The broad field of Social Work includes several aspects of the social environment that profoundly impact the experience of individuals, families, groups and communities. A clinical social worker is a preventative and interventionist professional who determines and implements solutions to problems experienced by individuals in various social contexts. The focus of clinical social work is the psychosocial and behavioural considerations that affect the individual’s capacity to lead normal lives. A clinical social worker is a professional who identifies and implements solutions that improve the well-being of individuals. This focus of study prepares the social worker to investigate the cause and effect of the environment on a person’s frame of mind, as well as to provide much-needed psychological guidance to individuals needing assistance to meet the psychosocial challenges of life. Using assessments and interviews, clinical social workers can assist their clients to better understand what is causing the impairment of their well-being. Comparing the results of their assessment to existing theories of psychology, social development, and cultural diversity, clinical social workers can determine a path to appropriate treatment that is most effective for their client.
Clinical Social Work Practice (3 credits)
A prerequisite for this course is “Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups.” It is designed to equip students for Clinical Social Work Practice, offering in-depth exposure to differential assessment and intervention that applies to such fields of practice as Aging, Contemporary Social Issues, Family and Children’s Services, Health, Mental Health and Disabilities, International Social Welfare, School-based and School-linked Services, and the World of Work. Students learn to critically examine, select, apply, and evaluate major theoretical models of direct social work practice with individuals, families, and groups in a culturally competent manner. Emphasis is placed on the linkage between assessment and intervention, the critical evaluation of self in one’s own practice, and the use of empirical knowledge to guide practice decisions. The course explores practice modalities for individuals, families, and groups, highlighting case management and a variety of clinical interventions. The course addresses problems in various fields of practice. Students consolidate their developing knowledge and skills through in-depth study of service delivery to specific client populations, the application of specific intervention methods, or selected clinical practice issues.
Social Gerontology (3 credits)
This course focuses on the biology of aging, psychosocial issues, major sociological theories, death and dying and current social gerontology issues. Emphasis is placed on the impact of economic, cultural, and social forces on the aging process, the role of the social worker in geriatric settings, and implications of race, ethnicity, gender and class in understanding the elderly population. The course examines the policies, programmes and services designed to deal with the problems of the elderly. It provides a forum for analyzing and evaluating aging policies and programmes and for gaining insight and knowledge about the roles of social work in relation to the aging process; examines current research in the field of aging, and emphasizes the role of social work advocacy and empowerment of the elderly in the development of social policies related to the aging process and service delivery to the elderly.
Contemporary Issues in Domestic Violence (3 credits)
This course examines definitions, cycle, and theories regarding the causation and myths of intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is examined among diverse populations, including teen dating violence and older populations. Issues regarding the health, mental health, and criminal justice and child welfare implications of domestic violence are examined. Strategies to address domestic violence at the direct service, community, faith-based, and international levels are explored.
Social Work in Mental Health Settings (3 credits)
This course examines evidence-based mental health practice, the historical development of mental health services and the major roles played by social workers. It explores social policies that authorize, support and sanction mental health programs and examines emerging trends that authorize, support, and sanction social work practice, the institutional delivery systems, contributions, limitations, and the existing and potential alternatives for mental health services. Students will examine mental health systems as well as the quality and effectiveness of engagement, diagnosis and assessment, and effective interventions. Emphasis will be placed on the interplay of individual genetics, family circumstances, community environment, and larger societal policies as well as the roles of community organizer and advocate in achieving better outcomes for those with mental health problems.
Social Work in Health Care Settings (3 credits)
This course examines the social policy framework and trends that authorize, support, and sanction social work practice, the institutional delivery systems, the contributions, limitations, and the existing and potential alternatives for health care. The course covers issues relevant to the healthcare service delivery systems and micro and macro social work practice. It examines a variety of healthcare settings and the role of social work in healthcare delivery systems as well as current issues pertinent to health care for a diverse consumer population.
Intervention Planning and Strategies for Clinical Social Work Practice (3 credits)
Prerequisites: “Human Behaviour and the Social Environment”, “Social Work Practices and Processes,” and “Social Work Practice and Processes with Individuals, Families and Groups.” This course integrates and expands knowledge, values and skills taught in previous courses. It focuses on social work planning and intervention strategies, highlighting treatment theories and models for practice at the individual, family and group levels. Emphasis is place on increasing knowledge and skills in making differential diagnoses for select clinical syndromes and selecting empirically-base, culturally appropriate treatment interventions and strategies. Develops understanding of neurotransmitters related to select clinical syndromes and knowledge of psychopharmacological medications for the treatment of clinical syndromes. Emphasis is placed on the identification and treatment of loss and grief issues that are most prevalent in fields of practice in urban settings and their relevance for diverse consumer populations. Various approaches for social work interventions are examined to determine the basic assumptions of the model, theoretical underpinnings, nature and depth of problem identification and assessment, procedures and processes appropriate for selected models, culturally competent application of the model, indications for use, values and ethical considerations in intervention planning, and termination and evaluation.