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