Week 1 Welcome And Introductions - Social Work Curriculum

Week 1 Welcome And Introductionscore Social Work Curriculum The Soci

Week 1: Welcome and Introductions Core social work curriculum, the social work code of ethics, cultural competency, and evidence-based practice create the foundation of professional identity. In addition, licensure is a part of a professional social work identity. This week, you learn about the licensing and regulations within your state and discuss strategies you will use to prepare to take the licensure exam. You will learn more about the licensure test and test-taking strategies in a face-to-face session during Week 4, so come prepared with your questions!

Students will:

  • Identify expectations for the Skills Lab
  • Identify preparation strategies for and potential challenges related to the social work license exam

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

  • Association of Social Work Boards. (2016a). About licensing and regulation. Retrieved from Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Association of Social Work Boards. (2016b). Exam content outlines. Retrieved from Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Kirmayer, L. J. (2012). Cultural competence and evidence-based practice in mental health: Epistemic communities and the politics of pluralism. Social Science & Medicine, 75(2), 249–256. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.03.018
  • Reamer, F. G. (2015). Clinical social work in a digital environment: Ethical and risk-management challenges. Clinical Social Work Journal, 43(2), 120–132. doi:10.1007/s.

Required Media

  • Laureate Education (2017f). Welcome to the Master of Social Work Skills Lab II [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Discussion 1: Introduction Video

When you attend the on-ground portion of the Skills Lab in Week 4, you will meet colleagues and Instructors from the Master of Social Work program. Some may be familiar to you from other courses, including the cohort in this course. You may also be traveling for the first time to a city you’ve never visited, be away from your family and community, or be overwhelmed by what seems a daunting, immersive experience. You won’t be alone.

This Discussion introduction, similar to your other courses, allows you to make connections with the students in this section and share your expectations for the exciting weeks to come. To upload your media to this discussion thread, use the Kaltura Media option from the mashup tool drop-down menu. Refer to the Kaltura Media Uploader area in the course navigation menu for more information about how to upload media to the course.

By Day 3, post a 3- to 5-minute video introducing yourself to the class. Please include:

  • Your name
  • Your geographic location
  • Your thoughts, expectations, and anticipated challenges for this course
  • Other background information that you would like to share with your colleagues and instructor
  • Your expectations for the Skills Lab

By Day 5, respond to at least one of your colleagues' postings in one or more of the following ways: ask a probing question, share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting, offer and support an opinion, validate an idea with your own experience, make a suggestion, or expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria: To access your rubric, see Week 1 Discussion Rubric. Post by Day 3.

Discussion 2: Preparation for Licensure

Licensure is an important step on the path to becoming a licensed social worker. In this Discussion, you identify best practices for licensure preparation. To prepare, review the materials on ASWB’s website about licensure and regulations in your state.

By Day 3, identify the state in which you plan to seek social work licensure. Name three things you will do to prepare to take the social work license exam in your state.

By Day 6, respond to at least two peers with: one potential challenge to obtaining licensure and at least one strategy to address that challenge.

Paper For Above instruction

In this introductory week of social work education, the focus is on establishing foundational knowledge, professional identity, and initial licensure preparation. The course emphasizes understanding the core values of social work outlined in the Code of Ethics, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice, all of which are essential elements in developing a professional identity as a social worker. These components guide ethical decision-making, culturally responsive practice, and evidence-based interventions that respect client diversity and promote social justice.

Understanding licensure requirements is a pivotal part of the professional journey for aspiring social workers. Each state has specific regulations and requirements, which are critical to ensure compliance and professional legitimacy. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their state's licensing board, the exam content, and test-taking strategies. This preparation will help students navigate the licensing process effectively, anticipate potential challenges, and develop strategies to overcome them. Familiarity with the licensing process fosters professionalism and confidence, which are essential for ethical and competent practice.

The coursework includes practical activities such as participating in discussions that foster self-awareness and peer engagement. The introductory video encourages students to reflect on their personal background, expectations, and challenges, fostering community building. Responding to peers enhances communication skills and allows students to gain insights from diverse perspectives. These activities prepare students for the collaborative nature of social work practice and lifelong learning.

The review of resources, including the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) guidelines, provides crucial insights into licensure requirements and exam content outlines, which are integral to targeted studying. Academic articles on cultural competence, ethical dilemmas in digital environments, and evidence-based practices deepen students' understanding of the complex landscape of social work. These readings support students in developing critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills necessary for competent practice.

Overall, this week's objectives aim to lay a solid foundation for students' professional journey, emphasizing ethical standards, cultural awareness, evidence-based practice, and licensure preparation—key pillars of social work education that support competent and ethical client service throughout their careers.

References

  • Association of Social Work Boards. (2016a). About licensing and regulation. Retrieved from https://www.aswb.org
  • Association of Social Work Boards. (2016b). Exam content outlines. Retrieved from https://www.aswb.org
  • Kirmayer, L. J. (2012). Cultural competence and evidence-based practice in mental health: Epistemic communities and the politics of pluralism. Social Science & Medicine, 75(2), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.03.018
  • Reamer, F. G. (2015). Clinical social work in a digital environment: Ethical and risk-management challenges. Clinical Social Work Journal, 43(2), 120–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-014-0499-2
  • Laureate Education. (2017f). Welcome to the Master of Social Work Skills Lab II [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
  • National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics. NASW Press.
  • Chenoweth, L., & McAuliffe, D. (2019). Social work theories and methods. Macmillan International Higher Education.
  • O’Hare, K. (2016). Ethics and values in social work. International Journal of Social Welfare, 25(2), 132–139. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12152
  • Sowa, C. J., & Goldstein, L. (2017). Social work practice with communities and organizations. Columbia University Press.
  • Fook, J. (2016). Critical reflection: A review of the literature. Educational Action Research, 24(4), 563-579. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2016.1148975

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