SW 621B - Advanced Practice II: Children, Youth, and Families: Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Units: 4
This is the second required course with a focus on Children, Youth, and Families. The foci are mezzo and macro practices. Special attention will be paid to working with underserved urban and disenfranchised groups with an emphasis on public policy.

Prerequisites: M.S.W. major.
Credit Restrictions: Master of Social Work students only.

Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Critically evaluate theoretical perspectives pertaining to interpersonal group work practice with diverse and at-risk clients challenged by life problems and transitions (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Analyze the unique factors that must be considered in planning, implementing, and evaluating group work interventions in relation to diverse and complex client situations and needs (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Differentially select and effectively use advanced group work skills that are appropriate for solving complex problems and enhancing strengths of diverse and at-risk populations (PLOs: Diversity; Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Identify and analyze ethical dilemmas and take appropriate actions according to the NASW’s Code of Ethics (PLO: Values and Ethics).
Demonstrate a capacity to inquire about and assess the way organizations and policies hinder or promote client access to culturally relevant services (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Demonstrate beginning practice skills in the multidimensional roles of astute social work professionals in organizational practice including leadership development, personnel supervision and management, ethical decision-making, and professional behavior (PLOs: Professional Use of Self; Values and Ethics; Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Establish an awareness, familiarity, and analytic perspective with regard to the following constructs: community, administration, clients, service needs, access and accountability, program development, structural disadvantage, power, negotiation, and use of influence (PLOs: Diversity; Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Demonstrate knowledge and skills for organizational collaboration in team building, service integration, problem-solving, and task groups (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Critically examine ethical dilemmas in policy practice (PLO: Values and Ethics).
Critically assess the policy formulation process (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Develop policy writing and oral persuasion skills (PLO: Communication).
Critically analyze how to influence, formulate, and lobby for policies (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Assess the policy implementation process (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Engage in and apply skills in policy analysis and policy research (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Investigate opportunities and strategies that address oppression and discrimination with which children and families face through social and economic justice (PLO: Diversity; Advocacy).
Critically evaluate the impact of policy practice on children and families from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds in urban settings and communities (PLO: Advocacy).
Understand the patterns and trends in child welfare and mental health settings that provide opportunities for advocating for children and families (PLO: Advocacy).