Unit 4250: Foundations and Practice of Social Work

1. Introduction to Social Work Practice

1.1 History of Social Work

• Origins and evolution of social work
• Key milestones and influential figures

1.2 Core Values and Ethics

• NASW Code of Ethics overview
• Values underpinning social work (service, social justice, dignity and worth, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence)

1.3 Theoretical Frameworks

• Systems theory
• Ecological perspective
• Strengths-based approach
• Psychosocial theories

1.4 Roles and Responsibilities

• Settings of social work practice (healthcare, schools, community agencies, corrections)
• Roles including counselor, advocate, case manager, mediator

2. Assessment and Intervention Techniques

2.1 Client Assessment

• Types of assessments (initial, ongoing, risk, strengths-based)
• Data collection methods (interviews, observation, standardized tools)

2.2 Treatment Planning

• Goal setting and prioritization
• Collaborating with clients to develop plans

2.3 Intervention Strategies

• Evidence-based practices
• Culturally competent approaches
• Crisis intervention basics

3. Case Management and Advocacy

3.1 Principles of Case Management

• Coordination of services
• Goal setting and monitoring progress
• Documentation and reporting

3.2 Collaboration with Professionals

• Interprofessional teamwork
• Referral processes

3.3 Advocacy

• Client rights and empowerment
• Navigating systems to access resources
• Policy advocacy basics

4. Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care

4.1 Crisis Response Strategies

• Crisis assessment and de-escalation techniques
• Safety planning

4.2 Trauma-Informed Care

• Understanding trauma and its impact
• Trauma-informed assessment
• Creating safe environments

4.3 Self-Care for Social Workers

• Recognizing burnout and compassion fatigue
• Strategies for self-care and resilience

5. Group Work and Community Organizing

5.1 Group Work Dynamics

• Types of groups (support, task, therapy)
• Group development stages

5.2 Facilitation and Leadership

• Techniques for effective group facilitation
• Leadership styles and roles

5.3 Community Organizing

• Principles and goals
• Strategies for empowerment and mobilization
• Building partnerships and coalitions

6. Ethics and Boundaries in Social Work

6.1 Ethical Dilemmas

• Common scenarios and case studies
• Decision-making models

6.2 Professional Boundaries

• Maintaining appropriate relationships
• Managing dual relationships and conflicts of interest

6.3 Legal Considerations

• Confidentiality and mandatory reporting
• Documentation and informed consent

7. Diversity and Social Justice

7.1 Understanding Diversity

• Dimensions of diversity (culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability)
• Intersectionality

7.2 Social Justice Concepts

• Privilege and oppression
• Structural inequalities

7.3 Promoting Cultural Competence

• Self-awareness and bias reduction
• Strategies for inclusive practice

7.4 Strategies for Social Change

• Advocacy and activism
• Community engagement

8. Supervision and Self-Reflection

8.1 Role of Supervision

• Functions of supervision
• Models of supervision

8.2 Consultation

• Seeking and providing professional support

8.3 Reflective Practice

• Techniques for self-reflection
• Using feedback to improve practice

8.4 Professional Growth

• Goal setting for development
• Lifelong learning