students gain knowledge and skills in assessing and treating substance use disorders, understanding the impact of addiction on individuals and families, and implementing relapse prevention strategies. Topics may include motivational interviewing, harm reduction approaches, pharmacology of addiction, and community resources for recovery support.

Healthcare Social Work focuses on the role of social workers in healthcare settings, addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and families across the healthcare continuum. Students learn about patient advocacy, care coordination, bioethics, healthcare disparities, and the integration of behavioral health services into medical settings.

School Social Work explores the unique role of social workers in educational settings, supporting students' academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. Topics include special education law, crisis intervention in schools, bullying prevention, collaboration with educators and families, and community resource coordination.

Aged Care social workers often collaborate with healthcare professionals and community agencies to ensure holistic and person-centered care. Through their intervention, aged care social workers strive to enhance the quality of life for older adults, address social isolation and loneliness, prevent elder abuse, and support individuals and families in navigating life changes.