SSWK110 Introduction to Social Services/CAC

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Social Services

  1. Course Number and Title

    SSWK110 Introduction to Social Services/CAC

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    This is the introductory course to the Social Services Program. An integrated competency based model is used in the Program. In this model specific areas of practice, knowledge, attitudes, and traits are presented, evaluated, and practiced. There will be 2-3 tests scheduled each semester. Each test will consist of material covered in the lectures, handouts, the text, and discussions. The questions will be objective, may be made up of multiple choice, true/false, and matching: and/or essay questions requiring critical thinking.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course serves as an introduction to the field of Social Services. The course focuses on the Social Services delivery system in the context of contemporary social problems and solutions. Ethical principles, techniques, and methods of helping are presented.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Knowledge of:
        1. the historical development and future trends relative to social work and welfare.
        2. the community and its values and problems
        3. the structure, functions, and services of the social welfare delivery system.
        4. the impact of economic and political priorities on people and services.
        5. influences of various ethnic, racial, and cultural differences on people and communities.
        6. an awareness of the attitudes and values intrinsic to an effective social worker.
        7. the Code of Ethics of the Association of Clinical Social Workers and the Ethical Code of the American Counseling Association.
        8. personal assessment of strengths and needs relative to the effectiveness of a social worker.
      2. Skills:
        1. to sharpen students� observational skills, so that they can observe behavior more
        2. to enhance students� cognitive-processing ability by focusing on careful reading, clear written expression, and concise oral communication.
        3. to help students become aware of the various educational requirements and employment opportunities so that they can make decisions about their ability to work effectively in the field of social services.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Agency Visits
        1. Each student will be required to visit a total of three different agencies providing services in a specific area, such as Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Crisis centers, etc. Students will be required to write a report of each visit and to present the information to the class.
      2. Reaction Papers: Each student will be required to write reaction papers on one or more of the following topics
        1. What is Bucks County Doing for Our Needy
          1. Students will write a report about a specific population in Bucks County needing Social Services. Data may be collected from local newspapers, brochures, agencies visited, or any other reliable resource. Data, such as funding sources, attitudes toward the population, programs in place or projected programs may be included. A list of resources and references must be included.
        2. Ethical Guidelines
          1. After a review of the Codes of Ethics for Social Workers and Counselors, each student will write a paper summarizing the important points of each and the student�s reaction to these guidelines.
        3. Areas of Opportunity
          1. Students will choose an area of service from their text book and write a paper examining need, career opportunities, education/training necessary, and a reason for choosing this area of service.
        4. Article Evaluation/Film Analysis
          1. Students may write one or more reaction papers evaluating an article from a professional journal or analyze a film shown in class, according to a format given by the instructor.
      3. Service Work and Journal
        1. Each student will give 15 hours of service work in any non-profit group or agency in the county. A journal of this volunteer work will be maintained, including the impact of the experience on the student and the answers to the following questions. What do you view as your major assets? What qualities do you need to work on to be an effective social services professional.

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      An acceptable text will be used. See course format. In order to complete some of the assignments, the students will need to use professional journals available in the Library. Newspapers, magazines, films, and other mass media may also be used for the Reaction Papers. Students may also use the resources available to them on the internet.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Teaching methods include lectures, class discussions, films, presentations by professionals in the field and assignments, which are geared to assisting students in examining various careers within the fields of Social Services. Students will also be able to increase their self-awareness and evaluate their preparedness for entry into an educational process which is demanding of their time and energy.

Review/Approval Date - 10/98