Unit 2674: Foundations and Practice of Social Work

1. History and Evolution of Social Work

1.1 Origins and Early Charitable Endeavors

• Roots in philanthropy and community aid
• Early volunteer and mutual aid societies

1.2 Emergence of Organized Social Services

• Development of settlement houses
• Institutionalization of social work education

1.3 Key Milestones and Influential Figures

• Contributions of Jane Addams, Mary Richmond, and others
• Establishment of social work organizations

1.4 Evolution of Social Work Practice

• Transition from charity to professional practice
• Expansion into diverse service areas

2. Values and Ethics in Social Work

2.1 Core Values of Social Work

• Service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person
• Importance of human relationships

2.2 NASW Code of Ethics Overview

• Ethical principles and standards
• Responsibilities to clients, colleagues, and society

2.3 Common Ethical Dilemmas

• Confidentiality vs. duty to warn
• Dual relationships and conflicts of interest

2.4 Maintaining Professional Boundaries

• Strategies to uphold ethical standards
• Importance of confidentiality and informed consent

3. Social Work Theories and Models

3.1 Systems Theory

• Understanding clients within environmental contexts
• Interconnectedness of individuals, families, communities

3.2 Strengths Perspective

• Focusing on client capacities and resources
• Empowerment through recognition of strengths

3.3 Empowerment Theory

• Promoting client autonomy and self-determination
• Facilitating access to resources and social support

3.4 Application to Practice

• Using theories for assessment, intervention, and evaluation
• Case examples illustrating theory integration

4. Social Work Roles and Settings

4.1 Child Welfare

• Protecting children and supporting families
• Challenges: abuse, neglect, system navigation

4.2 Healthcare Settings

• Social determinants of health
• Roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health

4.3 Schools

• Supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic needs
• Collaboration with educators and families

4.4 Mental Health

• Assessment and intervention for mental health issues
• Coordination with multidisciplinary teams

4.5 Community Organizations

• Community development and resource mobilization
• Addressing systemic issues and social needs

5. Diversity and Cultural Competence in Social Work

5.1 Understanding Diversity

• Dimensions: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, etc.
• Impact of privilege and oppression

5.2 Cultural Competence Framework

• Awareness, knowledge, and skills
• Importance of cultural humility

5.3 Strategies for Culturally Responsive Practice

• Building trust and rapport across cultures
• Adapting interventions to cultural contexts

5.4 Addressing Bias and Discrimination

• Self-reflection on personal biases
• Advocating for inclusive policies and practices

6. Social Work Practice Skills

6.1 Communication Skills

• Verbal and nonverbal communication
• Active listening and empathy

6.2 Assessment Techniques

• Gathering client information
• Identifying needs and strengths

6.3 Intervention Planning

• Goal setting and collaborative planning
• Selecting appropriate intervention strategies

6.4 Evaluation and Outcome Measurement

• Monitoring progress
• Adjusting plans based on feedback

6.5 Collaboration and Teamwork

• Working with clients, families, and professionals
• Multidisciplinary approaches

7. Advocacy and Social Change

7.1 Role of Social Workers as Advocates

• Promoting social justice and human rights
• Addressing systemic barriers

7.2 Identifying Social Issues

• Poverty, inequality, discrimination, and access to services

7.3 Policy Reform and Lobbying

• Understanding policy processes
• Engaging in advocacy campaigns

7.4 Empowering Marginalized Populations

• Building community capacity
• Supporting self-advocacy

8. Self-Care and Professional Development

8.1 Importance of Self-Care

• Recognizing stress and burnout
• Developing personal self-care plans

8.2 Stress Management Techniques

• Mindfulness, time management, and support networks

8.3 Supervision and Support

• Role of professional supervision
• Peer support and mentoring

8.4 Continuing Education and Ethical Reflection

• Lifelong learning
• Reflective practice and maintaining competence