Department of Social Work

VISION & MISSION

The primary vision and mission of the Social Work profession are to enhance the wellbeing of humans and meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the need and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. However, people become social workers are to (1) help others; (2) advocate for those who are disadvantaged; and (3) provide mental health services. Social workers’ knowledge and skills afford them the opportunity to work with any population in any situation or setting.

Goals & Objectives

1. The social work program will prepare students to be able to work as entry-level generalist practitioners with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
   • Demonstrate critical thinking skills within the context of professional generalist social work practice.
   • Demonstrate practice that reflects the values and ethics of the social work profession.
   • Demonstrate the ability to carry out research and evaluation case studies and apply research findings to social work practice.
   • Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and skills of the generalist social work model for practice, with systems of all sizes, using a strengths perspective and several appropriate strategies.
   • Demonstrate the on-going development of a professional self.
2. The social work program will prepare students to be able to practice in a culturally competent and sensitive manner.
   • Demonstrate an understanding and respect for the positive value of diversity.
   • Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the strategies used to advance social and economic justice human rights and peace locally, nationally, and globally.
   • Demonstrate an ability to use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community.
   • Practice with diverse clients utilizing culturally relevant practice techniques and services.
3. The social work program will prepare students to advocate for the disenfranchised, oppressed, underrepresented and non-dominant groups through practice and policy.
   • Demonstrate the ability to understand the different forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination.
   • Demonstrate the ability to analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies.
   • Demonstrate the ability to function effectively within the organizational structure and serve delivery systems, and with consultation, seek necessary organizational change.
4. The social work program will prepare students to explore the interrelationships among people and systems, as related to generalist social work practice.
   • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social work professional issues and structures both historically and in the present.
   • Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual development and behavior.
   • Demonstrate the ability to apply social work frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e., families, groups, organizations, and local, national, and global communities).
   • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and communicate one’s own social work practices as well as the social work services and practices of other relevant systems.