1. The Social Work Profession Chapter 1 © 2009 Allyn & Bacon This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

2. What is Social Work? A Profession that… – Promotes social justice – Empowers those who are vulnerable and oppressed – Is governed by a set of values and ethics that guide daily practice © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

3. BSW Degree A person with a 4-year college degree A person who possesses a generalist perspective to practice A person who has achieved a specific set of competencies outlined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) A person whose education is built on a liberal arts foundation

4. Advanced Degrees MSW – 2-year degree after the undergraduate degree – With a BSW, opportunity for “Advanced Standing” – Focus on a specific area of practice – Engage in an advanced level of practice (leadership) Ph.D. – 3-5 years, following a Master’s degree – Teach in social work educational programs – Engage in Social Work research © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

5. Examples of Social Work Practice Settings Office-basedHome-based Community- based Government Juvenile justice Public health County administration Non-profit Residential treatment Home visitor Advocacy agency Faith-based Homeless shelter Parent education Coalition For-profit Nursing home Home health Research Private practice Therapist In-home therapy Consultant © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

6. Social Work Roles Effective communicator Facilitator of behavioral change and effective coping through assessment and intervention Advocate for environmental improvement to meet human needs Broker of resources Case manager Educator and organizer © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

7. Quality Assurance and Regulation State licensure and certification State regulatory boards Competency examinations “Social Work” title protection Continuing Education requirements NASW credentials-specific practice requirements © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

8. Social Work Organizations (There are 48 in the U.S.) NASW – Develop professional practice – Call Social Workers to action – Establish and enforce professional standards – Support members CSWE – Accredit SW education programs – Facilitate curriculum development and new knowledge – Promote social justice – Strengthen individuals and communities © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

9. Similarities with Other Disciplines Sociology understand the behavior and beliefs of specific groups Psychology understand how individuals develop Counseling support the emotional and social needs of individuals and families Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) assist individuals to resolve conflicts with significant others Human Services promote the well-being of others © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

10. Mission of Social Work Care for others (especially those who are vulnerable and oppressed) Promote the growth and development of all Change society by advocating for policy changes that promote social justice © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

11. Development of the Social Work Profession Three historical movements – Charity Organization Society – Settlement Houses – Child Welfare Development of specific curriculum and educational programs Establishment of the Code of Ethics © 2009 Allyn & Bacon