Social Work

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work SW130: Learn ways to change the world for individuals, families, groups, agencies, schools, communities, counties, states, and across the USA. This course provides an overview of social justice and other needs/issues that social workers are involved with and experience. We will examine the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for social work practice, and the variety of problems, practice settings, and diverse client populations they can serve.

Introduction to Addictions Counseling SW230: Engage in learning about research, theory, and through practical experiences in the community to help understand substance misuse and other addictive behaviors. Explore an array of techniques and skills for the assessment and treatment of substance use disorder and process/behavioral addictions. A strengths-based and client-centered perspective will be presented. This class assists in meeting the Preliminary requirements for obtaining an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Certificate (CDCA).

Perspectives on Substance Use SW330G: Exploring substance use from a multicultural perspective will expand student’s understanding of the many factors that can contribute to addiction and substance misuse. Diverse theories of addiction and treatment will be explored and applied to current trends/issues related to addiction. Historical trauma will be highlighted to help understand its connection to current addiction challenges. This course is designed to assist in meeting the requirements for obtaining an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Renewable Certificate (CDCA).

Direct Practice with Diverse Clients and Communities SW333: Learn to recognize and address issues of diversity in direct practice starting with an exploration of the impact of personal biases and values when working with diverse populations. Build your own cultural competence/humility in order to effectively work with clients and communities from various backgrounds “in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each” (NASW, 2015, p.13).

Human Behavior in the Social Environment SW335: Explore human development and its many challenges across the lifespan from a biopsychosocial and systems perspective. Gain a broad understanding of developmental theories such as Erikson, Piaget, Bronfenbrenner, and others as well as the research that supports them. Become familiar with how current systems and policies are not equitable and create obstacles to healthy development on multiple levels. Enhance skills in applying these theoretical frameworks when working with clients on the micro- direct practice, mezzo- groups/communities/agencies, and macro- policy and programming levels of care.

Interventions with Individuals SW341: An examination of the knowledge, values, and skills commonly used in direct practice with individuals by social workers and similar professionals in the fields of counseling, psychology, and criminal justice. Emphasis is on both understanding the dynamics of the professional helping process and on the development of specific skills, such as: interviewing, ethical decision-making, assessments, goal planning, and case documentation.

Interventions with Groups and Families SW343: This course presents an examination of the knowledge, values, and skills commonly used by social workers and similar professionals when working with groups and families. Review evidence-based interventions for effective and ethical practice. Develop leadership skills including communication, engagement, facilitation of group processes, planning, problem solving, and self-awareness. Explore diversity issues and their impact on providing treatment. Students will learn to apply new skills and knowledge through engaging in class exercises and in leading in-class groups and activities.

Trauma, Recovery and Resilience SW345G: This class will explore trauma/stress reactions, interventions, recovery, and resilience in the lives of children, adults, families, and communities. We will use a multicultural lens to explore the experiences of different groups in the USA and other countries. Special attention will be given to the many ways trauma can affect individuals biologically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially. We will review the signs and symptoms of trauma and ways to connect with those suffering from it. Areas highlighted will include Trauma Informed Care, Historical Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Veterans/Families Needs, Assault and Victimization. Interventions will be explored and practiced within the class and when possible in the community.

Macro Practice: Promoting Policy and Community Change SW365: Address the nature and impact of policy decisions and programming on the social welfare of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Special attention will be given to disenfranchised, oppressed, and impoverished populations. Explore how to enact change at the organizational, community, societal, and global levels. Learn to provide advocacy and leadership through various orientations, perspectives, and practices with a focus on economic and social justice, equitable access/participation, human needs and rights, and political access. Engage in a group community change project throughout the semester and see how small steps can create real change and help those in need.

Capstone: Social Work Field Placement SW495: The Capstone for Social Work is a combination of practicum experience and classroom discussion and support. The focus is on learning by doing through the application of social work knowledge, values, and skills in a professionally supervised social service setting/agency for a total of 400 hours. Each field experience needs to be organized at least one semester ahead of the planned placement in order to complete interviews, background checks, papers work or other agency requirements. Students will coordinate with their field instructor and social service agency to create an appropriate field placement that meets all NASW requirements for social work licensure.