Introduction to Social Work
Unit Outlines

Introduction To Social Work

AI Generated Intermediate 40 hours 10 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand the historical development, core values, and ethics of social work.
  • Identify and describe the diverse roles and responsibilities of social workers across various settings.
  • Analyze key theoretical frameworks that guide social work practice.
  • Develop cultural competence and ethical decision-making skills relevant to social work.
  • Apply knowledge of interventions, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and self-care strategies to professional practice.

Content Outline

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Unit 4248: Foundations and Practice of Social Work

1. Overview of Social Work

  • Introduction to Social Work
    • Definition and scope
    • Historical development of social work
  • Core Values and Ethics
    • NASW core values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence
  • Social Justice and Human Rights
    • Importance in social work practice
    • Examples of social justice initiatives

2. Roles and Responsibilities of Social Workers

  • Advocacy
  • Case Management
  • Counseling
  • Community Organizing
  • Policy Development
  • Interprofessional collaboration

3. Theoretical Frameworks in Social Work

  • Systems Theory
    • Understanding complex interactions
  • Strengths-Based Approach
    • Focusing on client strengths and resources
  • Ecological Perspective
    • Interaction between individuals and their environments
  • Person-in-Environment Framework
    • Holistic view of client circumstances

4. Social Work Practice Settings

  • Schools
  • Hospitals and Healthcare Settings
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Government Agencies
  • Private Practice
  • Emerging practice areas

5. Diversity and Cultural Competence in Social Work

  • Definition of Cultural Competence
  • Understanding Diverse Populations
    • Ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other diversities
  • Promoting Inclusivity and Social Justice
    • Strategies for culturally responsive practice

6. Social Work Ethics and Professional Conduct

  • NASW Code of Ethics Overview
  • Ethical Decision-Making Models
  • Boundaries in Client-Worker Relationships
  • Confidentiality and Privacy
  • Common Ethical Dilemmas and Resolutions

7. Social Work Interventions and Techniques

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Selecting appropriate interventions

8. Social Policy and Advocacy

  • Role of Social Workers in Social Policy
  • Legislative Advocacy
  • Addressing Systemic Inequalities
  • Community Organizing and Mobilization

9. Trauma-Informed Practice in Social Work

  • Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
  • Recognizing Impact of Trauma
  • Integrating Trauma-Informed Approaches in Interventions

10. Self-Care and Burnout Prevention for Social Workers

  • Importance of Self-Care
  • Stress Management Techniques
  • Setting Professional Boundaries
  • Strategies to Prevent Burnout

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Quick Information

Unit Introduction To Social Work
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration40 hours
Topics10
CreatedJul 21, 2026
GeneratedJul 21, 2026 08:08

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of human behavior and social sciences
  • Introduction to psychology or sociology recommended

Recommended Resources

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
  • Barker, R. L. (2014). The Social Work Dictionary (6th ed.). NASW Press.
  • Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H. (2018). Understanding Generalist Practice. Cengage Learning.
  • Saleebey, D. (2013). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice (6th ed.). Pearson.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.

Unit Topics

10
Overview of Social Work
Introducing the field of social work, its historical development, core values, ethics, and the impor...
Roles and Responsibilities of Social Workers
Exploring the diverse roles and responsibilities social workers undertake, including advocacy, case...
Theoretical Frameworks in Social Work
Examining key theoretical perspectives in social work, such as systems theory, strengths-based appro...
Social Work Practice Settings
Discussing the various practice settings where social workers can be found, including schools, hospi...
Diversity and Cultural Competence in Social Work
Addressing the importance of cultural competence in social work practice, understanding diverse popu...
Social Work Ethics and Professional Conduct
Exploring the NASW Code of Ethics, ethical decision-making models, boundaries in the client-worker r...
Social Work Interventions and Techniques
Introducing common intervention strategies and techniques used in social work practice, such as cogn...
Social Policy and Advocacy
Analyzing the role of social workers in influencing social policy, advocating for social change, and...
Trauma-Informed Practice in Social Work
Understanding trauma-informed care principles, recognizing the impact of trauma on individuals and c...
Self-Care and Burnout Prevention for Social Workers
Discussing the importance of self-care, stress management, boundaries, and strategies for preventing...